Healthy Pregnancy: 12 Things You Should Do

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There are a lot of pregnancy dos and don’ts out on the web. To keep it straight and simple, Women’s Health suggested the following basic tips to ensure that you are on the right track to a healthy pregnancy.

1. See your doctor regularly. Prenatal care and early detection can help keep you and your baby healthy

2. While trying to conceive and when pregnant, it is recommended to take 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day. Folic acid lowers the risk of some birth defects such as spina bifida.

3. Eat a variety of healthy foods. Don’t forget to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium-rich foods, and lean meats.

4. Get all essential nutrients including iron, every day. Getting enough iron prevents anemia, which is linked to preterm birth and low-birth weight babies. Ask your doctor about taking a daily prenatal vitamin or iron supplement.

5. Drink a lot of water.

6. Get moving! Unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Physical activity is good for you and your baby.

7. Join childbirth or parenting class.

8. Gain a healthy amount of weight. Gaining more than the recommended amount during pregnancy increases a woman’s risk for pregnancy complications. It also makes it harder to lose the extra pounds after childbirth. The IOM recommends a gestational weight gain of 16.8–24.5 kg (37–54 lb) for women of normal weight, 14.1–22.7 kg (31–50 lb) for overweight women, and 11.3–19.1 kg (25–42 lb) for obese women.

9. Wash your hands regularly, especially after stepping into the house, handling raw meat or using the bathroom.

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10. Get enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours every night. Resting on your left side helps blood flow to you and your baby and prevents swelling. Using pillows between your legs and under your belly will help you get comfortable.

11. Get all your recommend vaccines.

12. Make sure health problems are treated and kept under control. If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar levels. If you have high blood pressure, monitor it closely. Ask your doctor before stopping any medicines you take or taking on any new medicines. Prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicine can harm your baby.

We wish you a pleasurable and healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.

Culled from the Department of Women’s Health, US