When you are pregnant your health – which encompasses the health of your foetus - should be your highest priority. There are plenty of things you can do to look after yourself and to make sure you are a healthy mum-to-be. Here are a few tips that you should consider:
Stay/get active
It is beneficial for pregnant women to stay active, so don’t think pregnancy is an excuse to sit on your bum for nine months. Of course you shouldn’t overdo it but 30 minutes of walking a day is very beneficial and will help you to return to your normal weight after childbirth.
Eat healthily
Healthy eating is always important, but this is truer than ever when you are expecting. A balanced diet is a must at this time but don’t think you need to eat for two, because this is a myth. It’s only in the final three months that you need an extra 200 calories a day, so you don’t need to stuff yourself.
Take vitamins
There are various supplements and vitamins for pregnancy that will top up your natural levels. Vitamin D and folic acid are very important during pregnancy and often supplements are the best way to ensure you have enough in your system. Products such as this from Betteryou.uk.com may be beneficial but always read the label and consult your doctor if you are unsure.
Avoid alcohol
Whatever you drink, your baby drinks too. However, your baby’s liver is not developed until the last month of pregnancy so any amount of booze can be harmful. Swap your glass of wine of bottle of beer for a cup of tea or fruit juice and you and your baby will be healthier than if you drink even a little.
Don’t smoke
As with drinking, with smoking your baby absorbs what you do from cigarettes. This includes poisonous chemicals and smoking while pregnant increases your risk of miscarriage and cot death considerably. In short: don’t do it.
