A Healthy Pregnancy Begins With A Healthy Mom

Whether you are planning to have a child or not, it is important that you take care of yourself when you find out that you are pregnant. Once you have a new life growing inside of you, you have to put that new life first. You may not choose to keep your baby, but you are still responsible for having a healthy pregnancy. There are many couples out there who would love to adopt a baby, and if you choose to give up your baby to one of these couples, you want to give that baby the best head start in life you possibly can.

A healthy pregnancy begins with a healthy mom. If you smoke, you must stop. Though many try to stop smoking over and over again before they can hardly do it, many pregnant women seem to be able to drop them immediately. Perhaps it is the extra incentive of having another life depending on them, but I’m not really sure. Whatever the case may be, you can not have a healthy pregnancy if you smoke. You may hear people say that their mothers smoked while they were pregnant, but that doesn’t mean it is okay for you to do so.

A healthy pregnancy also depends on what you put in your body. If you are a heavy drinker, you must stop. When you put alcohol into your body you can be putting your child in danger. You must also learn how to eat healthy if you want to have a healthy pregnancy. If you are not sure what this entails, make sure you tell your doctor that you need help with your diet. Drink plenty of water, and don’t fall into the trap of eating for two. You want to maintain as a weight as you can. Your doctor will let you know what this weight should be, and how much you can safely gain.

You may listen to your mother, your friends, or your coworkers about how to have a healthy pregnancy, but you must also take your doctor’s advice. Your parents went through a pregnancy with you, and your mom may have a lot of great advice for you. A doctor, however, will have the latest information about birth defects, and other ailments that may strike a pregnant woman at any time. Your doctor will let you know how a healthy pregnancy feels, so that you know when something might be wrong. If you know what you are doing, you are more likely to seek medical intervention when it is needed most.

If you're planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, you know you need to take good care of your body for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. When pregnant, the demands on your body require better nutrition, some supplements and a regular, but appropriate exercise program for a healthy pregnancy. It's just common sense that you follow these general guidelines. So what, specifically, should you eat and not eat?

Whether you're in the planning stage or are now pregnant, the same basic rules apply. If you have fertility concerns, you'll do well to begin these improvements three months prior to becoming pregnant, as diet and exercise play an important role in promoting general health necessary to a healthy pregnancy condition. Caffeine, sugar and alcohol may impact fertility. Your doctor may suggest you restrict or eliminate consumption of both.

Here are some foods and supplements which increase fertility by providing nutrients which allow your body to be in optimum form for conception. Once you are pregnant, ensure your healthy pregnancy by continuing throughout your term.

Bee pollen or royal jelly are both nutrient intensive foods which promote a fertile state. Zinc supplements contribute significantly to healthy reproductive organs. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc and can so make a good healthy snack. Vitamins A and C are also important for both you and your baby. Folic acid is a must-have supplement when pregnant. Many women are deficient in folic acid, which has been implicated in neural tube abnormalities such as spina bifida. Wheat germ is high in vitamin E and may, in certain conditions, prevent miscarriage.

A cautionary word on vitamin E: an important component of a healthy pregnancy, you should talk to your doctor before beginning Vitamin E supplementation. If you have high blood pressure, or have been prescribed a blood thinner, talk to your doctor before using this vitamin.

Another supplement you'll want to discuss with your doctor are digestive enzymes, which ensure that your body makes optimal use of the supplements you're already taking.

Don't skimp on protein or calories, but try to gain weight slowly. This won't be a problem if you truly eat a healthy diet.

Food choices for a healthy pregnancy include fish, lean meats, liver, and lots and lots of fruits and vegetables, especially those green leafy ones, generally high in vitamin E. If you can afford them, try sticking to organically grown produce – you and your little one don't need the pesticides!

A general rule of thumb for a healthy pregnancy requires that you eat at least two cups each of fruits and vegetables, about six ounces of lean protein in a variety of protein rich foods, including eggs and legumes and three servings of dairy products – such as milk, cottage cheese, yogurt or cheese – daily.

This is an important period in your life and that of your baby. Go to the library and find one of the many worthwhile books on nutrition and a healthy pregnancy. Your baby will thank you!

 

 

 

  

 

 

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