Pregnancy and lifestyle changes

Living a healthy lifestyle is very important for every individual as It keeps us looking young, mitigates disease, and boosts our energy levels. Living a healthy lifestyle while pregnant, or trying to conceive, is even more important when it comes to the overall health of a pregnant woman. A healthy lifestyle will help ensure that your pregnancy is normal and your baby develops in a natural and healthy manner. Following a healthy lifestyle also increases fertility rates and helps your baby receive essential vitamins and minerals needed for growth. Yet in a world where unhealthy lifestyles trump healthy ones, it is difficult to get the information you need to follow a good routine.

There are a number of lifestyle factors that affect fertility in women, in men, or in both. These include but are not limited to nutrition, weight, and physical exercise; psychological stress; environmental and occupational exposures; substance and drug use and abuse; and also the medications.

With a vast And changing world of knowledge right at our fingertips, you’d think things would get easier. Everyone knows the importance of avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy and beyond for normal beings, but there are other, lesser-known changes in your lifestyle that will perpetuate a healthy pregnancy lifestyle. Good nutrition, daily exercise, and adequate sleep hours are the keys to healthy living. A healthy lifestyle keeps you fit, and energetic and at reduced the risk for disease. 

Eat healthy foods.

Eating healthy foods is important for everyone, especially pregnant women. Your baby needs nutrients to grow healthy and strong in your womb. Eat plenty of colorful fruits and green vegetables, whole grains, calcium-rich foods, and foods that are low in saturated fat.

 Take a daily prenatal vitamin.

Taking a daily prenatal multivitamin can help ensure you get the right amount of the key nutrients that you and your baby need during the pregnancy period. These may include folic acid, iron, and calcium. 

 Stay hydrated.

A pregnant woman’s body needs more water than normally it did before pregnancy. Aim for at least eight or more cups of water each day.

Go to your prenatal care check-ups.

Women should get regular prenatal care from their trusted health care provider. Moms who don’t get regular prenatal care are much more likely to have a baby with low birth weight or other medical complications. If available, consider group prenatal care with other pregnant women.

Avoid certain foods.

There are certain foods that women should avoid eating during pregnancy. 

Don’t eat:

• Raw or rare meats
• Liver, sushi, raw eggs (also in mayonnaise)
• Soft cheeses (feta, brie)
• Unpasteurized milk

Raw and unpasteurized animal products can cause food poisoning to you and your baby. Some fish, even when cooked, can be harmful to a growing baby because they’re high in mercury Content.

Don’t smoke.

Smoking is a very unhealthy habit for you and your unborn child. It increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), premature birth, miscarriage, and other poor pregnancy outcomes.

Get moving.

Daily exercise or staying active in other ways can help you stay healthy during pregnancy times. Check with your doctor to find out how much physical activity is good for you.

 Get a flu shot.

The flu can make a pregnant woman very sick and increase the risk of complications for your baby's growth. The flu shot can protect you from serious illness and help protect your baby after birth, too so don’t forget to ask your doctor about getting a flu shot.

 Get plenty of sleep.

Ample sleep is very important for you and your baby. Try to sleep on your left side to improve blood flow.

Reduce stress.

Reducing a sufficient amount of stress is crucial for improving labor outcomes. Pregnant women should avoid stressful situations as much as they can. Recruit your loved ones to help you manage stress in your life.