Tips for a healthy pregnancy
Taking good care of yourself during pregnancy is very important. It is a time in your life where you need to pay special attention to your body. Below are some tips that can help to make your pregnancy a breeze.
Listen to Your Body
You know our body better than anyone. Whether this is your first pregnancy or fourth one, if something does not feel right, do not hesitate to contact your doctor and let them know. While some common aches, pains and symptoms of pregnancy are normal, it is better for you to be overly cautious than it is for you to ignore things and assume that everything is okay. Sometimes what is normal for one pregnant woman may not be good and normal for you.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Pregnancy is a time where it can be very easy for you to feel stressed and anxious about the new life you are carrying inside of you. It is perfectly normal for you to have some concerns and even fears about what the future holds for you and your baby. However, too much stress and anxiety can make it hard for you to enjoy the miracle of life. These feelings can also elevate your risk for certain pregnancy-related health conditions, such as preeclampsia, high blood pressure and premature labor.
Birth Plans Are Great
Having a birth plan can be of great help. It can help you to retain some semblance of control in a situation that you may not feel you have much control over. However, if at some point during your pregnancy things are not going the way you planned for them to go, relax, it’s okay. Pregnancy is often filled with surprises.
Hydration Is Key
Staying properly hydrated can alleviate many of the discomforts you may experience all throughout your pregnancy. Nausea, fatigue, irritability and even bloating are issues that can affect you and your unborn child’s health. Many women find it challenging to drink enough water during their pregnancy due to a lower desire for it and tend to rely heavily upon juices and sodas, which can lead to complications. To avoid the complications that may arise from not staying hydrated, play it safe by adding flavor to your water with frozen fruit, cucumber slices and drinking your water at different temperatures.
Don’t Give Up the Caffeine
If prior to becoming pregnant you drank coffee or some other caffeinated beverages like soda or tea, you do not necessarily have to go cold turkey and give up the habit once you discover you are expecting. Aim for moderation instead. Limiting yourself to no more than 11 ounces or less of coffee, certain teas or sodas each day can reduce your risk of pregnancy complications. Consuming beverages that contain more than 200 milligrams of caffeine each day can increase the risk of heartburn, insomnia and miscarriage. Moderation is also advised because caffeine is a substance that can affect your unborn baby as well.
The above tips can help you to keep your sanity and health during pregnancy. So don’t forget to take good care of yourself so you can welcome a healthy baby into the world.