Stay Healthy During Pregnancy- 5 Tips for Moms-To-Be

There is a lot to think about when becoming a new mom. Your body is going through an enormous amount of stress and you have to do everything you can to provide your baby with everything it needs.  Statistics show that 29% of women in the US wished they knew more about the different stages of pregnancy so doing your research beforehand is an absolute must!  Pregnancy and parenting books can be extremely helpful for moms-to-be as can posts on the internet from your favorite websites, like Mom Always Knows!   Check out our top 5 tips for Moms-to-be below to help you stay healthy and informed during pregnancy!

Exercise

Vigorous exercises like planks, push-ups, and sit-ups are strictly prohibited during pregnancy as they can cause unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor. However, this doesn’t mean that all exercise is out the window during pregnancy. Exercise is recommended during pregnancy as it keeps your body moving and healthy. Some exercises that are good during pregnancy are walking, swimming, and yoga. There are many benefits of exercise during pregnancy, not only does it keep you fit, but it can also reduce backaches, bloating, and swelling. Additionally, regular, light exercise can be a great way to boost your mood and energy levels, and it can help you sleep better at night. Sleeping while pregnant can be difficult as there is so much added pressure on your body. Exercise is a great way to tire your body out and ensure that you get a restful night’s sleep.

Prenatal Vitamins

Another health tip for moms-to-be is to invest in some prenatal vitamins. Nutrient deficiencies are a common occurrence during pregnancy, which is why it is a good idea to get yourself some prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are packed with the nutrients you need to maintain good health during your pregnancy. When it comes to postpartum health, there is an ongoing debate of prenatal vs postnatal vitamins. Essentially, a lot of companies will push the benefits of their postnatal vitamins, well in reality they are lacking in nutrients you need postpartum. Many postnatal vitamins are incomplete and can leave women with additional deficiencies. This article by Needed gives a helpful breakdown of prenatal vs postnatal vitamins, we would recommend having a read before you invest in prenatal or postnatal vitamins.

Eat The Right Foods

An important tip that can help improve the health of moms-to-be is to eat the right foods. Cravings can be a huge factor during pregnancy, and in some cases, they can be a sign of a deficiency. However, that’s not to say all cravings are related to a deficiency, more often than not cravings come and go with no explanation. This is why it is always best to maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy, so if you do get a craving for something sweet or salty, you have balanced it out with nutritious foods. Foods that are recommended during pregnancy are things like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. In terms of what not to eat during pregnancy, it is recommended to about processed foods, some cheeses, caffeine, and fish. For more information about what foods to avoid, check out WebMd for their expert advice.

Practice Mindfulness

Many people suffer from mental health issues when they are pregnant, which is why it is important to do what you can to practice mindfulness. Of course, pregnancy is stressful and painful, so it is understandable that many people feel exhausted and depressed. Taking the time to form a self-care routine could be extremely beneficial for you during your pregnancy and it gives you the opportunity to do the things you love to do. Self-care can help to de-stress your mind and keep yourself focused on maintaining your physical and mental health. Pregnancy can sometimes be isolating, so try your best not to isolate yourself. If you have a partner, then make sure you are still spending quality time together. When your baby is born, you may not be able to spend as much time together, so make the most of the time you have. However, if you do not have a partner, then why not join a local pregnancy or new mom’s group to meet some like-minded people.

Sort Out The Basics

Becoming a new mom is all about planning. Once your baby is born, your life will suddenly move very quickly, so it would be helpful if you and your partner sort out some of the basics beforehand. Things like organizing the nursery room is important as you need a cozy welcoming place for your baby once they are born. Additionally, bulk buy lots of the essentials like diapers, baby wipes and formula. You will find that once your baby is born you will fall into a routine that works for you, but it could ease your stress to get the basics sorted now.