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Published in on Jun 26th 2020

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

It’s true what they say: a healthy pregnancy = a healthy baby. Not only does taking certain health precautions help your baby’s growth and development, but it can also help to prevent pregnancy complications and pregnancy-related health problems, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Here are some tried-and-true tips for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

1. Eliminate alcohol and smoking.

Ask any doctor or read any medical article and they will tell you how bad these habits are during pregnancy. Alcohol, for example, can lead to miscarriage and fetal alcohol syndrome, while smoking can lead to low birth weight and ectopic pregnancies. Even e-cigarettes, which have fewer toxins than cigarettes, can be harmful to your baby’s development.

2. Know the recommended weight gain guidelines and try to stick to them.

Every woman’s weight gain guidelines will be different, so it’s important that you talk to your doctor early on. 

Also, forget the phrase “eating for two.” You should be eating only an extra 300 to 500 calories a day, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy and what your specific weight needs are. Be sure to eat foods that are healthy and nutritious, such as:

• Lean proteins
• Whole grains
• Fresh vegetables and fruits
• Foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocado and wild salmon.

In addition to eating healthily, be sure to take prenatal vitamins and drink lots of water.

3. Engage in moderate exercise for about 30 minutes every day.

Being physically active can help make your pregnancy a lot more pleasant overall. It can reduce body aches, increase your energy, improve your mood, and improve your sleep. It’s important to choose exercises that aren’t too intense, though. Moderation is key here. Try activities such as walking, yoga, or swimming.

4. Pamper yourself.

If there was ever a time to spoil yourself a little in terms of self-care, pregnancy is definitely the time to do it. Some ideas include setting up a meditation routine for stress release, getting a pregnancy massage, and getting a mani-pedi. You could also try putting on some relaxing music and massaging your belly with pregnancy belly cream. Not only will this prevent stretch marks, but it will also be relaxing and instill positive feelings about your body. As an added bonus, massaging your belly bump can help you start bonding with your baby while he or she is in utero.

5. Take extra precautions around the house.

Although some household cleaners contain ingredients that can potentially be harmful to you or your baby, most cleaners are safe. Still, you should be extra careful when cleaning and always make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated space and that you’re wearing protective clothing.

Learn More

Being pregnant should be an extraordinary experience that is nothing short of magical. By living a healthy lifestyle, you’re more likely to have a healthy and happy pregnancy. To learn more about being healthy during pregnancy, contact Pacific Women’s OB/GYN Medical Group.