Pregnancy is a period in which you will have many joys but also questions and even fears. It is the creation of a new life, and therefore, you must prepare yourself to have a healthy pregnancy and consequently a healthy baby in the womb.
During pregnancy, the main thing is the periodic medical check-ups that it is advisable to start as soon as they confirm the happy news of the pregnancy. In them, they have the opportunity to dispel any doubt, no matter how silly it may seem. The obstetrician is there for that, and it never hurts to be well informed.
The stage when your baby is most defenseless is during the first months of pregnancy. It is recommended that they do not make long trips, use very uneven roads or do physical activities involving great effort. The vaccines that should be given to the expectant mother during pregnancy protect the baby from many diseases.
Between the woman and the future child that grows within her, there is a constant communication channel. Any action that the mother takes will have an impact on the development of the fetus.
For example, if she practices physical activity calmly and carefully, the benefits include improving her oxygenation. The professionals add that if the future mother maintains an adequate diet, it will favor the development of the fetus. Also, if you rest and calmly carry out your day-to-day activities, this will provide you well-being.
How To Take Care of Yourself During Pregnancy?
Just Because You Are Pregnant Does Not Mean That You Are Sick
It is recommended that having a healthy baby in the womb does not stop doing the day-to-day activities you used to do when you were not pregnant. If there is no restriction from your treating doctor or midwife, you can carry your pregnancy usually.
Giving yourself free time to do a pleasant activity and disconnect never hurts: having a coffee with your friend, going to the movies, reading a book, going shopping, or walking outdoors, are activities that help mental health.
Take Care of Your Feet
It is essential always to wear comfortable shoes and put high shoes aside for a while. Try to avoid spending a long time in the same position, both standing and sitting; Putting your feet up and abandoning a sedentary lifestyle will also help blood circulation and, in this way, improve fluid retention and reduce the swelling of the feet and ankles that is very common in pregnancy.
Sleep is Key
You may likely feel more tired than usual during this period, so it never hurts to get enough sleep during pregnancy and take advantage of the first months, since as the fetus grows, it will be more challenging to find a comfortable position to sleep.
One recommendation for a healthy pregnancy is to sleep on the justify side since one of the large veins passes through the right side of the abdomen. This posture prevents the weight of the uterus from pressing on this vein. In addition, it optimizes blood flow to the placenta, therefore the amount of oxygen that reaches the fetus.
There are maternal cushions, which have a shape similar to an arch. These are designed for the comfort and well-being of mothers, especially during pregnancy, becoming a great ally, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy.
You Must Know About
Take Care of The Skin
The skin during pregnancy undergoes alterations such as hyperpigmentation due to the action of the activated hormones in this period. For this reason, it is very advisable to apply sunscreen to avoid skin blemishes and burns.
Some women suffer from stretch marks during pregnancy, so it is advisable to use anti-stretch mark creams to prevent the appearance of these scars. In addition, these creams can be applied 2 or 3 times a day, with particular attention in the final months, when the skin is stretched at a faster rate.
Beware of Low Weight
When a pregnant mom has trouble gaining weight or is underweight, it is essential. Poor diet or lack of essential nutrients can often lead to a restriction in intrauterine fetal development and growth. This is why a future mother should have a balanced diet, which includes foods from all the primary groups, which are:
- Meats
- Fish
- Eggs
- Cereals
- Legumes
- Fruits and vegetables
This can help prevent problems that come with low weight and prevent premature delivery. The opposite extreme is also a situation to avoid.
Food And Nutrition
When you are in the pregnancy period, the diet should not vary, but you must bear in mind that:
- Do not eat in large quantities; it is better to eat small portions several times a day. It is a myth that you should eat “for two.” When consumed in the recommended amounts, it increases the possibility of avoiding heartburn and helping to avoid being overweight.
- Raw, semi-raw, or sausage meats or fish are prohibited since foods in this state can contain dangerous bacteria, which in the worst case can cause severe complications in pregnancy.
- It is essential to add folic acid to the diet six months before pregnancy and in the first three to avoid possible fetal malformations or spina bifida.
- Reduce the consumption of stimulating products such as coffee, tea, and chocolate. However, it is essential to consult a nutrition professional.
- It is recommended that you go to the nutritionist to guide a balanced diet according to your rhythm and interests, without losing sight of your well-being and that of the baby.
- You cannot consume tobacco or alcohol. Smoking during pregnancy exposes the baby to harmful substances such as tar, carbon monoxide, and nicotine. The latter reduces oxygen and nutrients to the baby, being dangerous for its development. Alcohol, for its part, interferes with the normal development of the fetus, causing congenital disabilities.
Possible Complications in Pregnancy
Although many women have normal pregnancies, complications can occur. However, this does not mean that they will not have a healthy boy or girl. Instead, it means that your doctor will monitor you closely and order additional tests.
Some of the most common complications include:
- Gestational diabetes
- Hypertension during pregnancy, which can lead to preeclampsia
- Cervical incompetence
- Problems derived from the implantation of the placenta
- Preterm labor. This can have many variables
- That the fetus is not growing well
- That the fetus has health problems
It is vital to keep your reproductive health in check. Look out for any abnormalities and consult a gynecologist immediately. You can also visit a gynecologist for routine check-ups.
