Pregnancy is a critical time for both the mother and the child. That is why it is essential to have a specialized provider like the South Charleston board certified OB-GYN to help you manage your health. Remember that pregnancy care begins even before you conceive, as you need to prepare your body for motherhood. Eating healthy, improving your mental health, and remaining physically active can help you have a healthy pregnancy. Here are some amazing pointers to help you achieve this.
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Get the Right Caregiver
Your journey to a healthy pregnancy begins way before conception, as mentioned earlier. Therefore, you have a major role in choosing the best caregiver you can find and establishing a close relationship with them. Take your time and ask around, consult your friends, or ask your general provider for a referral. Understand that getting the best caregiver will ensure you get more specialized care during your pregnancy, and they will also be there after birth. Remember also to choose a provider with whom you are confident and comfortable.
Make Your Prenatal Care Regular
Getting regular prenatal care is another great way to safeguard your health and that of your baby. Ensure you seek frequent appointments with your doctor, and you remain consistent for all the sessions. It is good to begin seeking prenatal care as early as when you are planning to get pregnant to understand how to prepare your body for the process. But even if you didn’t plan to get pregnant, but you realize or suspect you have conceived, it is a good time to start your appointments.
Commit to an Exercise Routine
Pregnancy comes with side effects like aching muscles, morning sickness, and extra-mid bodyweight, all of which can make doing exercises seem unpleasant. But consult your provider to understand how you can beat the effects and still do regular exercises. This will enhance your health and your baby’s health and will also make your delivery less difficult. Additionally, exercises will encourage healthy fetal growth and help in post-birth recovery.
Sleep Adequately
Quality sleep is critical during pregnancy, and you should ensure you get enough of it. Generally, aim at sleeping for about eight hours to ensure your body gets quality time for your growing baby’s development and make you feel better in the process. Additionally, ensure you are consistent in your sleeping and waking time every day to make your sleep deep and restful.
Consult Your Doctor About Prenatal Supplements
Some prenatal supplements are incredibly helpful in minimizing several congenital disabilities. Therefore, it would be helpful to consult your doctor to understand the suitable pills, vitamins, and supplements you need to take. Although most pregnant women will have to consume calcium, zinc, iron, and folic acid, you might need additional supplements depending on your unique needs.
Manage Your Weight
It is good to keep an eye on your weight during pregnancy to avoid impacting your health and that of your child. Although you will gain weight, the amount you gain should be checked to ensure it is healthy. Your provider will help you calculate your weight gain level depending on your weight and BMI before you conceive.
Several aspects affect your health during pregnancy. Reach out to Patel & Patel, MD, Inc today to learn how you can improve and maintain good health while pregnant. Improving your health and your baby’s health will ensure smooth birth and help to avoid birth complications and defects.