By Erin Most BSN RN Healthscribe Gardens
1. Prenatal care: Prenatal care is key to maintaining a healthy pregnancy and the health of your baby. At your prenatal appointments you and your health care provider (OBGYN or Midwife) will discuss a variety of topics and questions related to the health of your pregnancy and baby. Some topics include: family history, surgical history, when to seek medical care during pregnancy, when and where to go for emergency care during pregnancy, any prescription and over-the-counter medications that you take (vitamins, supplements, and herbs), and healthy weight gain.
2. Weight gain: Weight gain is very important during pregnancy – it is generally a sign that the baby is growing well and is receiving enough nutrients. It is usually recommended to gain 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. Discuss with your provider about how much is recommended for you during your pregnancy. Don’t try to lose weight while pregnant – it is important that your baby has healthy nourishing foods for growth.
3. Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and protein is key to staying healthy and growing a healthy baby. There are certain foods to avoid because they can be dangerous to your unborn baby: raw fish/meat, deli meat, cookie dough/raw egg, hot dogs (unless fully heated), and limit caffeine to 200mg and limit added sugars. Other things that are dangerous to your baby are alcohol, tobacco smoking, and illicit drugs.
4. Exercise: Talk to your healthcare provider about what is a healthy level of exercise for you. You should be able to do the same level of physical exercise you did before pregnancy. There are many benefits to physical activity during pregnancy. Exercise helps you and baby gain the right amount of weight, reduces the risk for gestational diabetes, reduces the risk for postpartum depression, reduces the length of labor and postpartum recovery, and reduces the risk for a C- section. A few easy tools to implement in your day: go for a walk, get up and move at least every hour if you sit for extended periods of the day, and do prenatal stretching.
Sources for more information:
Health Tips for Pregnant Women