It is every parent’s wish to give their child the best life possible, starting from day one. Thus, as early as during pregnancy, it’s essential for expecting moms to take care of themselves. Pregnancy is such a delicate phase in motherhood, and some complications may come along the way. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them.
Below are some must-remember tips to stop common pregnancy complications from happening.
1. Avoid or Reduce Stress
The best way to take care of the baby is to take care of yourself first. Pregnant women should avoid being exposed to stress as this will affect not only their mental health but also their physical health.
Try different ways to reduce stress levels, like meditation, and, if doctor permits, exercise. Make sure to get enough sleep, and avoid staying up too late at night. If feeling uneasy or worrisome, talk about what aggravates you with family, friends, or partner.
2. Visit the Doctor Regularly
This should be nonnegotiable for moms-to-be. It’s important to seek the help of professionals to make sure you’re having a healthy pregnancy. Visiting the ob-gyn regularly can help identify possible complications early on. This is much better because it allows parents to be more prepared and to even completely avoid problems during their pregnancy.
3. Use Ultrasound to Monitor the Baby’s Growth
There are plenty of ways to monitor the baby’s growth. Ultrasound helps monitors the baby’s heartbeat, growth, and overall health. That’s why it’s important to get one regularly. Opt for high-quality ultrasound equipment that will help hear the baby’s heartbeat more clearly and more accurately.
4. Follow a Proper Diet
A proper diet is one of the most crucial elements of a healthy pregnancy. Get proper nutrition by consuming healthy and organic food. Avoid eating food with too much sugar and fats, as this can result in unnecessary weight gain that leads to several complications, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Consequently, stay away from food that may contain bacteria like salmonella, listeria, toxoplasma, which may be found in undercooked meat and soft-boiled eggs. Lastly, consult the doctor if there are any foods to avoid, and follow the diet instruction religiously.
5. Quit Smoking and Drinking
This goes without saying, especially to those who have developed smoking and drinking habits. Doing these activities exposes the fetus to multiple toxins and harmful chemicals. Nicotine found in tobacco causes the blood vessels to narrow, so the baby receives less oxygen and fewer nutrients when the mom smokes. For nonsmokers, do stay away from smokers as secondhand smoke is still harmful to both pregnant women and their babies.
6. Take Vitamins
Sometimes, nutrients from food aren’t enough to sustain a healthy body for the baby. Prenatal vitamins fill in the gaps that food cannot provide. Folic acid is a known vitamin for expecting moms as it helps prevent premature birth. Otherwise known as folate, this vitamin helps prevent neural tube defects and brain and spinal cord abnormalities in the baby.
Iron is perfect for preventing anemia for pregnant women as it aids the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body. Vitamin D boosts the immune system and promotes healthy cell division. Don’t forget to ask the doctor which vitamins are best for you to take.
7. Stay Away from Harmful Chemicals
Apart from nicotine and alcohol, there are also other harmful chemicals that can be found on everyday food and object that can be harmful to expecting mothers. Lead may be ingested through contaminated tap water and can cause problems in the baby’s growth.
Double-check the nail polish used in salons when getting a manicure as this may contain formaldehyde, a chemical harmful to the immune system. Instead, look for non-toxic nail products from brands like Côte. Inspect every product to use, and read labels on foods before consuming them to make sure they’re not harmful.
8. Plan the Pregnancy
Of course, the surest way to a healthy pregnancy is planning early on. Consult an ob-gyn to know the best time to get pregnant or if your body is adequately equipped to sustain another living being for the next nine months. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight preconception to reduce the risk of complications.
Family history is also crucial in order to identify if there are possible genetic threats to the baby and help prevent them. Lastly, make sure to get proper immunizations to ensure a risk-free pregnancy.
Overall, maintaining a healthy pregnancy requires a few sacrifices but will be rewarding at the end. Take control of your pregnancy by following these tips that will make you and your baby healthy and happy.
This is such a great guideline for pregnant women and women who are planning to get pregnant!! Before the doctors had actual proof and there were warnings put on the packs of cigarettes and liquor packages or bottles that these products could hurt our fetuses, I refused to drink or be around secondhand smoke. I used to have a few cigarettes when I drank beer �� or other alcoholic beverages. I was scared, because I read some articles that doctors wanted to start warning people regarding low birthweight, etc. I didn’t want to hurt my baby! I wanted to give her the best and healthiest start coming into this world!! Plus I experienced a really bad miscarriage before I had my healthy precious baby!! Spare yourself the physical and emotional pain of losing your baby! I had to pin this valuable information!! My granddaughter is pregnant and she has talked to us about some of her doctor’s appointments and advice. She is following many of these precautions. Plus she has had two ultrasounds already and knows the sex of her baby!! I had to wait until my baby was born before I knew my baby’s sex! Thank you for sharing!!
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