Taking care of yourself during your pregnancy is vital. If you want to be able to give your baby the best start in life, it starts with you. You will not be able to give all that you need to if you do not look after your health and wellbeing. Further, it is not just you and your ability to care for your baby that benefits from your health but your baby will too. To help you both get off to the best start possible here are some ways to help you have a healthy pregnancy.
Take your prenatal supplements
Taking your daily prenatal supplements is important to ensure that you and your baby are getting the right amount of nutrients you both need during your pregnancy. These vitamins typical include folic acid, vitamin D, iron, and calcium. Depending on your diet you may want to consider additional supplements but you should always discuss this with your healthcare professional before doing so.
Attend all of your prenatal checkups
Your healthcare provider should offer you regular checkups during your pregnancy. Services such as those offered by https://www.wwhfrisco.com/ will be able to provide you with all of the screenings, ultrasounds, and advice you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy. Failure to attend your prenatal appointments renders you much more likely to develop complications or expose yourself and your baby to unnecessary risks.
Be careful what you eat
Not because of the effect food might have on your waistline but because there are some foods that are generally considered unsafe to eat when pregnant. This is because they can harbor bacteria or parasites that could pose a health risk to your baby. Below are some of the avoids that you should avoid when pregnant.
- Pate
- Unpasteurized milk
- Undercooked ready meals
- Mold-ripened for soft cheese such as brie
- Blue cheese such as stilton.
To err on the side of caution you should also avoid undercooked meats such as rare steaks and opt for your steak to be well-done.
Get a flu shot
The flu is a nasty illness that can make even the healthiest of people very sick. Contracting the flu while pregnant can have serious health implications for both mother and baby, which can be easily avoided by getting an annual flu shot. Contact your healthcare professional for information on obtaining your flu shot.
Don’t smoke and avoid alcohol
Smoking is incredibly unhealthy for you and your unborn child. It can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth rate, and other serious complications for the health of your baby. Equally, alcohol is another substance that is best avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Alcohol can increase the risk of abnormalities, disabilities, and illnesses in babies.
Healthy food
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is important at all stages in your life but never more so than when you are pregnant. Your baby needs nutrients to grow strong and provide them with all the vitamins and minerals they need. Ensure you eat plenty of fresh food, colorful fruits and vegetables and keep the processed foods and saturated fats to a minimum.
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