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If you’re planning to get pregnant, congratulations!
Having a healthy pregnancy is all about making an effort upfront to take care of you and your growing baby. A lot of the joy and challenges of pregnancy come from what you put into your body. Choosing the right foods, drinking enough fluids, and taking doctor-recommended prenatal vitamins can all put you on the proper path to a healthier pregnancy. Here are some guidelines to follow to help you be as healthy and happy as possible for the nine months of your pregnancy.
Finding a Good Doctor
While it may seem obvious, the very first step to having a healthy pregnancy is visiting the doctor! It is important to schedule your first appointment as soon as possible after you find out you are pregnant. This is going to be when you find out the basics such as how far along you are, if there are any health risks or pregnancy concerns, as well as being your first chance to ask the doctor any and every question you can think of. This is also the time you will be prescribed your prenatal vitamins according to your blood work. While normally moms-to-be are already familiar with their Gynecologists, not all of them have one who is also an Obstetrician. Due to this, it is a good idea to ask if you will be transferred to a different doctor for your prenatal care when you schedule your appointment. During these next 9 months, you will want to get proper care, so choosing an OBGYN that you feel comfortable with is a much-needed step.
Eating Right During Pregnancy
As mentioned previously, choosing the best foods while you are pregnant is vital for helping your little one to grow strong. This can be pretty hard when you are experiencing all kinds of cravings, but then foods that you normally love suddenly have you running in the opposite direction to a bathroom! While these cravings can be intense, be careful about indulging to the fullest each and every single time if your cravings are unhealthy – such as sweets or fast food. While all of those things might make your taste buds sing and dance, they will also be giving you way more than the number of bad fats, sodium, and processed sugar you or your baby needs. The same goes for soda and drinks with processed sugar. This can lead to what is referred to as gestational diabetes which is literally, diabetes while pregnant! You want to try to limit your sweets to natural sugars such as those found in fruits and veggies to ensure you are keeping on track to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Check these 6 Superfoods You Will Actually Eat for a Belly-Only Pregnancy!
Drinking Plenty of Water
When it comes to your drinks, obviously water is a great choice! Since the baby will be sharing all of the nutrients you put into your body, he or she will also be sharing any fluids you intake. This means that it will be even easier for you to get dehydrated and being dehydrated when pregnant is even more taxing on your body than when you aren’t, not to mention being hard on the baby. Speak to your doctor regarding your eating habits before your pregnancy as well as since you have become pregnant. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor’s advice regarding any certain cravings you might have or foods you are unsure of.
Finding Helpful Ways to Relax
One of the most important things to do when you are pregnant is the one thing that is hardest to do when your hormones are all over the place – relax! That’s right momma! Your little bundle of joy experiences EVERYTHING you do! Sounds scary right? It doesn’t have to be. Just think of this as your nine-month excuse to pamper yourself. Some women find planning the nursery to be relaxing because they are dreaming about creating a space just for their precious new baby on the way. Some find it relaxing to read out loud, or to sing and talk to their baby. Whether it is one of these things, ending the day with a bubble bath, taking yourself out for that pedicure you keep putting off, or simply curling up on the couch with a good book, it is important to make time for YOU! Whatever it is that brings peace and contentment to your heart, soothes your mind, and helps your body relax. This is definitely something that is often easier said than done. Make sure to discuss with your partner what things you find most relaxing as they may change due to the hormones. Let them know when you feel you need to take some time for yourself. After a while, they will most likely start to notice when you are getting overwhelmed with emotions during pregnancy and start suggesting that you take some time to pamper yourself.
You can also try yoga. Check out these best yoga positions for pregnancy!
Be Willing To Accept Help and Pampering
Letting other people share the joy of your pregnancy can be a great way to keep the baby blues at bay. It is not uncommon to feel sad at times even though you are looking forward to holding your precious little one for the first time. This is okay and perfectly natural. We, women, tend to naturally be self-conscious of our bodies, to begin with. Now you are throwing in a bunch of jumbled-up hormones and an extra 20 – 30 pounds! Sometimes women feel guilty for being sad about losing their pre-baby body, but it is nothing to feel guilty for! Letting your friends and family enjoy your pregnancy with you will help you to look at yourself through the lens of the little miracle you are carrying, and keep your focus on having a safe, happy and healthy pregnancy. Enjoy every moment as they will want to take care of you, pamper you, and ask you how you are, and really listen. Plus my favorite – they will also constantly tell you how much you are glowing! Your family and friends are capable of supporting you and can be understanding if you tell them you are down. What better way to beat the blues while pregnant than to be surrounded by the positivity that slashes any insecurities?
No two pregnancies are the same, however, they all have one thing in common and that is the hope for a healthy and happy pregnancy. While there are always possibilities of complications, following your doctor’s advice and taking care of yourself are two of the largest contributing factors to enjoying your pregnancy to the fullest! So remember momma, be healthy, be happy, and enjoy your nine-month-long pamper session!
