Effective Ways To Maintain Your Health During Pregnancy
Whether it’s your first or you’ve gone through it a couple of times, pregnancy can be very exciting. This is because you are growing a mini you and will see them soon. But pregnancy also comes with its health issues that can be uncomfortable. In fact, about 10 to 20% of pregnant women will face these challenges, but you don’t have to be a part of them. Sure, you can’t control how your body reacts to another human growing inside you. But you can be proactive in keeping yourself in good shape. Here are some ways to do so.
- Don’t make a habit out of skipping prenatal checkups
If you are already far along in your pregnancy, you probably already have your prenatal checkups schedule. But if you just discovered the good news, the first thing is to visit your healthcare provider for a prenatal plan. No, it’s not just about ticking an attendance list; your health and baby will thank you if you go for these screenings faithfully. For starters, you can get to know more about how pregnancy changes your body and how to embrace them in full strides. Oh, and your doctor can monitor your health and quickly determine and treat any health condition that may arise. For instance, if you have constant foot pain, your healthcare provider can refer you to a vein clinic to check for and treat pregnancy-related vein conditions.
- Proper nutrition will make your body and baby happy
Most mothers will tell you that they craved so many things when they were pregnant; some were junk meaks while others were just outright weird. So you shouldn’t worry if you find yourself craving for things you haven’t even tried or don’t like. But you also shouldn’t allow your cravings to get the upper hand, especially if they are junk. This is because you risk compromising your health and your baby’s. So, try as much as possible to stick to healthy foods and snacks. For instance, grapes and dates can be great substitutes for candies, so feel free to consider this. Or you can embrace grilled chicken instead of deep-fried ones. Here are some great foods you can include in yout meal plan. Water is very important for hydration, so make sure you take it often. During this period, remember this: no Alcohol, no smoking, and no vaping.
- Don’t be a couch potato; move your body
Many pregnant women view pregnancy as a way to get out of exercising. Unless your doctor puts you on bed rest, get yourself off the couch and move your body. This way, you can maintain a healthy weight before and after pregnancy. Moreover, your labor and delivery will be much easier. However, not all workouts are good for you in this state, so speak to your doctor beforehand. You can walk around the house or neighborhood, dance to your favorite songs, swim, and the like. If you must strength train, do so under the guidance of your personal trainer to prevent injuries.