Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Pregnancy

Going back to where I started during my past two pregnancies, I was not cautious at first. After a month I began to search healthy cautions about pregnancy when my body reacts differently as it bothers me a lot. I even bought books and magazines, and read and read…It didn’t fail me…I learned how to set limitations and discipline during my second pregnancy, but there are some uncontrolled outdoor irritants such as airborne diseases that might really affect baby’s health. To be sure, healthy ways would still best benefit the mother and the child.

Different strategies of healthy lifestyle may vary on the person or a pregnant woman itself, but these strategies give positive outcome on the child bearing process.

Set good nutrition

Even before pregnancy, good nutrition or a balanced diet (protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and a minimum amount of fats and sweets) must be kept in mind. The fetus will be dependent on your body. Opt for healthy foods instead of chocolates and chips, these are high in fat and low in nutrition.

According to the FDA Consumer Magazine March-April 1999), foods with vitamin B and folic acid may reduce the risk of getting birth defects of the spinal cord and the brain. Sources such as beans, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables and nuts. They also require flour products to be folic acid certified.

Milk supplements for pregnant moms have enough folate but not all women likes to drink milk just like my friend Ronna. I even suggest to her that it is great for the baby. She really doesn’t like it. As a supplement, she took multivitamins. This will help her acquired the right amount of folic acid, and fills up gaps on a woman’s diet to help maintain adequate amount of daily mineral intake.

Control over yourself

For nine months you are about to experience changes, and these changes might really affect ones discipline. Here are some tips on what to avoid on taking extra care of yourself.

• Do not give yourself a chance to be tempted with anything, especially drinking alcoholic drinks at home or even on parties. Alcohol may cause facial abnormalities and mental retardation in babies.
• Stop smoking as early as possible. Members of the family should also quit from smoking, for second hand smoke will threaten the life of the fetus that causes poor birth weight and lung problems.
• Avoid salty food; this will encourage retention of fluid intake that leads to swelling of feet and fingers.

Infections..keep them away!

Infections could occur anytime and in any place, so be aware of the symptoms. Treatment should be recommended by doctors and not by you alone.

Colds and flu can be prevented by having enough rest and avoid exposing yourself to crowded places. Over the counter medicines are not advisable unless approved by a doctor.

Urinary tract infection may be prevented by drinking lots of water and avoiding spicy and food with preservatives. I had experienced this kind of infection and there are antibiotics prescribed to me which is safe for the baby.

HIV infection can be a threat to the unborn child; a mother can take medications during pregnancy and for the baby after birth.

Lighten up!

Have some exercise if it is approved by your doctor. I make sure I have time to loosen up and unwind, I love to walk on the park in mornings. Walking, swimming, biking or cycling (done after 26 weeks) and aerobics class are some of the choices for workouts. Just ensure to your doctor or midwife that it is OK for you. Remember that strenuous activities and extreme sports is a no no..

Get your husband to help

Your husband must be willing to accompany you and stick to the rules to help you stay on track. Expectant fathers should be sensitive to their partners and be attentive to the needs of his wife and the baby. I for sure you need your husband especially when it comes to emotional anxieties.

Seek for professional help

See a doctor if you would not been able to stop hazardous habits or even decisions on taking medications. Professional help is a great way of dealing with uncertainties and speculations on health issues.

At work

You can ask your boss to adjust your working hours. Pregnant woman can easily be stressed. A family-friendly company will help you to adjust easily.

Take a break; don’t be too harsh on yourself. Healthy pregnancy can be achieved in keeping your goals and your baby in mind, stick to the plan and stay firm.

I am not a healthy concious individual, but when my pregnancy comes, it's more than the healthy way of bearing a child, it's for my baby's sake for the rest of the nine months and as he grows.