As we all know, pregnancy will bring many changes to your body as well as changes in immune function and hormones. That will require you, as a pregnant woman, to take care of yourself better and get new healthy habits.
But taking good care of yourself during the pregnancy will not only make you healthier but will also keep your baby safe. Healthy habits will also lead to easier delivery. Here are some healthy habits all pregnant women should create.
Eat Healthy Foods
First and foremost, you will need to eat healthy foods when you are pregnant. Not only because your baby needs to get all the nutrients, but because it will make you feel better. That is why you should always eat plenty of colourful vegetables and fruits, calcium-rich foods as well as whole grains.
Take Daily Prenatal Vitamins
By taking daily perinatal vitamins you will help your body get the right amount of the most important nutrients that both you and your baby will need during the pregnancy. These will include iron, calcium as well as folic acid.
Drink Water and Milk
Most pregnant women experience dehydration. That is why you need to ensure that you are constantly hydrating your body. Make sure that you are carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go. Another thing that you should be drinking is milk so you get in extra calcium.
Always Go To Your Prenatal Care Checkups
Pregnant women always go to their perinatal care checkups to ensure that both you and your baby are healthy. Those who don't go to regular checkups will usually have babies that are low with or have other complications. That is why you should always go to your appointments.
Avoid Eating Certain Foods
When you are pregnant, there are a couple of foods that you shouldn't eat. Those foods are:
- Cheese such as feta and brie
- Raw eggs, liver, sushi
- Raw or rare meats
- Unpasteurised milk
Unpasteurised and raw animal products can cause severe food poisoning. But raw fish can be harmful to the baby as it is high in mercury. Always make sure that you are eating safe and nutritious pregnancy food.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
Probably one of the most important things that you should never do while you are pregnant is drink alcohol. That is because by drinking alcohol you are increasing the chances of your baby developing behavioural issues, disorders as well as different disabilities.
Get Your Flu Shots Regularly
Even though some flu shots aren’t meant for pregnant women, some will help you and straighten your immune system and keep you and your baby safe from getting sick. Make sure that you consult with your doctor before getting the shot.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting seven to nine hours of sleep is very important for you and your baby. Another thing that you need to do is try to sleep on your left side because it will improve your blood flow.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
When you are pregnant you should do everything in your power to avoid stress as best as you can. Have someone in your family help you out with situations that make you stressed.
Conclusion
Even though adopting new healthy habits when you are pregnant is very important, you should also consider the age of when you are getting pregnant. Women who have their babies earlier than at 16 or later than 40 have a greater risk of having premature births as well as complications during delivery. Always make sure that you are healthy and happy during your pregnancy.
