When I found out I was pregnant, I was so excited. However that excitement turned into anxiety and panic. I had never been pregnant before and did not know where to start. If you are expecting for the first time its okay to feel a little scared. I did so much research in my first pregnancy to give myself comfort. The thing to remember is that knowledge is power. I bought the baby books and watch the Youtube videos because I wanted to make sure that I gave my baby everything she needed to flourish. Here are 12 Healthy pregnancy tips for first time moms that made pregnancy much easier for me.
This post is about 12 healthy pregnancy tips for first time moms
1. Routine Doctor Visits
The first thing that you should do once you know that you are pregnant is to find a doctor. It is important to make sure that you are keeping up with your doctor visits. Doing so can help diagnose life threatening complications during pregnancy such as preemclapsia, strokes, and seizures. You also want to make sure that your baby is meeting fetal developmental milestones. If your baby is not on track, there may be an underline condition that needs to be addressed.
2. Put You and Your Baby First
Being pregnant means that you have a pass to be a little selfish. After all, you are growing a life within your body. Having your first baby is exciting and scary at the same time. Nevertheless your baby is depending on you to protect them from harm and getting them into the world. If a person or situation is not helping your pregnancy, you might want to distance yourself from them.
3.Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking an abundance of water is necessary during pregnancy. Some benefits of drinking water during pregnancy is it decreases constipation, swelling, and increases energy. It can also decrease your changes of getting a urinary tract infection. Water is also responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen to your baby. How much water should a pregnant woman drink a day? Around 8 to 12 cups of water. If this feels like a daunting task, try getting a cute water bottle that keeps track with how much you are drinking.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet
Along with drinking plenty of water, you should also eat healthy food while pregnant. Eat a balance diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other folate rich foods. Eating healthy during pregnancy means that you and your baby will have the vitamins and minerals you both need to get through your pregnancy.
5. Reduce Stress
Stressing during pregnancy will only increase your chances of having a health complication. Stress increases your cortisol levels which can raise your blood pressure. Stress can decrease your immune system and can even cause you to age faster. Make sure that you remove any stressors that are in your life. If you can’t, try to reduce your interaction with the stressful situation and or person.
6. Excercise
Light exercise during pregnancy can help with keeping your body at a healthy weight. You should not try to lose weight or diet during pregnancy. This can cause malnutrition which can result into your baby being underweight. Nevertheless exercising during pregnancy offer benefits such as boosting your mood and energy, reducing aches and pains, and increasing your strength and endurance. You should not do any strenuous exercises, instead, take a short walk on a nice day.
7.Have a Good Support System
Having a good support system during pregnancy can decrease some of the worry and stress you may have. When you know that you have a suppose system, it gives you the courage and confidence to get through your pregnancy. Having a support system after pregnancy is imperative especially for a first time mother. It is important to surround yourself with knowledgeable, caring, and loving people that will support and your baby. Doing this can decrease your chances of falling into postpartum depression.
8. Take Your Prenatal Vitamins and Prescribed Medication
Taking your prenatal vitamins means that you are making sure that you and your baby are getting all the nutrients and vitamins that you need. Sometimes you might not get the the nourishment you need from food. This can be due to several reasons such as poor diet, nausea, and vomiting. If your doctor has prescribed you medication make sure you take them as prescribed. Taking medication during pregnancy can prevent short term or permanent health complications from happening.
9. Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting plenty of sleep can be difficult for a pregnant woman. In the beginning of pregnancy, your symptoms might prevent you from resting. As your baby and pregnancy bump gets bigger, it may become difficult to find a comfortable position. If you are having restless nights, try using a pregnancy pillow. This can provide support for your back, pregnant belly, and legs. Being more comfortable can make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
10.Educate Yourself
Since this is your first pregnancy, it is very important that you educate yourself. Learning what is normal and what is not during pregnancy can prevent a major health crisis during pregnancy. Know the symptoms of pregnancy and what is considered normal discharge. Listen to your body and know when something is wrong. If you are unsure go to your delivering hospital. It is best to know that everything okay than to be sitting wondering.
11.Avoid Using Drugs or Alcohol
Using drugs and alcohol during pregnancy is extremely dangerous. Drugs can lead to preterm labor, stillbirth, and brith defects. Drugs can also make your baby dependent on them, leading to drug withdrawal after delivery. Consuming alcohol can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. FAS causes brain damage and growth problems. There is no safe amount of drugs or alcohol to consume during pregnancy.
12.Reduce Caffeine Consumption
It is okay to come a small amount of caffeine occasionally. A pregnant woman should only consume about two six ounce cups of caffeine per day.If you must have your favorite cup of coffee, try decaf instead.Consuming too much caffeine causes nervousness, restlessness, and insominia. Instead of coffee, try a herbal tea instead.
