Your health is incredibly important, and it is especially important during pregnancy. Whether you are pregnant with your own or pregnant with a surro-babe, keeping up on healthy food and exercise is a must. Below are a few tips on how to stay healthy during pregnancy!
Exercise
Exercise during pregnancy can be challenging because you might be sick, tired, or busy with other kids. It is especially difficult when you get further along in your pregnancy. Some women are also high risk, and some are just not sure what exercises are safe for them ; however, try your best to get some type of exercise in your daily routine. One excellent way to keep moving, is to walk. You do not have to walk very much, either! Another tip is to do prenatal yoga! Prenatal yoga is gentle, and you can start from the minute you find out you are pregnant all the way until you are postpartum. While most physicians will say you can continue doing the same sorts of exercise you did before pregnancy, always talk to your doctor about what is safe for you personally, and especially if you are high risk.
Nutritious Diet
Did you know that you need to eat about 300 extra calories per day during pregnancy? Of course, everyone is different, but the typical pregnant woman needs 300 extra calories each day. Including fruits, veggies, whole-grains like bread and pasta, and lean meats in you diet is incredibly important. Don’t forget to get your calcium in too! If you don’t include calcium in your diet, then your body will start to take it from your bones, which can put you at risk for Osteoporosis or dental issues. Don’t forget that you should avoid certain cheeses, deli meat (or heat it up!), and fish that are high in mercury like tuna and swordfish.
Water, Water, and More Water!
Drinking fluids is another important thing to do during pregnancy to stay healthy and hydrated. If you drink water, that’s even better!! A woman’s body needs extra water during pregnancy to avoid dehydration and constipation. Nurses have said if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Don’t let it get to that point!! Try carrying a cute water tumbler or bottle to make it easier on you to drink water, even setting reminders on your phone to encourage you to stay hydrated. You can also try no-sugar water flavors or infuse your water with fruits to give yourself more variety. Try to stay away from caffeine or minimize your caffeine intake. Those soda and coffee cravings are tough to beat!!
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Growing a baby is exhausting! Mothers-to-be need at least 8-10 hours of sleep. Research has shown that not getting enough sleep can lead to pregnancy complications such as, Preeclampsia, high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. As you get further along in your oregnancy , you may become uncomfortable and it may be difficult to sleep. Try to lay on your left side and with a body pillow or pregnancy pillow between your knees.
Find time to relax!
It is especially vital to find time to relax. Whether it’s a bath, a walk alone, a prenatal massage (make sure it’s safe!), etc. Find time in your pregnancy, and after, for yourself.
All of this can be overwhelming to remember, but don’t worry, you can do it! Just keep in mind that you are growing a human being and that’s incredible. Don’t be hard on yourself. You are amazing, beautiful, and strong!