Maintaining a healthy pregnancy is crucial to ensure the health of both -- the to-be mother and her future baby. It increases the chances of having a healthy birth and reduces those of related complications. Therefore, one should start seeking prenatal care right from the beginning of the pregnancy from a well-equipped prenatal care hospital.

Find below some general tips, as suggested by the health experts at HJ Hospitals, to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

• Diet

Diet is one of the most important factors that affect your health directly during pregnancy. A healthy, nutritious and balanced diet helps promote proper development of the child’s brain and physique along with healthy birth weight. It can also reduce the risks of anaemia, several birth defects, and pregnancy-related unpleasant symptoms like morning sickness. Thus, pregnant women are suggested to include whole grains, fruits and vegetables and iron-rich foods in their diet. Also, while taking a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals like calcium, and fat, it is necessary to check and monitor your body weight regularly throughout the pregnancy to avoid both obesity and malnutrition. Your doctor may also prescribe you some prenatal vitamins and supplements, like those containing folic acid, to meet your nutrition needs.

• Physical Fitness

Pregnant women are suggested to follow a moderate-intensity exercise regime regularly as it benefits both the mom and the developing baby. However, no physical or aerobic activity should be performed without consulting a doctor. The doctor analyses your overall health status, how much physically active you were before conceiving, and other related risk factors to suggest a fitness routine accordingly. Commonly, walking, yoga, swimming and other such light exercises are suggested for pregnant ladies to help improve their posture and alignment, stimulate their muscle and joint activity, increase blood circulation, reduce backaches and improve sleep quality. Certain exercise programmes are designed especially to suit the requirements of a pregnant lady, so you may join them as well after consulting your doctor.

• Lifestyle habits

Your daily routine, general habits and lifestyle can directly impact your health during pregnancy. It may also affect the growth and development of your growing baby and may lead to birth defects and other critical complications. Unhealthy habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking, drug abuse, etc. should be discontinued or controlled during pregnancy as they can lead to premature labour and delivery, vaginal bleeding, miscarriage and stillbirth.

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy results in a lot of physical and emotional changes in a woman. It can be hard to understand what diet, physical fitness routine, general lifestyle and other habits are good for your pregnant self and what is not. Thus, visit your doctor regularly for prenatal care checkups and discuss with them all your concerns and symptoms in detail to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth. Seek only the best prenatal care to ensure the health of your growing baby and yourself. Schedule an appointment today with the top healthcare providers at HJ Hospitals and access world-class mother and child care facilities in your proximity.