A Beginner's Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy from a Medical Expert

Getting pregnant is a big step in your life as many things change, especially your body. Almost every organ in your body is affected during pregnancy and childbirth. 

Pregnancy complications increased by approximately 16%, and childbirth complications increased by about 14% between 2014-2018.You might have heard‘healthy moms have healthy kids.’ Well, this is true from a medical perspective as well.

Your baby’s health will depend on the status of your health throughout your pregnancy. So it is imperative to follow a few essential tips to stay active and fit while pregnant. Read along, and you will learn about the various approaches to a healthy pregnancy.

Once you discover you are pregnant, schedule an appointment with your doctor to get the basic tests and scans done to identify if you are at risk for any pregnancy-related complications. It will help your doctor advise you appropriately to avoid any negative pregnancy outcomes.

Pregnancy is associated with a significant weight gain as your body prepares to provide you with appropriate support to carry the baby. At the same time, it’s super important to regularly track your weight, as excessive weight loss or gain could indicate complications.

Eating right is essential to maintain your energy levels and manage the fatigue you experience. You should eat a balanced diet, with a good mixture of resins and fibers, to avoid constipation, which is pretty standard in pregnancy. Skipping meals is not recommended.

An active lifestyle is an important factor in a healthy pregnancy. You should include exercise in your daily routine, and remember, you don’t need to overexert yourself at the gym or doing cardio. Light exercises, stretching, squats, Kegels, and walking are beneficial to keep your blood circulation and muscles in good shape.

If your doctor has prescribed you any medications or supplements, you should take them as prescribed and not miss them. Additionally, you should take the following supplements during pregnancy:

• Folic acid: Essential for baby’s growth
• Iron
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Multivitamins
  
  
  

You should avoid alcohol consumption, smoking, or both if you do any of these. Alcohol and smoking are proven toxins that harm both mother and the baby. Additionally, cut down on caffeine.

You should focus on your body and indulge in activities that make you happy. Listen to your body and rest when you feel like it. Get proper sleep and stay stress-free. You should practice meditation and yoga as these are magical stress-busters—they help soothe your mind and relax your body.

Doctor appointments should be scheduled trimester-wise and should not be skipped. Get your scans diligently, as advised by your gynecologist, to rule out any potential negative outcome. Also, it is essential to arrange regular dentist appointments, as hormone levels during pregnancy can adversely affect your teeth.

Conclusion

A healthy pregnancy is more about lifestyle changes. These small changes help keep pregnancy-related complications at bay. Following these healthy tips is also beneficial for the overall growth of your baby. You can discuss various diet plans with your nutritionist or healthcare professional, depending on your body structure and health conditions. To know more about women’s health, pregnancy, and overall wellness, we invite you to follow our blog.