When being first time pregnant, your first priority becomes taking care of your child. With this new responsibility its good to know how to take care of yourself for a healthy pregnancy while avoiding mishaps.
-Get early and regular prenatal care. No matter if it’s your first pregnancy or your fifth, you need to make sure you and your baby are healthy.
-Ask your doctor before stopping any medicines or starting any new medicines. Some medicines are not safe to take during pregnancy.
Many over the counter medicines as well as herbal remedies can cause harmful side effects to your unborn baby.
-Get a flu shot. The flu can cause a pregnant woman to get very sick.
-Eat a variety of healthy foods. Choose fruits, vegetables, foods high in fiber and calcium but low in saturated fats. You should also drink plenty of water.
-Protect yourself and your baby from illnesses caused by unsafe foods. You should wash all vegetables and fruits before eating and cook all meats and fish as well.
You should follow all safety protocols when it comes to handling, cleaning, cooking and storing food.
-DONT eat fish that contains mercury, including swordfish, king mackerel, shark, and tilefish.
-Read books, watch videos, go to a childbirth class, and talk with moms you know. The more information you get the better.
-You can ask your doctor about childbirth education classes. They can help you prepare for the birth of your baby.
-Unless advised against it, try to get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate exercise each week. You should spread out your exercising throughout the week to give yourself a break in between each session.
-Avoid sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time without taking a stretch break.
-DONT go lifting heavy items. The strain on your body isn’t good for the baby.
-Avoid cleaning out your cat’s litter box and wear gloves when working in the garden. Toxoplasmosis is a parasite infection that can be found in cat feces and the dirt outside. If not treated, it can cause birth defects
-Avoid contact with rodents, including pet rodents. They can carry a virus that can be harmful or even deadly to your unborn baby.
-Try to wash your hands frequently to avoid illness.
-Don’t use scented feminine hygiene products. Pregnant women should avoid these products, such as scented sanitary napkins, scented sprays, and scented bubble baths.
They can irritate your vagina area and you run the risk of getting a urinary tract infection or yeast infection.
-Stay away from chemicals like insecticides, solvents (like some cleaners or paint thinners), lead, mercury, and paint (including paint fumes).
Unfortunately, most of these products don’t contain pregnancy warnings. Ask a doctor before using any product that you are unsure about.
-Don’t use alcohol, recreational drugs or cigarettes. Avoid second-hand smoke.
Avoid straining to have a bowel movement.
Change your car seat and steering wheel to accommodate your growing belly.
-Change to a desk chair that makes you comfortable and has good back support.
-Move about carefully, especially when sitting or standing as your center of gravity and point of balance has shifted.
-Get plenty of sleep and try to limit the amount of stress in your life. It’s not good for you or the baby.
-Gain a healthy amount of weight. Your doctor should be able to tell you how much is safe for you to gain for a healthy pregnancy.
