Becoming pregnant is the perfect opportunity to begin seriously thinking about your mental and physical health as well as the health of your soon-to-be child. If you have recently gotten the good news that you are pregnant and would like to remain healthy and active in the coming months, then take a look at these simple tips.
Start Making Yourself Comfortable
Every few weeks you are going to notice that you are slightly more uncomfortable carrying out daily tasks, so start planning ways that you can make yourself comfortable. Clothes and shoes that are specifically designed for pregnant women will go a long way when it comes to minor aches and pains. You can also start making adjustments to your bed and any chairs that you sit in regularly to offer maximum support.
Start Prenatal Checkups Early On
The vast majority of parents will enjoy a pregnancy that goes off without any major problems, but it is better to err on the side of caution. Upwards of 8 percent of all women who become pregnant have issues such as high blood pressure that could cause problems with their child's birth. Parents should schedule an appointment with a maternal fetal specialist like Dr. Gilbert Webb at Mercy if they have any medical conditions such as previous high risk pregnancies, high blood pressure, diabetes, STDs, or any forms of cancer.
Make Your Diet a Priority
It is unfortunate that many women succumb to their cravings during their pregnancy or assume that they can begin to eat whatever they want. Staying productive and healthy during a pregnancy requires a healthy diet. While there are times that you will be able to veer from your diet, you should begin making serious changes to bad habits such as eating processed foods. A diet centered on lean protein, fresh produce, and complex carbohydrates can make a pregnancy exponentially easier on the mother's body.
Break Up Larger Projects
If you have any projects at work or around the house that need to get done, try breaking them up into manageable steps. The hormones that your body will create during the pregnancy can make it very difficult to focus on a task for a long period of time. Studies have shown that pregnant women can maximize their work efficiency by resting for 5 or 10 minutes every 45 minutes. This is also a good time to stretch your legs and back with a brisk walk or by climbing a few stairs.
Get Enough Sleep
Expectant mothers often do not realize just how much sleep they need. Those that had 6 or 7 hours of sleep a night before they were pregnant may in fact need 8 or 9 hours now. Resting on your left side may help blood go to the fetus and could also ease swelling. Throughout the day, you may also want to consider naps as well. Countless studies have been carried out on just how beneficial a 30 to 45 minute nap can be when it comes to energy levels and cognitive abilities.
Stay Upbeat
It is an unfortunate fact that nearly 1 out of every 10 pregnant women have clinical depression. A pregnancy will cause the body to release a variety of hormones and chemicals that will result in random and often unwanted emotions such as ongoing depression. When left untreated, this can affect your health, the health of the baby, and your productivity. If you feel as if you are becoming depressed or overly stressed, then you may want to consider options such as actively exercising every day, speaking with a therapist, and meditation. Medication may be an option after you give birth and if you are not breastfeeding.
Going through a pregnancy will put an incredible amount of pressure on your body and mind, and these few tips could be just what you need to stay healthy, upbeat and efficient.
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