Care For Yourself For A Healthy Nine Months
While pregnant, mothers have the added pressure of not only caring for themselves, but also for the unborn baby growing inside of them. Maintaining one’s health during pregnancy can be a challenge, but it will help to ensure that the baby has the best start in life when he or she is born. Use the guide below to assist you in planning for your care for the next nine months.
Prenatal care is crucial to the health of both mother and child. As soon as you learn that you are pregnant, find an OB that you can use for the duration of the pregnancy. This is the person who will guide you through the next nine months in the safest and healthiest manner possible and will then deliver your baby. They will order tests, provide you with prescriptions and help you understand what is going to happen to your body in the following months.
A healthy diet is important for you and your baby. There are foods that you must avoid and some that you must be sure to consume each day. Milk, water and fresh fruits and vegetables are among the list of foods that you must take. Cold lunch meat and sushi are two that must be avoided. If you are unsure of a proper pregnancy diet, speak with your doctor or dietician.
Stress management is something that must be practiced. It is not good for you or your baby when you get your blood pressure up. Practice breathing techniques, take up prenatal yoga and try to avoid situations that cause stress. It is going to be difficult with the added hormones flowing through your body, but it is important.
Cigarettes, alcohol and drugs must be avoided. They all have a negative impact on your baby now and in the future. If you cannot quit on your own, there are many groups that can help you.
Take the time to become educated about the changes going on inside and outside of your body. Knowing what is going on will help you better understand why you feel the way that you do. Understanding can also help you make adjustments when you are not feeling right.
If your doctor clears you for full physical activity, you must exercise regularly. You can just go out for walks daily, use prenatal workout DVDs, join prenatal aerobics classes or even pop a game into your Wii and play each day. Staying fit and exercising will help you maintain a healthy weight and will make labor and delivery easier.
As your pregnancy progresses, it will be more and more difficult to get enough sleep. When you can, take a nap or go to bed early. If your body is telling you that it is tired, you should do your best to get some rest.
Pregnancy can be difficult for some people to get through, while others enjoy every minute of it. Take care of yourself now for a healthy baby in the months to come.
