Healthy mommy = healthy baby. How to take care of yourself during pregnancy

It’s obvious that the way you take care of yourself during pregnancy has an influence on your baby’s health. Growing fetus needs to receive the necessary nutrients for growth and should not be exposed to harmful factors. There is really a lot of things that you can do, to prevent pregnancy complications and give birth to a healthy baby.

Here are few tips how future moms should take care of themselves during pregnancy.

1. If you took pregnancy test and it came out positive, you should go to see your gynecologist who will do the ultrasound, order you’re a blood test and, if necessary, other tests.
2. Eat healthy and try to maintain proper weight. You should not gain too much weight because it might increase the risk of gestational diabetes and it will be more difficult to lose those extra pounds after the childbirth. Moreover, if the baby is really big already in your womb, it will have greater tendency to be overweight in adulthood and the birth may be more difficult for you.
3. Don’t take any drugs, supplements or herbal remedies without consulting it with your doctor. Even the medicines available without prescription might cause fetal malformations. The highest risk occurs during first three months of pregnancy, however future moms should be careful during the whole nine months. Always consult with your gynecologist what drugs you can take.
4. Take supplements with folic acid and other essential vitamins and minerals, including iodine and vitamin D3. However, do not take any supplements without consulting it with your doctor. Folic acid plays a crucial role in the first trimester because it helps to close part of neural tube, from which the brain and spinal cord develop. The defects of neural tube are extremely dangerous for the health and life of the baby.
5. Do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, do not take drugs, do not use the sauna or jacuzzi.
   These are the basic rules that will help you to go through the pregnancy and stay healthy and optimistic.
6. Remember about the physical activity that may help you feel more comfortable during the pregnancy: walking, fitness classes and swimming are excellent forms of activity for pregnant women. You can also continue exercising after the childbirth, when you feel better. Half an hour of exercising a day is the perfect solution. Here are some rules that you should follow:
• Consult it with your doctor, if there are no contraindications to exercise. If your pregnancy is at risk, physical activity might be dangerous!
• If you can and want to stay active, don’t choose sports that may lead to falling down, bumping around or carrying heavy things and cause body overload.
• Always stay hydrated.
• If you notice any disturbing symptoms (for example: blurred vision, severe weakness, chest pain, abdominal pain or cramps), contact with your doctor immediately.
• Exercise only until you feel good. If you feel tired or weak, take a break and rest.
7. Never ignore the disturbing signals such as:

• Blood or unusual vaginal discharge
• Sudden or intense swelling of the face or fingers
• Strong and persistent headaches
• Recurrent nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision, darkness in front of eyes
• Pain or cramps of the lower abdomen
• Chills or fever
• Changes in the feeling of the baby’s movement
• Pain/burning during urination
• Any kind of diseases and infections
• Anything else that worries you - always look for medical help in these situations

Always remember about your doctor recommendations, regarding eating and physical activity.