Pregnancy can be a time of joy and excitement, but it can also be a time of stress and worry. How can you stay healthy during pregnancy?
What are the best tips for keeping your baby safe and healthy?
In this handy guide, we will review the little things that help you stay healthy during pregnancy. We’ll cover everything from compression socks to diet and exercise.
By following these tips, you can have a healthy and happy pregnancy.
Congratulations, You’re Pregnant! Now What?
If you’re reading this, you’re likely in the throes of pregnancy or planning to become pregnant soon. Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman’s life.
Your body is going through so many changes and you are growing a human! It’s no wonder that pregnancy can be a time of stress and worry.
Thankfully, we have you covered.
What to Eat While Pregnant
One of the most common questions we get asked is “What should I eat while pregnant?”
While there are a lot of old wives’ tales about pregnancy diets, we recommend following the advice of your healthcare provider.
They will likely tell you to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
You should also limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and caffeine.
It’s important to remember that you are eating for two now.
This doesn’t mean that you need to double your caloric intake but you do need to make sure you are getting enough nutrients.
Pregnancy can be a time when women experience nausea and vomiting, which can make it difficult to eat.
If you are having trouble keeping food down, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
What About Supplements?
You may have heard that pregnant women need to take a prenatal vitamin. This is true. Prenatal vitamins help to ensure that you and your baby are getting the nutrients you need.
Your healthcare provider can tell you which prenatal vitamin is right for you.
But rest assured, these vital nutrients are available in prescription and over-the-counter. They even have gummy varieties so there isn’t any issue in taking them.
How to Exercise While Pregnant
Staying active during pregnancy is important for your health and the health of your baby.
Exercise can help to improve your mood, reduce stress, and ease pregnancy symptoms like nausea and fatigue. It can also help you to sleep better at night.
Doctors normally recommend that pregnant women get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Of course, not all exercise is created equal.
Some types of exercise are not safe for pregnant women. Contact sports, like football or hockey, are off-limits as are activities with a high risk of falling, such as skiing or rock climbing.
If you were regularly exercising before you became pregnant, you can likely continue your routine with a few modifications.
But if you were not exercising before pregnancy, now is not the time to start a strenuous workout routine.
What to Wear for Support During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your growing belly puts a lot of strain on your back and hips. This can lead to pain and discomfort.
Wearing supportive clothing can help to alleviate some of this pain.
- Compression socks are a great option for pregnant women. They provide support and compression to the legs, which can reduce swelling and pain. The great thing is that compression socks now come in a variety of styles and sizes so you can find the perfect pair for you.
- A maternity belly belt (belly band) is another option for support during pregnancy. This belt helps to take the weight of your growing belly off of your back and hips. It can also provide relief from back pain.
- Leggings are also a great option for pregnant women. They are comfortable, supportive, and can be dressed up or down.
- Sturdy shoes are key. As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts. This can lead to balance issues and a greater risk of falling. Wearing sturdy shoes with good arch support can help to prevent falls.
- Pregnancy tape is a newer product that is becoming popular with pregnant women. This tape provides support to the belly and can help to reduce pain.
Wrapping Up: When to Call Your Doctor
Pregnancy is a time of many changes, both physical and emotional. It’s normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed at times.
But if you are feeling persistently sad or anxious, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy can be a trigger for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Be aware of when to call your doctor or midwife. If you experience any of the following symptoms, be sure to give them a call:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased fetal movement
- A fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Sudden severe swelling in the face, hands, or feet
- Persistent headaches
- Visual changes like blurred vision
If you are ever feeling unsure about whether or not to call your doctor, don’t hesitate to give them a call. They would rather you err on the side of caution than wait too long to get help.
Pregnancy is an exciting time full of new challenges.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy for both you and your baby.