6 Habits That Pregnant Mothers Should Follow

Pregnancy causes many changes in the body, including changes in hormones and immune function. These changes often require pregnant women to take better care of themselves. Taking good care of yourself during pregnancy can help keep you and your baby safe. Healthy habits can even lead to an easier labor and delivery. Here is what you need to know.

# Take Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins contain a lot of the nutrients that pregnant women should consume to ensure healthy development of the fetus. One of these vitamins is called folic acid. Taking folic acid reduces the baby’s risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.

Prenatal vitamins also contain iron, which delivers oxygen to your baby, as well as calcium. You will need calcium because you may lose bone density during pregnancy. Follow instructions on the prenatal vitamin bottle to ensure that you take enough capsules throughout pregnancy.

# Protect Yourself from Listeria

Listeria is a bacteria that can harm you and your baby. It causes a sickness called listeriosis. Pregnant women are more likely to have listeria than women who are not pregnant. Women who have listeriosis can experience fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Pregnant women with listeriosis are also at serious risk of miscarriage.

People can have exposure to listeria by consuming unpasteurized milk, uncooked meats and vegetables, and processed foods. However, careful food consumption can help protect you from listeria. These tips will help:

Avoid unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.
Do not eat raw meat.
Do not eat smoked, uncooked seafood.
Wash all vegetables well before eating.
Do not eat meat spreads.

Following these tips can help you avoid exposure to listeria bacteria and thus can protect you from listeriosis itself.

# Drink Water and Milk

Pregnant women spend a lot of their time thirsty. Carry a metal water bottle with you wherever you go so you will have always have something to drink. Drinking milk will help you get the extra calcium you need to stay healthy while pregnant.

# Eat Fruits, Vegetables, and Beans

Prenatal vitamins do not cover all of your nutritional needs. A significant percentage of your daily nutrition should come from healthy vegetables and lean protein sources like beans. Eat leafy greens and legumes to get more folic acid. Consume fruits that are high in vitamin C, like honeydew, oranges, broccoli, and grapefruit. To boost your calcium intake, eat yogurt mixed with your fruit.

# Exercise Regularly

Exercise is very important during pregnancy because it helps regulate your mood and makes sleeping easier. Exercise is also good for circulation. Gentle forms of exercise are best, particularly exercise regimens specially designed for pregnant women. Walking, yoga, meditation, and swimming are all good for pregnant women.

Talk to your doctor about what types of exercise are best for you. Your doctor can also help you decide how often you should exercise in order to stay healthy.

# Track Weight Gain

You should gain weight during pregnancy. In addition to the weight of the baby, your body will have more blood, a larger uterus, and bigger breasts. Most women will gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy. However, too much weight gain during pregnancy can put you and your child at risk. Tracking your weight gain throughout the pregnancy can help you avoid obesity.