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Prepping for baby? Tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle
The importance of maintaining your health during pregnancy cannot be stressed enough.
POLOKWANE – It is a crucial time for expectant mothers to start taking care of their emotional and physical wellbeing to avoid issues that could endanger their lives and the health of their unborn babies.
“You need not eat for two when pregnant,” explains dietician, Lydia Morwakgadi Sehlapelo.
She provided the following tips on how to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy:
- Always strive to keep a healthy lifestyle even before you plan to have a baby, that way you will have a strong immune system to carry a baby.
- As soon as you find out that you are pregnant, see your doctor or your gynaecologist to setup appointments for the duration of your pregnancy. These are necessary for the doctor to monitor your baby’s development and health.
- Always aim to eat healthy. At least five fruits and vegetables per day. Plenty of carbohydrates such as bread, rice and pasta. Ensure you get in enough fibre.
- Ensure that you have a serving of protein every day. Examples of protein rich foods include eggs, fish and meat. Oily fish is highly recommended as it is high in protein, Vitamin D, minerals and Omega 3 fatty acids which are extremely important for your baby’s development.
- Ensure that you take all your prescribed pregnancy supplements. These are especially beneficial for expectant mothers who experience morning sickness and have trouble eating certain foods. Prescribed vitamins are extremely important for the baby.
- Be extra careful with hygiene. Your doctor will tell you which foods to avoid during pregnancy but doing your own research is recommended. A top tip is to always wash fruit and vegetables before you eat them.
- Exercise regularly, it is great for both the mother and the baby. By exercising, you build up strength and endurance. This may help you cope with the heavy weight of pregnancy while attending to all your other duties. Try walking, swimming, yoga or Pilates. However, check with your doctor to find out if it is safe for you to do so.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake as these can and may increase chances of miscarriage.
- Kick the habit. Smoking can harm your unborn baby in many ways.
- Finally, get enough rest and exercise slow breathing every chance you get.
