Now that you’re pregnant, taking care of yourself has never been more important. You will be probably getting advice from everyone—your doctor, family members, friends, co-workers and even complete strangers—about what you should and should not be doing. But staying healthy during pregnancy depends on you, so it’s crucial to arm yourself with information about the many ways to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
Some tips to remain healthy during pregnancy are:
• Get regular check-ups
• Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
• Have plenty of fiber and water
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Exercise regularly
• Take ample rest
• Avoid infections
• Avoid self-medication
• Keep yourself stress free
Include these foods in your daily diet
• Fortified breakfast cereals.
• Bread.
• Green leafy vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach/palak, methi and green beans.
• Oranges.
• Dried beans.
• Peas and lentils.
Precautionary measures that you should take to lessen the risks of problems during pregnancy include:
Immunization
If you are planning a pregnancy ensure that you are vaccinated for certain diseases that can harm the baby. Examples are chicken pox, rubella etc. These vaccinations must be taken at least 6 months before you get pregnant.
General health care
You should maintain a healthy weight and follow a balanced nutritious diet. Physical exercises with the permission of your doctor will help both mother and the baby during pregnancy. It is important to avoid smoking, alcohol and other drugs. Inform your doctor if you are on any medication since certain medications can affect the development of the growing baby. Avoid extreme weather and other potential environmental hazards. It is important to quit smoking not only for woman herself, but also for her partner as passive smoking is also harmful for fetal growth. Other forms of tobacco consumption must also be avoided.
Existing and past medical conditions
If you are planning to get pregnant, it is important to inform your doctor about past or existing medical condition that you may be suffering from such as diabetes, eating disorders, hepatitis A or B, hypothyroidism or HIV to prevent future difficulties. Pregnancy should be planned when these diseases have been optimally controlled.
