A Guide to Having a Healthy Pregnancy: Essential Antenatal Advice for Mothers
The two positive lines on the pregnancy test are one of the best feelings for parents. As exciting as this phase is, pregnancy can bring a unique set of challenges. With everyone giving you different advice, it’s difficult to know who to follow. It’s important to see your obstetrician in Navi Mumbai immediately if your pregnancy test is positive. They will prescribe folic supplements (if you aren’t already taking them) and nutrition tips to keep the mother and the baby healthy. In the meantime, let’s see how you can prepare yourself for pregnancy.
Preconception Health: What You Need to Know Before You Get Pregnant
If you are planning a pregnancy, your healthcare provider will discuss your medical condition, any complications in previous pregnancies, any medication you are currently taking, and your family history of medical issues to rule out the possibility of any complications in conceiving. You should start 400mg of folic supplements right away.
You also need to stop the consumption of alcohol, drugs, and smoking to prevent the risk of pre-term birth, stillbirth, or miscarriage. Starting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercising is key to maintaining a healthy weight for pregnancy.
Nutrition During Pregnancy
The calorie count for the day increases as your pregnancy progresses. Ideally, your body needs 300 extra calories daily to meet your baby’s growth requirement. You should get it from protein, vegetables, fruits, and other healthy foods. Cut down on sweets, junk food, and other unhealthy foods that offer little to no nutrition. Here’s what to include in your pregnancy diet:
- Green leafy vegetables and fruits
- Fat-free dairy items
- Foods rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, like fish
- Lamb, fish, beans, and other sources of protein
Also Read: What Is A High-risk Pregnancy?
Common Pregnancy Complications and How to Manage Them
Pregnancy complications can occur in any phase of your pregnancy. In the first trimester, there’s an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage due to genetic defects or a medical condition.
Later in your pregnancy, you should get screened for gestational diabetes and hypertension. Anemia is also a common problem in women during the second trimester. If you notice any unusual symptoms during pregnancy, reach out to your obstetrician immediately to prevent further complications.
Preparing for Labor and Delivery
A pregnancy care hospital in Navi Mumbai recommends you take antenatal classes to learn about labor and prepare your body for it as early as possible. Talk to your gynecologist about the exercises during pregnancy.
You will start with walking, swimming, and basic exercises in the first trimester. As your pregnancy progresses, your healthcare provider will recommend strength training and exercises that can help during labor.
Postpartum Care
The first few weeks after delivery are crucial for the mother’s health. With the responsibility of a newborn, the mothers sometimes forget they have delivered a baby. Your body needs rest and time to heal. Eat well and avoid heavy lifting, climbing stairs often, etc. Practice mild exercises, as recommended by your obstetrician, and keep the stressors away.