Pregnancy should be a happy and joyful part of your life. You have many different options you can pursue in order to have a healthier pregnancy. Your own health is important, because how healthy you are affects the health of your unborn child. Follow our tips and you can see how to stay healthy during your pregnancy.
Start taking a prenatal vitamin while you are trying to conceive, or as soon as you first find out about that surprise pregnancy. There are special nutrients that are needed by your baby for proper development. The sooner you start taking prenatal vitamins, the better chance your baby has of getting the nutrients he or she needs.
Make sure you are educated about pregnancy. There are so many books and websites that you can read that will help you out. If you know what is supposed to be going on, it will calm your nerves, and you will also be able to tell if something is wrong.
Always wear sunscreen. This is especially important while you are pregnant. Don’t go near a tanning bed. Sensitive skin can lead to pregnancy mask and sunburns. However, make sure that the sunscreen you use contains only chemicals that are safe for your baby.
When you’re pregnant, try adding around 300-500 more calories to your everyday diet. You are helping grow another body so it is important to eat enough. Lean towards eating foods that are good for you, like fresh fruits and vegetables.
Make sure the water you’re drinking during your pregnancy is safe. Tap water may contain fluoride, percholate, and lead, while bottled water may contain the same impurities as well as other chemicals such as BPA. Instead, invest in a tap water filter, and use a stainless steel or glass water bottle when out of the house.
It is very important that a pregnant woman maintain a life that is stress-free. Not only is it possible for stress to cause issues within the woman, these problems can also be transferred through to the baby. In some cases, extreme amounts of stress can cause the baby to be born too soon.
Use your friends and family for some down home advice. Pregnancy is one of those things that everyone is happy to give you their two cents about. You have to take it all with a grain of salt, but there will be nuggets in there, that can help you have a much happier pregnancy.
Take a childbirth class. Classes are offered in many doctors’ offices and online. Topics covered include nutrition, exercise, relaxation, epidural anesthesia, pain relief in labor, preparing for labor and childbirth, as well as breastfeeding and baby care. Classes are generally offered once a week over a six to eight week period. Studies show that couples that attend regular childbirth classes are prepared and relaxed during childbirth.
If you are not sure how to handle a child or a newborn, talk to the mothers that you know. Offer to babysit for them. This way you are getting some experience, and your friend is getting a well deserved break from being a mother. Just keep in mind that no two children are the same!
Slightly increase your calorie intake while pregnant. The phrase “eating for two” isn’t just a cute throwaway line. Expecting mothers need to eat about 500 additional calories a day to adequate provide for the baby’s needs. Make sure that extra calorie intake is composed of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.
These tips should show you some simple things to do or avoid to make sure that both you and your future child stay as healthy as possible. Use the tips you have learned from this article, and you and your baby will thrive.