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8 Tips to Ensure a Smooth and Healthy Pregnancy

Getting pregnant is an exciting journey for many women. You will be shopping for baby clothes, prepping baby paraphernalia, and announcing the great news to everybody. 

As exciting as it is, pregnancy takes a lot of work and diligence to ensure your baby develops well. Be smart and follow some of these good pregnancy tips that we’ve listed below.  

Mind your nutrition 

It is simple: a healthier body leads to a healthier baby. Pregnancy takes a toll on the body, and it is your responsibility to make sure that it is in tip-top shape. To achieve that, you need to remember a few dos and don’ts.

Eat healthy 

Consuming nutritious foods not only boosts your health but also contributes to your baby’s development. Some of these include: 

  • Pasteurized dairy products 
  • Legumes 
  • Sweet potatoes 
  • Dark leafy greens 

Plan well-balanced meals beforehand, so food prep becomes easier to do and more enjoyable. 

Take prenatal vitamins 

No matter how well you plan your meals, it is difficult to get all the nutrients you need in a day. Hence, taking a prescribed prenatal vitamin every day can help make up for nutrient deficiencies. 

Avoid alcohol

Consuming alcohol while pregnant increases the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). This condition can cause development issues for the baby, including problems in their central nervous system and growth deficits. 

Do not smoke 

Smoking is not healthy for you nor the baby. Cigarette smoking affects oxygen delivery to the child and can result in grievous outcomes. These can include miscarriage, illness, or death after delivery. 

Drink lots of water 

Staying hydrated is a must for good health, but it has an added purpose for pregnant women. It can also help you deal with nausea and morning sickness. Bring a bottle of water with you everywhere to ensure that you have water to drink at any time. If you get tired of drinking water alone, spruce it up by adding slices of lemons and cucumbers. Make sure to drink at least eight cups of water daily. 

Stop stressing about your weight 

A lot of mom-to-be’s worry about their weight in the first trimester. Some worry that they have not gained weight yet, while others worry about losing weight due to nausea and loss of appetite. 

That said, do not worry. While weight gain is natural, do not expect it to happen immediately. In the course of your pregnancy, you will start gaining weight as the baby develops.

Do pregnant-friendly exercises 

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Exercise is a common point of worry for several expecting women, especially those who are quite active. Bear in mind that moderate exercise is not only allowed but also encouraged for you and your baby’s health. Some of its benefits include better sleep, fewer backaches, and increased strength and endurance. 

Aerobic exercises such as walking and light swimming are recommendable for pregnant women. Squatting and kegel exercises are also helpful. Some classes specifically cater to pregnant women, where you can socialize with other would-be parents for support.

Take the time to rest 

While keeping fit is important, you should also take the time to rest. When you begin to feel lethargic and stressed, take a break and relax. Always listen to your body and rest when you feel the need.

Go to your checkups 

Prenatal care checkups are essential to pregnant women. They help ensure your baby’s smooth development and avoid complications that may endanger your child. Thus, do not forget about your appointments and attend your checkups religiously. 

Avoid infectious diseases 

While people will always be vulnerable to infectious diseases, the stakes are higher with pregnant women. After all, they may affect your baby. 

There are multiple ways to go about avoiding infections, namely: 

  • Consulting with your doctor on vaccinations you can safely take; 
  • Practicing good hygiene by constantly washing your hands; 
  • And staying away from individuals who are currently infected. 

By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself and your baby from the effects of infectious diseases. 

Seek positivity and support

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It is vital for pregnant women to be happy. The reasoning behind this lies in the fact that your mood and hormone levels can affect your baby’s development.

Now, each woman responds differently to pregnancy. Some feel happier and more energetic, while others struggle and experience mood swings. No matter how your body reacts, you need to actively seek out people, spaces, and items that make you feel happy and supported. Whether it is your partner, family, or friends—having a nearby hand to hold you through the ups and downs of pregnancy is always helpful.

Pregnancy is a joyous occasion for a lot of aspiring mothers. Ensuring a smooth and healthy pregnancy, however, is not always easy. Take extra care of your health and listen to your doctor’s advice to ensure that your baby comes healthy and happy into the world.

Kimberley Reyes

Kimberley Reyes is an Online Business Manager for entrepreneurs who are ready to get off the hamster wheel and step into their CEO shoes. On top of helping her clients get organized and scale their businesses, she is also happily busy raising her five kids with her firefighter husband.

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