Nine Healthy Practices for Expecting Mothers

From the early stages of conception through childbirth, expecting mothers undergo significant physical and emotional changes. Almost 80% of women have healthy pregnancies and deliveries, but complications are rising. Between 2014 and 2018, pregnancy complications rose by more than 16%, while childbirth complications rose by more than 14%.

According to various research, women with pregnancy complications are twice as likely to experience childbirth complications. Hence, it is necessary to ensure a healthy pregnancy to reduce the risks of future childbirth complications and promote the well-being of both mother and baby.

But how can expecting mothers ensure a healthy pregnancy? Today, we will explore nine healthy practices that expecting mothers can adopt to ensure a healthy pregnancy. So, let’s get started.

Regular Prenatal Care

As an expecting mother, regular prenatal care is vital to ensure the well-being of both you and your developing baby. Prenatal care involves routine check-ups, tests, and ultrasounds that

monitor the progress of your pregnancy. Pregnant women who see their doctors often during their pregnancies are more likely to have smooth pregnancies and safe deliveries.

Prenatal care also provides expecting mothers the support and guidance they need to navigate the pregnancy journey. While prenatal care can help prevent birth injuries, it’s essential to understand that sometimes, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, birth injuries can still occur. If your child has suffered a birth injury, seeking legal help from a trusted birth injury law firm is important. Working with experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights and options and provide the support and guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. By taking these steps, you can focus on your recovery and your baby’s health, knowing that your legal needs are being taken care of.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential during pregnancy. Water helps maintain the balance of body fluids and aids in the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. Dehydration can lead to premature labor and, in severe cases, can cause congenital disabilities.

Drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day is recommended. Other sources of fluids, such as milk, juice, and soup, can also contribute to your daily fluid intake. Avoid drinks with caffeine and sugar, as they can cause dehydration. If you’re experiencing nausea or vomiting, try drinking small sips of water throughout the day instead of large amounts at once.

Balanced Diet

Consuming vitamins, minerals, and protein-rich foods is essential during pregnancy. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and dairy products provide the necessary nutrients for fetal development.

Avoid consuming processed foods and those high in sugar and fats, as they can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day is essential to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Consult a healthcare provider regarding the appropriate calorie intake and recommended weight gain during pregnancy.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and other complications. Exercise also helps in maintaining good mental health during pregnancy. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting an exercise routine to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you and your developing baby.

You can do low-impact exercises such as prenatal yoga, swimming, or walking during pregnancy. Avoid high-impact activities, especially those that risk falling or injury. Don’t overdo any physical activity; listen to your body and take breaks.

Get Enough Rest

During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes, and proper rest allows the body to adapt to these changes. It’s recommended that expecting mothers aim to get at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night to ensure their body gets adequate rest. Getting enough rest can help reduce stress levels, lower the risk of preterm labor, and promote healthy fetal development.

However, getting enough rest during pregnancy is difficult, with frequent bathroom breaks, discomfort, and insomnia. If you struggle to get enough rest, try taking naps during the day, use relaxation techniques, and avoid screens before going to bed.

Avoid Harmful Substances

Harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs can severely affect fetal development, including low birth weight and congenital disabilities. Cigarette nicotine can constrict blood vessels and decrease oxygen flow to the fetus. At the same time, alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, leading to lifelong physical and mental disabilities.

Additionally, taking different drugs can lead to preterm labor, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. While it may be difficult to quit these substances, seeking help and support from healthcare providers, friends, and family is essential.

Practice Kegels As an expecting mother, doing Kegel exercises is essential to prepare your body for childbirth and prevent urinary incontinence. Kegel exercises involve tightening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These exercises can be done discreetly throughout the day, making them easy to fit into your daily routine.

Kegel exercises can also help prepare the pelvic floor muscles for the demands of childbirth, reducing the risk of tearing or injury during delivery. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider to ensure you are doing Kegel exercises correctly and effectively.

Take Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated to provide essential nutrients that can be difficult to get through diet alone. These vitamins contain folic acid, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy fetal development and help prevent complications such as congenital disabilities, anemia, and low birth weight.

It’s essential to start taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy, as the critical stages of fetal development occur early in the first trimester. However, it’s never too late to start taking prenatal

vitamins. If you’re unsure which prenatal vitamin to take or have concerns, consult a healthcare provider.

Avoid Stress

Pregnancy can be stressful, and managing stress to prevent complications such as preterm labor and low birth weight is essential—practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga. Take breaks and practice self-care regularly.

Avoid stressful situations and people when possible. Connect with other expecting mothers and join support groups to share experiences and receive support. Maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize rest.

Conclusion

Adopting healthy practices during pregnancy is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby. Regular prenatal care, getting enough rest, managing stress, and staying hydrated are some ways for expecting mothers to ensure a healthy pregnancy. While these healthy practices can help prevent complications, sometimes birth injuries can still occur. In such a scenario, one can contact a reputable birth injury law firm to seek legal help and support.

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