If you are pregnant or planning a baby, there are some basic things that you already know about pregnancy. For instance, smoking and drinking alcohol is out of question during these nine months for the sake of the baby. Today we will discuss about certain lifestyle alterations to ensure a healthy and safe prenatal development.
Lifestyle tips during pregnancy for new moms:
Here are some more simple yet useful tips on nutrition and lifestyle to remain healthy during your pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.
- Eat well
You are not alone in this and therefore, you need to eat well both for yourself and your baby. Eating well does not mean eating as much as you can. It means that you need to prepare a diet chart so that the baby gets all important nutrients and vitamins necessary for its development. Include fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, eggs, yogurt, lean meat, and well-cooked fish in your diet. Also, ask your physician to suggest a prenatal vitamin.
- Choose household chores wisely
Avoid lifting heavy weights or performing household chores that requite bending over for the safety of the baby.
- Exercise regularly
Staying active is crucial for your overall health and also helps to control weight, boost the mind, reduce stress, improve circulation and promotes good sleep. Most pregnant ladies face no trouble swimming, walking, and practicing yoga. However, it is better to consult a doctor before signing up for any exercise class.
- Practice Kegals
Kegal exercises provide strength to the pelvic muscles supporting your bowels, bladder and uterus. If done properly, this simple exercise will make it easier for you to deliver the baby. The best part about kegals is that you can do it anywhere – in a car, standing in a queue, while working on your desk or when you are watching TV. Watch some videos on the internet and keep practicing it daily.
- Stay hydrated
The baby in the womb gets essential nutrients and oxygen from the mother. As your blood supplies oxygen and food to your baby, the blood volume increases to a great extent. Therefore, you have to drink more fluids to for supporting that gain. Drinking water also help with fatigue, swelling, constipation, hemorrhoids, headaches, and UTIs.
- Stay clean
Wash your hands frequently to protect yourself from several infections like Fifth disease, chicken pox, Group B streptococcus etc. as these can result in birth defects. Hand sanitizers prepared with ethyl alcohol give protection from most communicable diseases.
- Travel smart
It is a myth that you cannot travel when you are pregnant. You can make travel plans during your mid-pregnancy to break monotony. All you need to do is take enough precautions while on the plane or in the car to make sure your baby is absolutely safe.
Conclusion
The bottom line is to keep yourself happy and healthy throughout your pregnancy. So, sleep well, spend time with family and take care of your mental as well as physical health. Basic lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
