Healthy Pregnancy Tips

Women who are trying to conceive or have just learned they are pregnant are eager to learn as much as possible about health. A healthy pregnancy protects the baby and increases the odds of a healthy birth and healthy child.

The healthiest pregnancies begin before conception. If you are planning to get pregnant, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss health improvements that prepare your body for conception and pregnancy. These 20 tips for a healthy pregnancy help you get focused on health in the months leading up to your baby’s birth.

1. Improve your diet. Your developing baby needs healthy nutrition just like you. There are also foods you will want to avoid during pregnancy, such as fish and sushi. Anything you eat also feeds your baby, so choose carefully.

2. Boost your activity level. If you do not exercise now, pregnancy is a great time to start a gentle exercise program. Walking and stretching are great options. If you already exercise, speak with your doctor about continuing your current fitness routine. If you need to add exercise, you can discuss what is safest for you and your baby during your next doctor’s visit.

3. Consider adding yoga to your daily routine. As happy as you are about your pregnancy, there is likely some anxiety about your impending parenthood. Yoga helps you keep your pregnancy stress, as well as anything else you face, in check. It is gentle and relaxing, but be sure you are following a routine designed for pregnant women.

4. Avoid smoking. If you have struggled to kick the habit, you must do so now because it hurts your baby. Multiple health studies have shown first and second-hand smoke is dangerous for your unborn baby. Researchers at the University College London have recently drawn direct links between smoking and the health of babies. According to this study, health problems related to smoking during pregnancy include cleft lip and cleft palate, congenital heart disease, and stillbirth.

5. Avoid products that contain dangerous chemicals. In addition to cleaning up your diet, remove toxic chemicals from your home and work environment. This is great preparation for having a young child in the home, so you might as well begin now. There are many healthy, natural alternatives to common household products and making the transition to these options improves your health, the health of your unborn baby, and the health of others living in your home.

6. Leave the cat litter tray duty to the non-pregnant members of your household. Cleaning the litter box could expose you to toxoplasmosis, which is transmitted through cat feces. If contracted by mother and baby it can cause neurological disorders in-utero.

7. Make sure all of your health practitioners know you are pregnant. Your dentist will likely postpone x-rays during pregnancy and other doctors might need to adjust your medication until you give birth or complete breast feeding so your baby is not exposed to anything dangerous through your breast milk.

8. Familiarize yourself with the signs of labor. If you experience early labor pains, do not panic. Call your doctor, so he or she can determine if it is a situation that requires monitoring.

9. Consider vitamin testing. Simple medical tests determine if you are deficient in anything that could affect your baby’s development.

10. Gather as much information as possible, but discuss your personal circumstances with your doctor. Pregnancy books are great and speaking with previously pregnant friends can help a great deal. However, your own situation is unique and should be treated as such by you and your doctor