Deciding to start your family is a big decision that results in a lifelong commitment to a beautiful journey, unlike any you’ve ever known before. Every mother wants the best for their children. Little do you realize, that starts long before you ever meet.
Striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially when pregnant, will help to prevent some complications. One of the most important things you can do is take care of yourself. Try your best to eat a balanced diet of wholesome foods. Take supplements to be sure to get all the vitamins and minerals essential for good health.
One of the most important supplements you should take during your pregnancy are chewable prenatal vitamins. The calcium, folic acid and iron in them play a vital role in helping your baby grow and develop as well as prevent certain birth defects and complications.
As your baby grows, it’s getting all of the vitamins and minerals from you. As it’s using these nutrients, they’re being taken away from you. All the more reason to make sure you’re getting enough of these vital nutrients to help you stay healthy while your baby thrives.
Some Basics
While pregnant, not only is it important to eat a balanced diet and take your prenatal vitamins, there are other equally important guidelines to follow.
- Stay active – getting regular exercise reduces stress, keeps your heart healthy and increases the amount of oxygen in your blood. The more oxygen you have the more gets passed on to your baby to help it grow and thrive. Pay attention to your body. If you experience any discomfort, unusual or extreme shortness of breath, dizziness or blurred vision, contact your doctor and make them aware of what happened. These may be warning signs of an underlying complication or nothing at all. It’s best for a medical professional to assess your situation.
- Don’t smoke – even when you’re not pregnant, the adverse effects of smoking can be detrimental to good health. One of the many side effects of smoking is depriving yourself of oxygen. Knowing your growing baby relies on only you for oxygen, the less you have available, the less the baby will have.
- Make and keep prenatal appointments – discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor. Make sure they’re aware of any medications you’re taking and if there are any problems continuing the treatment while pregnant.
- Birth plan – decide the details of how you’d like to give birth. Which hospital do you prefer or if you’re having a home birth? Whether or not you want pain relief medication or if you plan on having a natural birth. Who you want with you while you’re giving birth (partner, family member or friend). Does your chosen person know your wishes and are they able to make medical decisions if you’re not able to?
- Diet – Don’t underestimate the importance of drinking plenty of fluids and eating fiber. The best source of fiber is in fruit, vegetables and bran. A combination of fluids and fiber will keep the discomfort of constipation away.
Although the do’s and don’ts of a healthy pregnancy may seem overwhelming, they don’t have to be. Follow the same guidelines as you would leading a healthy lifestyle; eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, take supplements and stay as active as feels right and comfortable. No question is silly. If there is anything you don’t understand, or that causes you concern, speak with your doctor.
Breathe. Rest. Relax. Don’t let this beautiful journey cause you unnecessary stress.
