Pregnancy is usually an exciting journey for most women. It is essential to look out for you and your unborn baby’s well-being during this time to optimize a safe and healthy birth. The following are some tips to make your pregnancy Garden City memorable and increase the chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Eat healthy foods
Healthy foods are essential for everyone, especially pregnant women. The foods you eat provide nutrients for the growth and development of your baby. Therefore, you want to ensure you have plenty of healthy foods like vegetables, colorful fruits, whole grains, legumes, and calcium-rich foods. If you are unsure about the foods that are good for you and your baby, you can ask your healthcare provider for guidance. You also want to limit eating foods with saturated fats; these include sausages, red meat, and pork.
Begin prenatal care
You should schedule a pregnancy consultation with your doctor once you test positive for pregnancy. Prenatal visits are essential for your well-being and that of your baby. These visits allow your doctor to monitor the baby’s growth and your health, reducing the risk of potential complications. The frequency of prenatal visits increases during the thirst trimester when you are closer to giving birth. During a prenatal visit, your healthcare provider may perform an ultrasound exam or order a blood test. Prenatal visits also allow you to ask your doctor any questions about the pregnancy.
Change your daily chores
Everyday tasks such as cleaning after pets and scrubbing the bathroom floor can become risky when you are pregnant. These activities expose you to bacteria and toxic chemicals that harm your and your baby’s health. Other activities to take off your to-do list include:
- Climbing ladders
- Using harsh chemicals
- Standing for a long time, especially near a hot area
- Disposing of kitten litter
Wear gloves if you have to work in an area where cats have been and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
Stay hydrated
The blood volume in your body increases up to 50 percent to support extra activity such as supplying oxygen and different nutrients to the baby and carrying away carbon dioxide and waste. For this reason, it is essential to drink enough water to support this activity. When you are hydrated, you prevent problems like constipation, fatigue, urinary tract infections, headaches, swelling, hemorrhoids, and other uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking at least eight glasses of water daily. If you don’t enjoy the taste, try squeezing a fruit juice or lime splash.
Eliminate toxins
Alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs are associated with miscarriage, congenital disabilities, and other pregnancy complications. For this reason, you should avoid using their use when pregnant. Solvents like nail polish remover and paint thinners are also toxic to the health of the mother and the baby.
If you have trouble smoking, seek help from your doctor; they may refer you to a program or offer advice and support to help you stop.
If you are planning to get pregnant or are expectant already, consult your doctor at Women’s Healthcare of Garden City to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
