Congratulations…you’re having a baby! There are a great number of ways that moms-to-be can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. I am going to share with you some important pregnancy tips for first time moms. Pregnancy is a unique and exciting journey. Here are some general tips for a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.
Pregnancy Tips For First Time Moms
If you become pregnant you have the perfect opportunity to make a difference in your life by adopting healthy lifestyle choices, which will also benefit your unborn child. Your body will go through a lot of changes during the course of your pregnancy and by staying fit and healthy and eating a proper diet, you will give your body everything that it needs to make the transition easily.
1. For A Healthy Pregnancy, Choose A Healthcare Provider
One of the first things you should do when you find out you are pregnant is to find a good healthcare provider. This can be done with a little research and some phone calls. First, ask around. Your friends and family will have suggestions on who to see, as well as who not to see for your pregnancy. Also, do some online research. The Internet is a great tool for gathering information on just about anything, including finding a physician. There are sites that rate doctors, based on patient reviews, peer reviews, and legal action.
After you narrow it down to a couple, interview them either on the phone, or in person. Write down some questions ahead of time to ask, and pay careful attention to the answers. If you are comfortable with what you have read, as well as what you have heard directly from them, you might have just found the right doctor to bring your little one into the world.
Most importantly for a healthy pregnancy, go to your prenatal appointments. They can detect any problems early on, to prevent it from becoming a more serious problem later on.
2. For a Healthy Pregnancy, Pay Attention to Your Eating Habits
Sitting down and taking notes on what we actually eat might be a rude awakening to some of us. When I did this to change my eating habits a while back, I was astonished as to what I was actually eating. Not that it was that much, but it wasn’t nearly as healthy as I thought.
Start eating healthy right away. Your baby will need proper nourishment from the beginning. And, it begins with what you put into your body. Eat well balanced meals, with a mix of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. There might come a time during your pregnancy when you need to watch it even closer, such as gestational diabetes, which inflicts up to 10% of expectant mothers.
Limit caffeine intake and avoid certain foods like raw fish and unpasteurized dairy. If you cut out a lot of the bad food in your diet then this will also get you feeling much better and a lot less lethargic. Consider cutting out:
- Additives
- Preservatives
- Pre Prepared Foods
- Processed Foods
- Modified Foods
- Artificial Flavors and Sweeteners
- Sugary Foods
All of the foods above need to be restricted in your diet and to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. Instead of getting a take away or eating processed or pre prepared foods, trying making it yourself!
3. Taking Prenatal Vitamins For a Healthy Pregnancy
Prenatal vitamins are specifically designed to help pregnant women make up for vitamin deficiencies that the average diet presents. This will help encourage healthy development in your baby throughout the pregnancy.
Prenatal vitamins are one of the most obvious but also important pregnancy tips for first time moms. Your doctor can recommend a good vitamin to take. If it causes problems such as upsetting your stomach, talk to your doctor to see if there is an alternative product they would recommend.
4. Treat Back Pain
If you are one of the many who suffer pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvic area, there is good news. Most of this pain can be treated with various options, especially if routine treatment such as massage, chiropractic treatments, and yoga are done throughout the pregnancy.
According to Dr. Kevin Luck, of Complete Care Health Services, back pain in pregnancy can be genetic. So, if your mom or sister experienced pain, then the odds are you might as well. Quite often the pain is due to hormonal changes that can affect the muscles leading to spasms, or restrictive bones. Preventive treatments can help with this. For example, a therapeutic massage can help with various symptoms such as pain, anxiety, normal swelling of the hands and feet, and more.
Treatment can help with these symptoms, which can be debilitating if left untreated. I know that when my back is hurting, I don’t feel like exercising, or even eating properly. And, I certainly don’t sleep well. So should certainly alert a professional if you are experiencing back pain.
5. For a Healthy Pregnancy, Exercise with Approval
You can still remain active throughout your pregnancy if you feel up to it. You must remember not to push yourself too much and also take plenty of rest, but light to moderate exercise right up to the last trimester is possible, depending on the fitness levels and also motivation of the person. Swimming is a great form of exercise as the water will support your increased body weight whilst at the same time still working all of the core muscles.
Proper and routine exercise can help you with weight gain, as well as keep you fit for a healthy delivery. Check with your doctor to see what exercises they would approve for you during the pregnancy. Chances are they will recommend things such as walking, swimming, and yoga. Just listen to your body, and don’t overdo it.
6. Things to Avoid During Pregnancy
There are certain vices and habits that should be eliminated during your pregnancy, if you want to increase your chances for a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and baby. These include:
- Smoking
- Drinking Alcohol
- Recreational Drugs
- Some Prescription Drugs
- Changing Kitty Litter
- Sushi
- Sliced Deli Meats
Again, check with your physician on what they recommend you stay away from, including prescription drugs. Some of the items mentioned above have been linked to miscarriages and low birth weight.
7. Learn as Much as You Can
Search the Internet, take classes, or ask questions to those who have been through it all before. The more information you have, the more knowledge you have to make wise choices. Most moms will love to talk about their pregnancies and what worked well for them, and what didn’t. Check out a book from your library on pregnancy. It will help you know what to expect.
8. Drink Plenty of Water For a Healthy Pregnancy
Drinking plenty of water is typically a healthy habit, even when you are not pregnant but especially important to a healthy pregnancy. Dehydration can lead to early labor, which is something to avoid at all cost. However, if you start to experience abnormal swelling, call your doctor. A little in the hands and feet is normal, but keep an eye on it.
9. Tips For Dressing Comfortably During Pregnancy
When you become pregnant it is inevitable that your body is going to change and expand. Some people try to hide it for as long as they can, still trying to squeeze into their skinny jeans and end up making themselves uncomfortable. You need to accept that you body is going to change and get bigger and plan your wardrobe accordingly. There is a lot more choice in the market now days so mothers to be can still dress trendy and fashionable. Especially with the popularity of internet shopping as you can find plenty of choice of cheap and affordable maternity clothes available online.
Goods shoes are a must and you need to make sure you wear footwear which is both supportive and comfortable. You may also wish to invest in compression socks to help prevent varicose veins. You will also need to get a good maternity or nursing bra and get yourself the proper support as this may help with back pains which can be a common occurrence both during and after the pregnancy.
10. Adequate Rest
Ensure you get enough sleep, and consider napping during the day if needed. Use pillows for support while sleeping, especially as your belly grows.
Conclusion
Attend prenatal classes to learn about childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. Read reliable pregnancy books and websites for information. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, so it’s essential to tailor these tips to your specific situation. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance throughout your pregnancy journey.
The above pregnancy tips for first time moms are just a handful of ways to increase your odds for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. You should always consult your physician about your specific condition. These tips are in no way meant to replace advice from a qualified medical professional.
You may also be interested in these pregnancy skin care tips. What tips did your doctor give you for a healthy pregnancy?
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