After you have found you are pregnant, taking care of yourself physically and mentally is more crucial than ever. Although many things during pregnancy are beyond your control, including pregnancy problems, you should do your best to keep yourself and your baby safe. A healthy pregnancy begins with visiting Marion obstetrics and gynecology for proper prenatal care.
Here are more tips to help you take care of yourself during pregnancy;
1. Drink more water
During pregnancy, your blood supplies oxygen and essential nutrients to your baby through the placenta while also transporting waste and carbon dioxide away, resulting in a fifty percent increase in blood volume to put up all of this additional activity. To support that change, you will need to drink more. Drinking enough water helps you avoid constipation, hemorrhoids, UTIs, exhaustion, headaches, edema, and other unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses each day, and if the taste is not to your liking, add a squeeze of lime or a splash of fruit juice.
2. Eat folate-rich foods
In addition to consuming eight to ten glasses of water per day, you should consume five or six well-balanced meals, such as lentils, fortified cereals, asparagus, wheat germ, grapefruit, and orange juice, which are all high in folate. Folic acid is necessary for the appropriate development of the neural tube, which surrounds the spinal cord, and the formation of new red blood cells in the fetus.
3. Stay clean
Washing hands regularly helps prevent you from infections including Group B streptococcus, Fifth illness, CMV, and chickenpox, which can all lead to birth abnormalities and other serious difficulties in your infant. When you don’t have access to a sink, ethyl alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a fantastic alternative. They shield consumers from the majority of infectious diseases.
4. Eat fish
Fish is abundant in omega 3s, a component important for brain development; eating fish while pregnant is beneficial. It also aids in the improvement of a child’s metabolic profile.
Pregnant women should consume no more than 12 ounces of fish each week. You may eat light canned tuna, salmon, shrimp, catfish, or Pollack.
5. Get enough rest
You may think you are busier now, but you will have even less special moments to yourself after the baby arrives. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and if you’re having trouble sleeping, take naps during the day. If the problem does not improve, see your doctor.
6. Eliminate toxins
Alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, and even solvents like paint thinners and nail polish remover should all be avoided when pregnant due to their links to birth abnormalities, miscarriage, and other issues. For example, smoking cigarettes reduces the oxygen supply to your baby, causing premature delivery and other problems.
Consult your doctor if you are unable to quit smoking or drinking alcohol. A doctor can provide you with guidance and support, as well as recommend you to a program that may be able to assist you with quitting.
Taking proper care of yourself during pregnancy is very important to help you avoid complications. Therefore ensure you get enough rest, exercise, eat healthy food, and drink a lot of water.
Call Marion Ob/Gyn Inc to get expert care and loving support throughout your pregnancy.