Women have a huge responsibility once they get pregnant, because the health of the pregnancy and baby begins with basic daily decisions such as what food to eat and whether to exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that a woman can influence the health of her baby while she is pregnant; however, not all birth defects and pregnancy issues can be prevented.
Healthy Eating
When you're pregnant, your baby eats what you eat and gets nutrition from the foods and supplements that you consume, so it's important to make healthy eating choices as much as possible. Pregnant women need to consume more folic acid, protein, calcium and iron than women who aren't pregnant, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This doesn't mean that you need to eat twice as much food. Try to include the five basic food groups in your meals and choose foods that are low in fat and high in fiber. Women who are normal weight should gain about 25 to 30 pounds during pregnancy.
Avoid Toxins
While you're pregnant, you should try to avoid toxins and chemicals that can negatively affect your baby's development and increase the risk of birth defects. Chemicals that you want to avoid include paint, lead and mercury, insecticides and cleaning solvents. Use eco-friendly cleaning products. You can even make your own from products around the house. For instance, vinegar and warm water combined make an excellent cleaning solution for linoleum and kitchen floors. If you smoke, drink or use drugs, you should stop immediately. If you're addicted to nicotine, alcohol or other drugs, you can get help from your doctor or from a licensed mental health professional.
Regular Medical Care
When you first believe that you're pregnant, you should call your gynecologist and set up an appointment. If you don't have a gynecologist, find one that you feel comfortable with as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to confirm your pregnancy, let you know when you need to come in for regular checkups and give you medical advice for having a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Exercise
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that pregnant women get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate exercise per week. This means that you should be exercising for about 30 minutes five days a week. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have any pregnancy risks. It's best to avoid activities where you might get hit in the abdomen such as soccer and activities that increase your risk for falling such as horseback riding. Some forms of exercise that are healthy for pregnant women include walking, jogging, dancing and swimming.
