Deciding to have a baby is a big step, and a healthy mum (and dad) are the first pieces of the epigenetic puzzle to having a healthy baby. Here are 10 easy ideas to make sure you’re on the path to a healthy pregnancy during pre-conception.
Start supplementing
Begin taking a pre-pregnancy supplement like MamaCare for at least two months before conception so as to provide your body with the increased nutritional needs of pregnancy.
Eat well
Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. After all, the food you eat is your baby’s source of nutrition. Making good nutritious dietary choices will help promote your baby’s growth and development.
Reach and maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy helps you return to your pre-baby weight more quickly and also reduces the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Healthy weight gain is generally between 11.5-16 kg, depending on your pre-pregnancy BMI. During the first trimester, 1-2 kg of weight gain is considered normal. During the second and third trimesters, it’s normal to gain between 300-500 g per week. It’s best to consult with your doctor if you’re concerned about whether your weight gain is normal.
Get plenty of gentle exercise
Exercise helps you feel better about the changes that are happening to your pregnant body. It also helps you sleep better, gives you more energy and improves your mood.
Cut out alcohol
Just remember, everything you consume during your pregnancy, your baby consumes too. When you drink alcohol, it rapidly reaches your baby through your bloodstream and across the placenta. Alcohol can adversely affect your baby’s development. For ideas on how to survive the alcohol drought during pregnancy, read our helpful tips.
Stop smoking
Giving up smoking will make you feel great and give your baby a much better start in life. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of harm to your unborn baby.
Get plenty of rest
It is quite natural to be tired during your pregnancy. Your body is working very hard growing your baby, so listen to your body; if you are tired, get some rest…… It is good for both of you!
See your dentist
Pregnancy can lead to dental problems in some women including gum disease and tooth decay, so it is important to continue with regular checkups.
Start pelvic floor exercises
Pelvic floor exercises help to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. These muscles come under great strain in pregnancy and childbirth
Take extra care of yourself
This is the time in your life when you should remember look after yourself. Try not to become too stressed out during your pregnancy. It is a beautiful time of your life, enjoy it! Listen to soothing music, read books and spend time with your family and friends. Soon you will welcome your beautiful baby into this world and your life will never be quite the same.