Taking Care of Yourself & Your Baby During Pregnancy
Bearing a baby is a beautiful miracle of life, it’s a life-changing moment in every woman’s life. Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, and this goes for both mothers and fathers too. As important as it may be to take care of your baby and your body after giving birth, it’s just as important to look after yourself and the little one that’s inside of you when you’re pregnant. Known as prenatal care, it’ll help with a healthy birthing process, and you’ll be smooth sailing. Take control of the changes your body will be going through for those nine months and get ahead of them; these tips will give you a head start on your very own care package for the big day.
Healthy Eating
When you’re pregnant, you’re eating for two and what you put into your body affects your little one too so what you eat during your pregnancy is vital for both you and your baby. Here are some fantastic options:
Sweet potatoes – Rich in Vitamin A which is great for the baby and healthy foetal development, it’s essential for growth of cells. Since sweet potatoes are an amazing source of fibre, it will improve digestion which some pregnant women may face issues with when they’re pregnant.
Broccoli and other dark green leafy greens – Great source of essential vitamins, potassium, and fibre.
Berries and dried fruit – Being rich in vitamin C, it helps your body absorb iron which is needed for blood and oxygen flow throughout the body and to your baby too. Vitamin C increases skin health and immune function.
Fish liver oil – High in omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D, both needed for foetal eye and brain development. Pregnant women are advised to limit their seafood intake, so fish liver oil supplements give you all the benefits that seafood brings but without the risks.
Dairy – A definite must when you’re pregnant, dairy intake will meet the needs of a growing foetus, providing your body and your baby with high amounts of protein and calcium. Greek yogurt has the most amount of calcium when compared to other dairy products.
Foods & Beverages to Avoid
Raw meat or fish – Uncooked fish have high mercury levels, which can be harmful to your baby. Raw or undercooked meat serves the risk of an infection from a bacterium that is often found in such underdone foods. If you happen to get the steak, make sure it’s well done.
Raw or undercooked eggs – This also goes for other foods that use raw eggs such as mayonnaise. Raw or undercooked eggs should be avoided throughout the pregnancy, risking salmonella can be dangerous to you and the baby.
Caffeine – This may be a little trickier than the others if you can’t live without your morning coffee. Avoid beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks throughout the time you’re pregnant as it has been known to restrict foetal growth.
Alcohol – This goes without say.
A Restful 9 Months
Fatigue is something most, if not all, pregnant women will experience, which is why getting enough rest if a great start to your pregnancy care package. Get plenty of rest and take as many breaks as possible if you’re during any laborious tasks. Sleep is vital for good health, and a pregnant woman needs as much of it as she can get, so getting a good night’s rest and as much naptime as possible is your way to having a happy pregnancy. Those well-rested 9 months will get you into the habit of taking much-needed rest when your little one enters the world.
A Lil’ Bit of Exercise
A little bit of exercise goes a long way when you’re pregnant; it helps ease pains and the discomfort you may feel. It can help with posture and stretches your body, helping relieve backaches and sores. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle for both you and the baby; getting about 20 minutes of nonstrenuous exercise each day will do wonders for your body. Apart from the physical aspect, exercise releases endorphins that trigger a positive feeling, keeping the negative emotions at bay.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping water down can be extra difficult during pregnancy because of the endless trips to the bathroom; both changing hormones and the pressure on your bladder from the baby growing may be the reason behind it but staying hydrated is essential. Water helps your body absorb nutrients while transporting all the essentials to your blood cells, drinking plenty of water also preserves ideal levels of amniotic fluid. It also energizes the body, beating fatigue altogether. Since you’ll be drinking for two, the regular water intake will need to be amped slightly, so about ten large glasses of water is ideal.