Pregnancy is often an exciting time for most women; it is no surprise that women get inspired to make healthier lifestyle choices during this period. One of the essential practices during Jackson Heights pregnancy is going for your prenatal appointments. Prenatal care offers the screening, education, and health support you need to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. At your first prenatal appointment, your provider discusses your person and family history, measures your vital signs, and gives tips to optimize your health during pregnancy.
Below are tips your healthcare provider may recommend: improving your eating and physical habits during and after pregnancy. These tips can also be helpful if you aren’t pregnant but are trying to have a baby. Implementing changes earlier can help you get used to new lifestyle habits and give your baby the best possible start in life. These health tips include:
Gain a healthy amount of weight
Weight is an essential factor that you want to consider during pregnancy. Health professionals recommend gaining appropriate weight to help your baby grow to a healthy size. But gaining too little or too much weight can result in serious health problems for you and the baby. For instance, being overweight during pregnancy elevates your risk of developing high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. Although gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, it increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Your chances for health problems are higher if you are overweight during pregnancy. It also makes you more likely to have a cesarean section.
For this reason, it is best to gain a healthy weight; it helps you have an easier pregnancy and delivery. It is also easier to get back to a healthy weight after delivery when you gain a healthy amount. Women who stay within the ideal weight during pregnancy lower their risk of obesity and weight-related problems in the future.
Eat healthy foods
Eating the right foods and low-calorie beverages, especially water, may help you and the baby gain the proper amount of weight. The number of calories pregnant women require varies depending on age, weight before pregnancy, and how fast they gain weight. If you are at a healthy weight, you may need extra calories during your first trimester. However, you may need about 340 calories a day in your second trimester and about 450 calories a day towards the end of pregnancy. Usually, you won’t need extra calories during the final weeks of pregnancy.
Your healthcare provider may help you choose the right foods and beverages to consume. A healthy eating plan comprises nutrient rich-foods and drinks. It also limits salts, sugar-sweetened beverages and foods, and solid fats like lad, butter, and shortenings. Below are healthy foods and beverages you can consume daily during pregnancy.
- Fruits and vegetables. They provide your body with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Low-fat or free-fat milk and milk products.
- Whole grains. They may include brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-grain bread.
- Proteins from healthy sources like lean meats, eggs, beans, peas, and unsalted nuts and seeds.
For further healthy tips during pregnancy, consult your doctor at Raveco Medical.
