Health and Fitness in Pregnancy and Delivering a Healthy Baby
Pregnancy is when women are most beautiful, when there's another
life being nurtured inside the mother's womb. This act of
creating life, though, is not without its complications, and
expectant soon-to-be mothers should do their best to keep their
health in optimal condition, for their sake as well as the
unborn child's. Even the common cold can affect the pregancy. So
what are the steps to take during pregnancy? Here are a few tips
and suggestions.
The first step in pregnancy is to visit a doctor and have
yourself examined for any possible complication, get your pap
smear, blood test, the works; also make sure that you get as
much information as possible to help make sure your pregnancy is
being handled properly. Of course, it is best to take great care
in choosing a physician, a midwife, a hostpital, and all the
necessary staff in the pregnancy. Make sure that they are just
as concerned for the baby as you are
Pregnancy makes it all the more important to maintain a healthy
diet especially since there's another life at stake. The intake
of folic acid (necessary for embryo development and cell growth)
should begin as soon as possible. Another important supplement
that might be needed is iron, for healthy blood, and for the
development of the bones and teeth of the baby. Do not overdose
on the seafood intake as fish tend to have high levels of
mercury. The recommended weight gain during pregnancy is around
25 to 30 pounds -- on healthy food, of course.
As metabolism increases during pregnancy there is larger loss of
water, which should be compensated by drinking more water than
usual.
Exercise is an important part of a healthy pregnancy, though, of
course, pregnant women shouldn't exert extreme amounts of
effort. It is best for expectant mothers without complications
to work out at moderate intensity for 30 minutes a day. It is
important, though, to first consult with your physician before
working out.
While it's important to keep physical health at an optimum,
emotional health should also be taken into consideration.
Disorders such as depression can lead to loss of appetite and
weight, sluggishness, irregular sleeping habits and disturbances
in motor activity, as well as an intensified presence of
feelings of worthlessness, incapability, or guilt. Pregnant
women are more susceptible to this, and they will need an
extraordinary amount of support from peers and family.
Counseling and meditation have also proven to be successful in
treating this disorder. But as an ounce of prevention is worth
more than a pound of cure, and prevention may just save your
pregnancy. Introspection may help; examining your capabilities
as a mother, past relationships, etc. Don't forget to take your
needs seriously. Work with your partner and don't be shy to get
professional health.
Pregnancy can be a nine month tribulation of passing gas,
nausea, and heartburn. It is a period of bonding with an unborn
child, wondering about your child's purpose in life, feeling
every hearbeat and kick with amazement. To avoid any later
regrets, take care of your health. And enjoy life.
"In her own interest, every pregnant woman should make a habit
of never entering a room without making a note of the quickest
way of getting out of it and into either fresh air or a
bathroom." --Audrey Hull
Great advice Audrey!