Are you expecting a new family member? Congratulations! Get ready to take a rollercoaster ride of overflowing emotions, physical changes, and a world of new experiences. As you prepare for the arrival of your little bundle of joy, one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby is make some positive changes to your lifestyle. It means adopting healthy habits throughout pregnancy and beyond and preparing your body for a healthy and safe delivery. 

If you’re looking for comprehensive guidelines on which healthy practices to adopt during pregnancy, you’re at the right place. Continue reading to explore six important healthy practices to follow throughout your pregnancy to ensure your well-being and that of your growing baby. 

Navigating the Challenges of Pregnancy 

Pregnancy can be an exciting journey, but the entire 9-month period and the childbirth process can be challenging if you have certain underlying conditions or unhealthy habits, for instance:

• Excessive use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco 
• Underlying medical conditions, including hypertension, anxiety, depression, diabetes, thyroid problems, etc. 
• Malnutrition 
• Physical trauma
• Hazardous Infections 

Sometimes, patients with a healthy pregnancy and fetus cannot deliver a healthy child for many reasons. One of the most common reasons is medical malpractice and negligence on behalf of the healthcare provider, resulting in childbirth injuries. These injuries can cause lifelong disorders like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and other neurological disorders. 

It’s important to consult an attorney immediately if your baby has suffered an injury due to medical negligence that has led to cerebral palsy. You can file a lawsuit for cerebral palsy settlement against the healthcare provider to get compensation for your child’s medical treatment.

As a mother, it’s your responsibility to choose the best healthcare provider and make healthy lifestyle choices that help promote a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications during childbirth. 

Healthy Practices for Expecting Mothers

As a mother, taking care of your health and your baby’s must be your top priority. Here are six healthy practices that can ensure a healthy pregnancy and your child’s safe delivery:

• Practice Good Hygiene

During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes; some expecting mothers may have a weak immune system. Hence, pregnant moms exposed to contagious infections may harm the growing babies in their wombs. However, you can prevent yourself from catching infections by practicing good hygiene habits, such as:

• Washing your hands often.
• Avoid touching your face and eyes, especially in public places
• Avoid sharing personal belongings such as towels and cutlery
• Wear clean, breathable clothes to avoid skin irritation
• Keep surfaces clean
• Maintain a good oral hygiene
• Maintain a good intimate hygiene

• Attend Prenatal Appointments

Regular prenatal visits are vital to ensure a healthy pregnancy. These appointments allow your healthcare provider to monitor your health and your baby’s growth, identify concerns early on, and provide support throughout your pregnancy. 

At your first appointment, your healthcare provider will take your medical history and conduct a thorough physical exam, blood tests, and screenings. They will provide you with a complete prenatal visit schedule for future appointments. During each appointment, your healthcare provider will evaluate your weight, blood pressure, and baby’s growth, with additional tests performed based on your unique needs. Attending these visits is essential to detect problems early, receive guidance on diet and exercise, and feel connected to your pregnancy and baby’s progress. Prioritizing prenatal checkups ensures a healthy and happier pregnancy journey.

• Eat a Nutritious Diet

A balanced diet providing vital nutrients to your growing baby while maintaining health is key for a good pregnancy. Your meals should include essential nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

Try to incorporate an adequate amount of each food group into your meals, including lean meats like chicken, fish, and beans, fresh fruits, freeze dried fruit if you prefer, as they retain their nutritional benefits and vegetables. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats, fish, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products and juices. Moreover, you should limit your caffeine intake to 200 mg daily, while alcohol and smoking should be avoided since they can harm fetal growth.

• Stay Hydrated

Another healthy practice you should adopt as an expecting mother is to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can wreak havoc on your body during pregnancy. It can cause headaches and dizziness and decrease the volume of blood and amniotic fluid, risking preterm labor or premature birth. Dehydration can also cause contractions and false labor. 

You should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, even more, if you are active or the weather is hot. In addition to water, herbal tea, coconut water, and fresh fruit juices can keep you hydrated.

While staying hydrated is essential during pregnancy, it’s important to note that not all fluids are created equal. Some beverages like soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks contain high levels of sugar and caffeine, which can harm you and your baby. So, it’s best to stick to water and other healthy beverages like milk or natural fruit juices while limiting caffeine intake.

• Avoid Stress

Stress during pregnancy is dangerous for the health of expectant mothers and their babies. When you’re pregnant, your body is already undergoing significant changes, and stress can add to the physical and mental strain.

Once pregnant, you should prepare yourself and plan to avoid stress and remain in control of your emotions. It’s also a good idea to emphasize relaxing self-care activities like taking a warm bath, meditating, or practicing yoga. Additionally, for expectant mothers prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, dk active provides a fantastic range of maternity activewear: https://www.dkactive.com/collections/maternity. Seek help from loved ones and your healthcare practitioner. They can offer emotional support and practical assistance with activities. It’s also important to be upfront with your spouse or support system about how you’re feeling and what you need from them.

Final Thoughts

As a mom-to-be, your developing baby’s health is always your priority. The lifestyle changes and healthy practices discussed above can help you stay on top of your health and ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. Above all, it’s important to choose a competent gynecologist, obstetrician, or midwife and follow their guidelines throughout the pregnancy to avoid any complications.