Pregnancy is a miraculous time when your body goes through many changes and supports the growth and development of a new life. Staying healthy is an essential part of the pregnancy journey, but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re not sure what you should be doing.
At Alpha OB GYN, Somya Reddy, MD, FACOG, and our team offer guidance before, during, and after your pregnancy to keep you fit and in great health.
While there are many things you can do safely throughout your pregnancy to stay healthy, it’s always best to check in with Dr. Reddy before you start something new.
Here are five tried-and-true ways to improve your health throughout your pregnancy and beyond:
To support your own nutritional needs and your baby’s needs, you should eat mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, calcium-rich foods, low-fat foods, and whole grains.
You should also practice portion control. Many women feel they need to eat excess food during pregnancy to help their baby grow. However, overeating during pregnancy can lead to unhealthy weight gain and other complications.
Also, drink even more water than you usually do because your body requires it during pregnancy.
Physical activity is important for managing weight during pregnancy and keeping your body fit.
While it can get more difficult to be active as your pregnancy progresses, still try to go for a walk daily and follow the guidance Dr. Reddy provides concerning exercise and other activities.
The hormone changes in pregnancy can cause daytime sleepiness that interferes with your quality of life. Make an effort to go to bed every night at the same time to get at least 8-9 hours of sleep.
You should also avoid sleeping on your back during pregnancy to keep the weight off the muscles in your spine. Sleeping on your left side can also improve blood flow to your body and your baby.
Having a baby can bring a good amount of stress into your life as you prepare for your life to change. However, managing stress during pregnancy is crucial to improving birth outcomes and ensuring the overall health of you and your baby.
If you struggle to manage stress alone, speak with our team about it. We can recommend breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques you can use to lower your stress levels. You should also be open to asking loved ones for help in keeping stress to a minimum in your life.
Even if your pregnancy is smooth and without complications, you must continue attending all of your prenatal appointments.
These visits allow our team to monitor your baby's health and development through physical exams and ultrasounds. Skipping out on prenatal visits can result in complications during delivery and contribute to low birth weight.
For more tips on staying healthy during pregnancy, schedule a consultation online or call the Alpha OB GYN office near you today.
