When you're nurturing a developing pregnancy, keeping healthy is a top priority. Diet and exercise form the foundation of pregnancy health, since how you treat your body directly affects your baby. Proper prenatal care and healthy habits can also contribute to the health of both mother and baby.
Pregnancy Diet
Pregnancy nutrition affects the health of both mother and baby. You should focus on a diet high in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meat and healthy fats during pregnancy and avoid high levels of added sugar and saturated or trans fats. A prenatal vitamin in addition to an overall healthy diet can help prevent birth defects such as spina bifida while also ensuring that you don't become deficient in nutrients as your body contributes vitamins and minerals to your baby. You should also drink plenty of water during pregnancy to support the increase in blood volume and provide liquid for the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby in the womb.
Physical Activity
Physical activity can help keep you from gaining too much weight during pregnancy and can also keep your body in good shape for the rigors of labor and delivery. Walking is an ideal pregnancy exercise that you can do every day up until you deliver your baby. Other activities that provide a workout without stressing your joints or raising your heart rate too high include swimming or using a stationary bike. Stretching exercises can help ease back pain caused by a developing pregnancy. Strength exercises using light weights are a good way to build up your strength while pregnant.
Prenatal Care
Proper prenatal care helps you remain healthy during pregnancy by ensuring that you catch any potential problems before they affect you or your baby. During your regular prenatal visits, your doctor will monitor your weight gain, your baby's growth and health indicators such as blood pressure and iron levels. Your doctor may also recommend prenatal screening tests to rule out birth defects or other issues, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy. If you have a family history of pregnancy problems or are over 35, you should talk to a doctor about which tests are appropriate for your circumstances.
Healthy Habits
Pregnancy is a great time to stop bad habits, such as cigarette smoking or heavy drinking, and take up new healthy habits, such as eating better. Getting adequate rest is one challenge for many pregnant women, but stocking up on a supply of comfortable pillows and practicing relaxation techniques such as prenatal massage can help. It's ok to get into a habit of taking a mid-day nap while pregnant, since this can keep you well-rested and give you the energy you need for the rest of your day.
