TIPS FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY

Pregnancy is such a beautiful journey which sometimes could go the wrong way. Never fault yourself or your spouse when things go wrong. Every pregnant mom hopes to have a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy. It’s our utmost delight to share with you some key tips to fostering a healthy pregnancy. This does not in any way mean to expect a completely perfect pregnancy after sticking to the tips below. However, like everything else in life, you ought to do your part!

• MINDSET IS KEY

For many pregnancy comes with many unpleasant experiences like nausea, fatigue, insomnia, pelvic girdle pain, and many more. Through all the discomforts, try to create and maintain a positive mindset as much as you can. Half of the lengthy journey is won with your MINDSET. Do things you enjoy doing as long as they keep you and the little one safe for as long as you can. Focus on positive things. Try to not hinge your mind on the things that seem to be going wrong, like the not so good news from the doctors. Remember that it’s a journey with an end and you will always have just one of each pregnancy; so ENJOY it.

• EAT HEALTHY

If you plant a seed in the ground, you nurture it. You water it. You provide manure and do all the necessary things to ensure its growth and vitality. With pregnancy, the seed is your BABY. You have to nurture it by eating right. For the months that you carry your baby in you, you will need to be intentional about what you consume, food or drink.

• TAKE YOUR VITAMINS

Vitamins go a long way in ensuring you have sufficient amount of key nutrients that are needed for you and your baby during the time of pregnancy. Mama, you will be doing your unborn a disservice by not taking vitamins. Discuss with your physician if you are experiencing difficulties with keeping your vitamins down when you take them due to nausea so they can recommend other options. During your appointments, and also outside your appointments, familiarize yourself with neural tube defects and other defects that could come as a result of vitamin depletion.

• EXERCISE

We do not encourage that you exercise to lose weight at this time. With pregnancy comes weight gain more often than not. However, we encourage that you exercise to stay fit and also to regulate your weight as excessive weight gain may not be great in the end. Exercise during pregnancy will help regulate your mood, keep you stronger and more relaxed and also lead to better sleep. Research also shows that it leads to improved labor and delivery outcomes. You do not have to run a marathon. A simple walk will go a long way.

• STAY HYDRATED

Your incredible body does a lot of work during pregnancy. Being dehydrated slows down overall body function and has been linked to some issues like preterm labor, false labor, etc.

• DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Your doctor underwent intense trainings just for you! So splurge on it. Ask questions. Make a list prior to your appointments so you do not forget. Know that every question or comment is important and could be a signal to something that should not be missed. If you feel like you are being dismissed or that your doctor does not take the time to explain things to you, let he/she know how you feel! And if things do not change, you can go to a different physician who has an attentive ear and is ever ready to help!

• DON’T RUSH

Remember your sanity is key at this point. Pace yourself with everything- from chores, to job duties, to childcare and everything in between. Be graceful with yourself. You are nurturing a whole human, who may change the world in the future. Cut yourself some slack mama!!