Congratulations! You just found out that you are pregnant, what next? You want to protect your little bundle at all costs.
Henceforth, you’re responsible for helping your child(ren) grow in a nurturing, healthy environment.
According to a United Kingdom-based medical organisation, Baby Centre, which researches the causes of miscarriages, stillbirths and premature births, as well as provides pregnancy health information, states in a September 2019 article that pregnant women must know the following for safe delivery and Healthline
1. Eat a balanced diet
To support your unborn child, eat a balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals. Fish is full of protein, vitamin D, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for the development of your baby’s nervous system.
If you don’t like fish, you can get omega-3 fatty acids from other foods, such as soy products, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables such as spinach and Brussels sprouts.
Water is part of a healthy diet, stay hydrated, take about eight glasses of fluid daily. You need more water now that you’re pregnant to produce extra blood and amniotic fluid.
Drinking plenty helps to prevent constipation and tiredness too. water helps to stay hydrated, other drinks such as fruit juice, etc can be high in sugar, hence, it is advised to take it in moderation.
The healthiest way to stay hydrated is by drinking water, but other options boost your daily fluid intake, such as fruit teas and skimmed or semi-skimmed milk. Fresh fruit juice is packed with vitamin C but can be high in sugar, so drink in moderation.
2. Regular exercise:
Exercise is good for mother and child. It is also helpful in combating insomnia, muscle pain, excessive weight gain, mood problems.
If you regularly exercised before you became pregnant, keep it up. Talk with your doctor about any adjustments you should make to your routine, especially as you move into your second and third trimesters.
Ensure to discuss with your medical practitioner the kind of exercise you should do because football, hockey, martial arts, etc. should be avoided because it puts you at risk of being hit. Your exercise routine should include climbing the stairs, walking, etc.
3. Avoid toxins:
Toxics like tobacco, cannabis, illicit drugs intake during pregnancy is linked to birth defects, miscarriage and others. Smoking cigarettes, for example, decreases oxygen flow to your baby; it’s linked to birth defects and other complications.
“If you can’t stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs, let your doctor know,” recommends Roger Harms, M.D, an Ob-Gyn at the Mayo Clinic. A doctor can offer advice and support, as well as refer you to a helpful programme.
4. Not advisable to travel in the last trimester
The possibility of going into labour is higher in the last trimester. Besides, there might not be a medical professional to assist when the need arises.
5. Move along with your antenatal notes
Antenatal notes contain your medical and pregnancy records. It should come in handy in case of an emergency.
6. Take your vaccinations
You will get certain vaccines from your health professionals to boost your antibodies, do well to use them.
7. Sleep on your side and monitor your baby movement.
Sleep on your side in the last trimester, it reduces the chances of having a stillbirth. Monitor your child’s movement and if you notice anything awkward communicate with your healthcare provider.
