There are certain milestones in life that change us forever. If you are pregnant and have a baby on the way, it is time to make healthier life choices. Pregnancy can be an exciting time for a couple. However, if you are having a baby for the first time, there are some things that you should know and be careful of while you are pregnant. From keeping a check on your body weight to switching your diet, there are many changes that you can make in your lifestyle habits. To help give your baby the healthiest start in life, here are some important tips.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Almost everyone knows the importance of gaining a healthy amount of weight during the period of pregnancy. It helps the baby grow healthily and avoid serious problems during the birthing process. However, losing control over your body weight can result in health problems for the mother as well as the baby. Gaining too much or having too little weight can also be problematic. It is vital to maintain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy so that you can return to your normal weight after the delivery.
Switch to a Healthy Diet
If you’re pregnant then you must keep track of how much you eat and drink. Moreover, having a nutritious diet and drinking ample amounts of water during the initial stages of your pregnancy can help you and your baby to have a healthy body. You must consume low-calorie and nutritious foods. When you’re pregnant, you need to be extra careful about your calorie intake. The amount of calories that you need depends on several things including your age, body metabolism, and your body weight before the pregnancy.
Perform Physical Activity
One of the most frequently asked questions by pregnant women is whether they should be physically active during their pregnancy. Doctors recommend that all women, especially those in their pregnancy period, should engage in physical activities. With regular exercise and physical activity, you can greatly reduce the chances of bloating, cramps, and backaches. While you may plan to carry your newborn in the best highback booster seats, you must still perform physical activities in between your gestation phase. It can also highly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, postpartum depression, and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Apart from helping you and your baby maintain a healthy weight, performing physical activity can reduce the length of postpartum recovery and labor. With that said, staying active can reduce the risk and need of having a C-section.
Count Your Calories
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you have a healthy weight during the conception of the baby, you won’t need any extra calories during your first trimester of pregnancy. In your second trimester, you’ll need an extra 350 calories every day in your diet. In your third trimester, you will need to add about 450 calories every day to your diet. However, during the final weeks of your pregnancy, you may not need any extra calories.
Since we all have different body types, the requirements for each of us may differ. In case you are under the recommended weight, you may need to increase your calorie intake. Alternatively, if you have gained too much weight, chances are high that your doctor will advise you to cut down on your calorie intake.
Tips to Stay Active
If you are pregnant with a baby, you don’t need to necessarily perform full physical exercises, but rather take small conscious steps to stay active. To be physically active while you’re pregnant, you should make it a habit to move around at least once every hour. You can go for a walk in a local park or the housing society where you live. You can ask your family members and friends to accompany you when you go for a stroll. If you sit on a chair or a couch for most of your days, you must get up and get moving in regular intervals. You can even walk around your house to stay active when you are pregnant.
Consult your doctor to find out the recommended amount of weight to lower the chances of you or your baby having weight-related problems and obesity in later years. In addition, it is best to consult with your healthcare professional about how many calories you need during your pregnancy. Simple activities like walking or a prenatal yoga class early in the morning are the easiest to commit to and probably the most beneficial during pregnancy.