Preparing For Baby: Healthy Pregnancy Tips
Oh, Baby! Congratulations to you as you begin this journey toward motherhood. Before you can take care of your new baby, you need to take care of yourself and your unborn child. We know there is a lot of advice out there and tons of varying opinions on what you can and cannot do to ensure a safe pregnancy and healthy delivery.
Your first tip: If you suspect you’re pregnant, see your doctor right away. That one is common sense. Follow these simple pregnancy tips on safety and nutrition to stay healthy throughout the nine months before the baby arrives.
- Take prenatal vitamins. You must get essential nutrients – like folic acid, calcium, and iron – from the very start.
- Drink more water. During pregnancy, your blood is supplying oxygen and essential nutrients to your baby. You need to drink 8-10 glasses per day to support all of those changes.
- Recharge with fruit. Caffeine lovers need to limit their intake while pregnant, but you can still get a quick pick-me-up with the natural sugar found in fruit.
- Stay active. Exercising is important for your general health and can help you reduce stress, control your weight, improve circulation, boost your mood, and sleep better. Prenatal yoga classes in San Antonio, swimming, and walking are all great activities for pregnant women.
- Eliminate toxins. You should avoid tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, and even solvents such as paint thinners and nail polish remover while pregnant, each which have been linked to birth defects, miscarriage, and other problems.
- Modify your chores. Exposure to toxic chemicals, lifting heavy objects, or coming in contact with bacteria can harm you and your baby.
- Treat yourself. Make time for yourself now before the baby arrives. Take a nap, get a manicure, have a night out with your girlfriends, or get a prenatal massage. Relaxing and de-stressing are good for both you and baby.