Many folks want to know what to expect when they first get pregnant. They will probably worry over their unborn baby’s health and safety, as well. The practical advice in the article below will allow you to give the best possible care to your baby and keep yourself in the best of health.
Meet with your doctor before deciding to have a baby. He or she can tell you about what changes you should make to have a healthy pregnancy. Learning to care better for your body is the best thing you can accomplish to have a healthier pregnancy.
Make sure to keep all doctors appointments so as to catch any potential situations earlier. These appoints are scheduled at certain times during the pregnancy so your doctor can view the progress of the fetus, and to also monitor your body. This will allow you to be sure that you and your baby are in the best shape.
Make sure to protect your skin from the sun while pregnant. You should also stay away from tanning beds. Your skin may be more sensitive while you are pregnant, making sunburn or sunspots more likely. Be sure that your sunscreen is safe to use while pregnant.
Maintaining an exercise routine that is safe for pregnant women is an important part of the healthy steps you should take during pregnancy. The benefits of exercise during pregnancy are numerous. You are less likely to miscarry. Your labor may be smoother and quicker. Also, you can get back to your pre-pregnancy weight more quickly, since you will still be in the habit of regular exercise.
Many moms-to-be aren’t fully sure of the best way to take care of themselves during pregnancy. As society gains more knowledge on the subject, what’s best practice tends to change. However, if you bring to bear the sensible advice in this article, you will have made a major contribution to your health, your baby’s health, and the enjoyment of your pregnancy.
Eating Right During Your Pregnancy
You already know it is important to eat a well-balanced diet, but it is even more important when you are pregnant. Keep in mind now you are eating for two. Whatever you eat, the baby eats as well. In fact, the baby actually takes your nourishments so you must eat enough for both of you. The healthier you eat the better it is for the pregnancy and you.
Never miss a meal while you are pregnant, especially breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and your baby has probably been waiting since he/she woke up in the middle of the night. You may learn that if you wait so long before eating you start to feel sick, this is your body telling you to eat. Do it!
Make sure you are getting enough of the food you need daily. It takes 4-6 servings of dairy a day for a healthy pregnancy, this can include some cheeses, milk, yogurt. This provides the baby with calcium which it’ll need to develop healthy growing bones. Adding extra calcium to your diet wouldn’t hurt you either, especially your teeth and bones.
Don’t forget about your fruit and vegetable servings. Lots of green is always a good choice, so are sweet potatoes. Not only will you be giving your body what it needs but you’ll start to have more energy. Try laying off the sweets for a week and replace them with healthier items and see how alive you feel.
Foods to Avoid
Not all foods are safe during your pregnancy, there are a few things you should avoid eating:
– unpasteurized products- brie
– Certain fish- exotic, shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
– Raw eggs
– Undercooked meats- lunch meats. If you are buying a deli sandwich you can ask for them to eat the meat up a little.
– Caffeine- soda, chocolate. If you find this difficult you can wean yourself off, but the less caffeine in your system the better it is for the baby.
If you are ever unsure of the foods you can eat you can ask your doctor for a list of items to avoid during pregnancy. They’ll be more than happy to share this with you.
You may also learn that your stomach won’t handle certain foods that it would before. Some of those foods may include foods that contain grease, fast foods, meat, and certain foods that have a strong odor.
Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to cut out all the fun in your life, you can still treat yourself from time to time. Go out and get frozen yogurt or a smoothie.
While you are making sure you get enough to eat throughout the day, that doesn’t mean neglect your fluid intake. You’ll need lots of water and juices from here on out. The baby will thank you later. Who knows, you may discover that you really enjoy eating healthier and continue it even after the pregnancy.