20 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

This article contributed by one of this blog’s partners.

Now that you’re expecting, it’s important to look after yourself. If changes feel difficult, keep in mind that they benefit your little one! Here are 20 quick tips for a healthy pregnancy.

 Healthy Pregnancy Tips

1. Be sure to get an ultrasound early on to ensure that your baby’s development is progressing normally. It’s normal to get one around week 9 although anytime between 8 and 12 weeks is considered standard.
2. Not a fan of fruits and vegetables? Now is a great time to start adding them to your diet.
3. Create a healthy exercise habit if you haven’t done so already. Remember to get your doctor’s OK before beginning, and ease your way into your new activity to prevent sore muscles.
4. If you smoke, stop right away. Get support if you need it.
5. Take prenatal vitamins, and ensure that your brand contains at least 400 mcg of folic acid.
6. Avoid exposure to chemicals that could harm you or your baby.
7. Have a cat? Get someone else to clean the litter box. Although the chance of contracting toxoplasmosis is fairly low, it’s still a risk.
8. Pregnancy hormones affect dental health, so take extra-special care of your teeth and gums. Schedule at least one visit with your dentist during your pregnancy.
9. If you drink alcohol, stop right away. Choose sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime, or mix it with some cranberry juice for a festive but healthy drink.
10. Stay hydrated! Even though drinking more water leads to more trips to the restroom, appropriate hydration helps you stay healthy.
11. Consider cutting back on caffeine. Your doctor will tell you if you need to give it up entirely, but too much can leach calcium from your bones and prevent you from getting good quality sleep.
12. Support your back and belly while you sleep. Extra pillows can help, and so can a specially designed pregnancy pillow.
13. Try to take naps. Insomnia is among the most common pregnancy symptoms, and extra shut-eye will help you deal with the accompanying fatigue.
14. Sign up for prenatal classes. Try to get your partner involved, too.
15. Know the signs of common pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and premature labor. Call your doctor if you suspect that anything is amiss.
16. Don’t go overboard trying to eat for two, but do add some healthy snacks to your diet. Your daily intake should increase by about 300 calories during your pregnancy. Note that your requirements might be different if you were overweight or underweight before becoming pregnant.
17. Find healthy outlets for dealing with stress, which is common during pregnancy. Talk to a friend, play music, watch funny movies, or ask your partner for support if thing get tough. Some of the recommendations provided here will help, too – particularly hydration, a healthy diet, and pregnancy-safe exercise such as yoga.
18. Take good care of your skin. Most women find that moisturizing and massage helps.
19. Take time out for a babymoon if you can. A pre-baby vacation will help you relax and connect with your partner.
20. Educate yourself! Being familiar with common pregnancy symptoms will help you know what’s normal and what’s not – and that will help you combat anxiety.

Healthy Pregnancy Sources:

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preconceptioncare/conditioninfo/pages/healthy-pregnancy.aspx

https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/during.html

https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/default.htm

https://www.verywell.com/tips-for-a-healthy-pregnancy-2753102