How to stay healthy during pregnancy

A healthy body = A healthy baby
Here are 8 ways in which you can maintain a healthy living during pregnancy.

1. Eat Right

Eating a healthy diet is really important for pregnant women. Your baby needs healthy food. Eat plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, foods rich in calcium, and foods low in saturated fat. Avoid oily foods. Replace your sugar cravings with essential fruits and vegetables.

2. Include vitamins in your diet

Ensure to get plenty of folic acid and calcium. You can get these and other necessary vitamins and minerals from food and a standard multivitamin. Spinach, oranges, broccoli, and kidney beans are rich in folic acid. Milk, yoghurt, and spinach are packed with calcium. Ask your doctor about taking a daily multivitamin.

3. Stay hydrated

As a pregnant mum, your body needs more fluid (water), don’t mind the number of times you’d visit the toilet. Drink a lot of water, at least eight cups or more daily.  

4. Proper prenatal care

Get regular prenatal care from a healthcare professional. Don’t skip/miss your prenatal appointments. Mothers who don’t get regular prenatal care are much more likely to have a child with low birth weight.

5. Avoid Alcohol

It is very crucial to avoid alcohol before and during their pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of having a baby with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD can cause abnormal facial features, severe learning disabilities, and behavioural issues. Alcohol can affect your baby’s health in the earliest stages of pregnancy, before you may be aware that you’re pregnant. Therefore, avoid alcohol for the sake of your health and that of your baby.

6. Exercise

Regular exercise is good for pregnant women. Consult your doctor on which exercise is right for you at certain stages of your pregnancy.

7. Sleep well

Plentiful sleep (7 to 9 hours) is vital for you and your baby. Try to sleep on your left side to improve blood flow to you and your child.

8. Don’t use roadside drugs

Get prescription from your doctor before taking any medication.

Advertisement