20 Healthy Habits Every Pregnant Woman Should Have
Whether you’re already expecting a baby or considering becoming a mother, your healthy
habits impact baby’s development.
Therefore, it’s time to shift your mindset.
Every pregnant woman or one who hopes for pregnancy soon should embrace these healthy
habits.
Start learning and following healthy habits to take care of yourself and your baby during
pregnancy.
There are many things to start from, but some are vital to adopt from day one.
HERE ARE THE TWENTY HEALTHY HABITS EVERY PREGNANT WOMAN SHOULD LEARN.
1.
EAT RIGHT During your pregnancy, the first thing you
must ensure is that your food choices are healthy.
You and your baby need all the essential nutrients, not just sugar and fat.
You must consume as many colorful and fibrous foods as you can to stick to a power-packed
diet.
2.
GET YOUR VITAMINS You need to have plenty of folic acid and
calcium in your diet.
Get folic acid, calcium, and other minerals from multivitamin supplements or foods like
oranges, spinach, broccoli, and kidney beans.
3.
STAY HYDRATED Don’t ignore the importance of hydration
during your pregnancy, as the water you drink is for you and your baby.
Typically, you must aim for ten or more glasses each day.
Did you know that 75% of our muscles contain water?
Consuming more water also relieves cramps and prevents sore muscles.
4.
PROPER PRENATAL CARE Consult a healthcare professional regularly
for prenatal care.
Prenatal care is vital for guaranteeing safe delivery.
If you overlook this aspect, your baby may have a low birth weight.
If possible, you can also opt for group prenatal care, which is easily accessible online as
well.
5.
AVOID SPECIFIC FOODS Most important of all is to avoid eating the
wrong foods during your pregnancy.
Say no to raw meat, liver, sushi, raw eggs, mayonnaise, feta cheese, and fish high in
mercury.
Avoid unpasteurized milk as unpasteurized animal products can cause severe food poisoning
for a pregnant woman.
Inform your doctor about any food allergies.
6.
DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL You must avoid consuming alcohol before and
during your pregnancy and especially while breastfeeding.
Drinking can lead to the risk of having a baby with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
(FASD).
That disease is a primary cause of facial abnormalities, learning disabilities, and
behavioral issues in your offspring.
Alcohol has many adverse impacts, some of which may surface even before you become aware
of your pregnancy.
7.
GET MOVING AND EXERCISE Staying active is generally crucial for your
health and helps reduce stress to healthier levels.
Additionally, it is essential to control your weight, improve blood circulation, regulate
mood swings, and develop better sleep patterns.
You can join a pregnancy exercise session or walk at least 15-20 minutes every day.
Walk indoors or outdoors in cool, shaded areas to avoid overheating.
8.
LEARN HOW TO BREATHE How you breathe impacts how well you’ll
perform during the baby’s delivery.
Breathing fuels your blood cells and brain to help you relax and push through your labor.
9.
GET PLENTY OF SLEEP Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep is essential
for you and your baby.
Remember to sleep on your left side to improve blood flow circulation for you and your child.
Lack of sleep also disturbs our metabolism.
While getting good-quality sleep becomes a challenge during pregnancy, staying up late
in the night means you are sure to feel lazy at work or home the next day.
10.
REDUCE STRESS It is vital to reduce stress levels to improve
birth outcomes.
Avoid stressful situations and ask for help to make this possible for you.
Lack of sleep also disrupts your metabolism.
Exercise also provides you with an optimal means of stress reduction.
11.
INDULGE YOURSELF IN SELF-CARE As much as sleep is essential for a healthy
pregnancy, you must indulge in self-care activities at least twice a month to stay with the flow.
A lunchtime manicure or going to your favorite mall to shop for maternity outfits can help
you relax and release pregnancy stress.
12.
TRACK YOUR WEIGHT GAIN A
constant check on your weight is mandatory if you don’t want too many extra pounds
that will be hard to lose later.
On the other hand, avoid becoming underweight as it is a high-risk situation for the baby
as he/she may suffer from development issues.
13.
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN Because you cannot tolerate medications during
pregnancy, avoid illness by diligent hand-washing practices.
So wash your hands frequently and diligently.
14.
ELIMINATE TOXINS Not many of us know that nail polish removing
solutions, paint thinners, and other solvents can cause congenital disabilities.
Other than tobacco and alcohol, you must also avoid exposing yourself and your baby to toxic
environments as they can affect the flow of oxygen to your baby, leading to preterm birth
and other complications.
15.
AVOID FUMES Many
mothers like to decorate a nursery for their baby during their pregnancy.
You must remember to avoid fumes due to a new coat of paint or any repair project.
Moreover, stay away from most cleaning products as they contain strong chemicals that can
be toxic.
16.
STAY OUT OF SAUNAS AND HOT TUBS Relaxing in a hot tub or a sauna for more
extended periods can dramatically raise your body temperature.
This practice can harm any pregnant woman, especially if she is in her first trimester.
17.
KEEP AWAY FROM VIRUSES You must stay away from kids or people around
you who are suffering from infections such as chickenpox, shingles, or other viral illnesses.
These viruses can potentially hinder your baby’s development.
18.
AVOID SUBSTANCE ABUSE Drugs such as cocaine can lead to fatalities
and life-threatening outcomes for the baby.
In case you are prone to drugs and cannot resist using them, seek professional help.
Passive smoking is also unhealthy for you and your unborn child.
19.
PRACTICE KEGELS These pelvic exercises support the bowels,
your uterus, and the bladder.
Kegels ensure a more natural delivery and prevent postpartum issues.
20.
LEARN ABOUT BREASTFEEDING Breast milk offers a wide range of benefits
to your baby.
Since it contains many antibodies, your baby stays protected from common infections.
The milk provides good bacteria or probiotics to support proper digestion.
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