Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy

Summary: A healthy pregnancy period plays a vital role in the overall well-being of your baby.
Here are the basics that you, as a newly pregnant mother, should know for a safe, enjoyable
and healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy, besides being one of the most special durations of your life, is a time where thernfocus is you. Taking good care of your health – both physical and psychological – is of utmostrnimportance during this crucial period. Here are a few steps to ensure a wonderful and healthyrnpregnancy:

1) Eat balanced meals: Contrary to popular belief, the excess intake of calories required

by your body during pregnancy is only around two hundred calories – the equivalent ofrna couple of slices of toast and butter. You need adequate and wholesome nutrition, sornwhile you might be turned off some foods, aim to replace those with others that offerrna similar nutritional value. Increase your intake of proteins and dairy foods if you takernthem in lesser quantities, for a healthy pregnancy. Keep yourself hydrated throughoutrnthe day – lime juice, tender coconut water, and fresh fruit and vegetable juices arernalways recommended, as they contain necessary vitamins and minerals. Eat five to sixrnregular meals a day, with large portions of vegetables and fruits for that essential fiber.
2) Exercise regularly: A good exercise program can aid in a myriad of ways for a healthyrnpregnancy. For one, your body will adapt better to the physical stress and gain strength
to carry the extra weight. Exercise regimens have also been scientifically proven to haverna feel-good factor, which keeps you in a good mood and boosts your spirits. If you arerna regular with exercise, continue with your regimen as long as you are comfortable. Ifrnnot, try walking, yoga, or gentle exercises such as aqua-aerobics. Strengthen your pelvicrnmuscles, as these are the ones most affected during pregnancy. You can try pelvic floorrnexercises which are easy to practice while doing day-to-day activities.
3) Rest adequately: If you are a work-savvy businesswoman, this is perhaps the mostrnimportant piece of advice you will need during your pregnancy. The fatigue and thernoverwhelming changes in your body are signals to slow down. Try to cut down on work-hours, and accept as much help as is extended. Put your legs up and relax, stretch, orrneven experiment with a little mild yoga during those stressful hours, if you cannot affordrnthe comfort of a kip during daytime. For a healthy pregnancy, sleep adequately andrncomfortably, and make up for lost sleep quickly. Rest is of utmost importance.
4) Cut down on alcohol, smoking, and caffeine: These are the three devils that can wreck

havoc to a healthy pregnancy period. Ensure that you don’t take in more than two cups
of coffee or alcohol a day during your pregnancy. Women who smoke stand the risk ofrnmiscarriage and pre-mature delivery, so stop smoking altogether during this nine-monthrnperiod. Avoid prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke, and switch to decaffeinatedrncoffee or tea.