Eating a nutritious diet during pregnancy is linked to good brain development and healthy birth weight

It’s important to take care of your baby, even before he or she is born. You can do this by using tips about pregnancy and keeping doctor’s appointments while you’re pregnant. This is called prenatal care. You’re more likely to have a healthy birth if you maintain a healthy pregnancy.

We understand you want to do what’s best for you and your baby during your pregnancy. Here are our essential tips about pregnancy to help give your baby a great start to life:

1. Get early prenatal care :

If you are planning to start a family, or have just found out that you are expecting, good prenatal care is essential for you and your baby. During your first visit, your doctor will be able to confirm your pregnancy and screen for certain medical conditions that could lead to complications.

2. Maintain a healthy diet :

While it’s okay to occasionally give in to your cravings during pregnancy, it’s important to keep in mind that you typically only need an additional 300 calories per day. Make sure you are getting enough protein and calcium each day to have a healthy pregnancy and avoid deli meats to prevent yourself from consuming bacteria that could harm your baby.

3. Take prenatal vitamins :

Ask your doctor which prenatal vitamins are best for to have a healthy pregnancy, particularly how much folic acid and calcium you’ll need. Prenatal vitamins ensure you are giving your baby the important vitamins and nutrients it needs, like folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA. These vitamins play an important role in bone, vision, and brain development.

4. Exercise regularly :

For having a healthy pregnancy it’s important to work out daily as it may increase your chance of having a vaginal delivery and help you manage the common discomforts of pregnancy. Exercise can also aid in postpartum recovery. However, if you did not exercise regularly before becoming pregnant, check with your doctor before starting an exercise regimen.

5. Listen to your body :

The first and third trimesters come with fatigue, which is your body’s way of telling you to take it easy. So, listen to your body and sit back with a good book or take a nap when you are feeling tired.

6. Eliminate alcohol and limit caffeine :

It’s important to take good care of your body for a healthy pregnancy. We recommend you avoid alcohol, limit your caffeine intake and steer clear of any non-prescription drugs throughout your pregnancy. Indulging in alcohol can adversely affect your baby’s brain or spinal development, too much caffeine has been linked to a higher instance of miscarriage, and non-prescription drugs can lead to birth defects or behavioral problems.

7. Limit your exposure :

If you work around chemicals or other substances known to cause birth defects, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your baby. It’s also important to use non-toxic household cleaning solutions throughout your pregnancy to limit your risk of exposure.

8. Visit your dentist :

Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can leave you with an increased risk of gingivitis. Increased progesterone and estrogen levels interact with the bacteria in plaque, leading to swollen, tender, or bleeding gums.

9. Wear sunscreen :

Your skin is more susceptible to sunburn and chloasma (dark, blotchy spots on the face) when you are pregnant, so it’s important to apply a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 or higher and avoid tanning beds.

10. Know when to call the doctor :

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor :

Vaginal bleeding or leaking of fluid, Contractions that are 20 minutes apart or less, Pain of any kind, Strong cramps, Heart palpitations, dizziness or fainting, Decreased activity of the baby or Shortness of breath, etc.

11. Go to your prenatal care check-ups :

Women should get regular prenatal care from a health care provider. Moms who don’t get regular prenatal care are much more likely to have a baby with low birth weight or other complications. If available, consider group prenatal care.

12. Avoid certain foods :

There are certain foods that women should avoid eating while pregnant. Don’t eat: Raw or rare meats, Liver, sushi, raw eggs (also in mayonnaise), Soft cheeses (feta, brie), Unpasteurized milk. Raw and unpasteurized animal products can cause food poisoning. Some fish, even when cooked, can be harmful to a growing baby because they’re high.

13. Don’t smoke :

Smoking is unhealthy for you and your unborn child. It increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), premature birth, miscarriage, and other poor outcomes.

14. Get a flu shot :

The flu can make a pregnant woman very sick and increase the risks of complications for your baby. The flu shot can protect you from serious illness and help protect your baby after birth, too. Ask your doctor about getting a flu shot.

15. Reduce stress :

Reducing stress is crucial for improving birth outcomes. Pregnant women should avoid, as much as they can, stressful situations. Recruit your loved ones to help you manage stress in your life.