Staying Healthy During Pregnancy

The process of getting pregnant is both exciting and terrifying. There are so many factors to think about, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed. If you're planning on having a baby, these articles will offer up some crucial advice on how to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. They'll also give you the lowdown on pregnancy-related risks so that you can remain safe throughout this time in your life.

Be smart about exercise and your fitness routine

When you're pregnant, you may feel like you can't do all of the same activities that you did before becoming pregnant. It's important to find some time for yourself to do what brings you joy. You can play with your baby, go camping or even get back into shape. Just make sure that after the baby arrives, you take care of yourself again!

Rule out any underlying medical conditions

Several things could be causing pregnancy-related symptoms. If the experiences recurring, it might be time to talk to your doctor about them. Women who already have certain health problems may experience more complications during pregnancy than others. For instance, pregnant women with heart disease should be concerned about their blood pressure during pregnancy.

Watch your weight to avoid gestational diabetes

While pregnant, you'll want to make sure to keep an eye on your weight. If you are at a healthy weight, you shouldn't have any issues with gaining too much weight. However, if you are underweight or overweight, you might find yourself requiring more medical attention. Many women become overweight or obese during pregnancy, which is why it's important to not put on too much extra weight! Gestational diabetes can develop in any woman who is carrying a baby that weighs over nine pounds. Symptoms of gestational diabetes include frequent urination along with extreme hunger and thirst.

Stay hydrated to avoid dehydration

Dehydration can make you feel miserable and it's something that you don't want during pregnancy. It's not uncommon for women to experience nausea, fatigue, and even dizziness if they're not able to hydrate well. This is why staying hydrated is so important. Make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day and try to avoid caffeinated and alcohol-containing drinks as much as possible. If you find yourself needing more fluids than usual, don't hesitate to go see your doctor about it! You might need a blood test to determine if you have the condition.

What type of food is safe to eat during pregnancy?

If you are concerned about what you should or shouldn't have while pregnant, just try to eat a wide variety of healthy foods. There are so many fruits and vegetables that are incredibly healthy for you. Just make sure to avoid eating fish that's high in mercury, like swordfish. You also want to avoid eating raw fish or shellfish while pregnant. If cooking your food, make sure that it's not undercooked in any way. If you're not sure about what something is safe to eat, consult with your doctor!

If I take any supplements, what happens?

Certain supplements can help you get through pregnancy without any issues. For instance, folic acid is an important vitamin to take while pregnant. It will help prevent birth defects that are related to blood disorders. You might also be interested in taking calcium supplements. This vitamin will help your bones stay strong while you're carrying your child. However, you'll want to make sure that you don't overdo it! Too much calcium can cause health issues for your baby.

What type of medical care is specific for me at this time?

Once you become pregnant, you need to get regular checkups with someone familiar with pregnancy issues. Your regular doctor can help you get in touch with a prenatal care provider. If you don't feel comfortable speaking with your OBGYN, you can always try to go to someone else who specializes in pregnancy issues. This way, you'll know what to expect and how the process will go once your baby arrives. Your OBGYN can also teach you more about your body and give you advice on what to do if any potentially dangerous issues arise. You'll want to know if anything could go wrong while pregnant so that you're prepared for the worst-case scenario. Your OBGYN will be able to tell you whether or not any issues are likely to occur while pregnant.