Good Healthcare Requires Treatment of Your Mind, Body, and Soul

4 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

3 January 2017 by Hugh Larson

When you are pregnant, it becomes even more important to take excellent care of your body. That means feeding your body the right nutrients and avoiding bad habits, like drinking alcohol and smoking. Treating your body right won't just help you feel better throughout your pregnancy; it is also beneficial for your baby's health. Here are a few ways you can stay healthy during your pregnancy:

Move Your Body

When you have a growing baby inside you, some days all you want to do is lie in bed. However, it's actually very important to move your body every day. Regular exercise will not just give you energy and help you avoid too much weight gain; it can also strengthen your heart and ease your stress.

The exercise you do does not have to be anything intense. In fact, taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood or going for a swim at your local health club can be enough to keep your body healthy throughout your pregnancy. Yoga is another great exercise for pregnant women because it's very gentle, but it can increase your flexibility and give you more energy.

Eat Nutritious Foods

While it is okay to have ice cream or pizza every once in a while, your diet should not be based around junk food. If you eat too much junk food, you may gain more weight than you need and your baby will not get the proper nutrients. Protein is one of the most important nutrients you can feed your body during pregnancy. It helps the fetal tissue grow and increases your bloody supply It is suggested for pregnant women to consume 75 to 100 grams of protein every day. Good sources of protein include chicken, lamb, beef and beans.

It is also critical to consume around 1,000 milligrams of calcium every day. It helps keep your and your developing baby's bones strong. Besides milk and yogurt, you can get calcium from almonds, turnip greens and tofu.

In addition, make sure that all your foods are thoroughly cooked before you eat them. Eating raw or undercooked foods while pregnant can put your body at risk salmonella other harmful bacteria.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

It is very easy to get stressed when you are pregnant. You are may wonder if you are doing enough to keep your developing baby healthy or how you will balance being a parent and working. However, if you allow your body to get too stressed, it can affect your baby. In fact, too much stress may lead to premature births and low birth weights.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can manage your stress. For example, you can start out your day with a relaxing activity, such as meditation or yoga. These activities will help calm your mind and help you have a more positive outlook during the day.

Also, if you have too many things on your to-do list, do not be afraid to ask for help. If you are too tired to clean your house, for example, ask one of your close family members or friends to lend a hand.

Know When to Call a Doctor

When you are pregnant, it is important to pay attention to your body and know which symptoms are normal and which ones are not. If you experience strong cramps, dizziness, vaginal bleeding, shortness of breath or heart palpitations, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. He or she can check to see if anything is wrong with you or your baby.

Following these helpful tips can help you deliver a happy and healthy baby. To learn more, contact resources like Central Iowa OB/Gyn Specialists, PLC.

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