Pregnancy is a great time for you as a woman to start taking great care of yourself. This is because your emotional and physical well-being will also affect your growing baby. Follow these guidelines so as to ensure that you enhance your chances of having a pregnancy that has no problem and give birth to a healthy child.
Consult your doctor
When you discover that you are pregnant, it is important for you to schedule a meeting with your midwife or a general practitioner. This will enable you to plan for your antenatal care. When you start your medical care early, you will get excellent advice on having a healthy pregnancy from experts who have handled Mother and Pregnancy before. You will also have adequate time to schedule any tests needed and ultrasound scans. Your doctor can also help you determine your due date using a due date calculator.
Take folic acid
You should start and continue taking your folic acid every day. Usually, you will be expected to take approximately 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. Folic acid is usually given as vitamin supplements when a mother starts her antenatal care. Folic is important because it lowers the chances of the baby developing neural tube defects. You can also enhance intake of this vitamin by taking foods that are enriched with folic acid, for example, cereal, bread, or pasta. Mothers who have had kids with neural tube defects before can reduce the probability of recurrence by taking about 4mg before and during their pregnancy.
Regular dental checkups
When you are expectant, your gums will become infected or inflamed. This is brought about by the hormonal changes, increased flow of blood and low immunity associated with pregnancy. Therefore, you should schedule regular checkups with your personal dentist. Dental care will not affect your pregnancy in any way.
Exercise
Exercise is essential if you want to enhance your physical health during your pregnancy. Whether you are pregnant or not, fitness aids in keeping your mind, bones, and heart healthy. You should strive to have approximately two and a half hours of moderate intensity exercises every week. Fitness will prevent and ease pains and aches associated with pregnancy, for instance, exhaustion, backaches, constipation, and varicose veins. Women who are active throughout their pregnancy tend to be ready for labor and delivery and they usually recover faster than those who do not exercise.
Eat well
Ensure that you eat a healthy and balanced diet throughout the pregnancy. You must eat ample vegetables and fruits every day. You should also take carbohydrates like pasta, rice, or bread. Opt for wholegrain carbohydrates because they have lots of fiber. Your meals should also contain proteins like milk, pulses, dairy products, fish, eggs, lean meat and nuts. Avoid over eating when you are expectant.
Estimate your due date
Ensure that you know your estimated due date. This will enable you prepare in advance for the arrival of the baby.
