Pregnancy Care Tips for a Healthy Baby

It is a life-changing experience when you get pregnant and proper pregnancy care is required especially in your first trimester. Once you discover that you are pregnant, your pregnancy doctor will give you a list of things that you should and should not do. This is important for you to deliver a healthy baby.

The first trimester is very crucial, and it lasts for around three months. This is a critical phase, and you should be particularly very careful during this time. You need to make sure that you follow the safety precautions so that your baby grows properly.

Some everyday things that you should take care of during your pregnancy are:

Quit smoking

If you are a smoker, then it is the time that you stop smoking. Smoking causes some health conditions, and this could be life-threatening. Smoking could lead to reduced immunity and lower birth weight. The baby could also develop some problems in its development as well as some infections. There are cases of sudden death in infants due to smoking during pregnancy.

Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided

You should refrain from consuming alcohol and caffeine during pregnancy. Alcohol consumption causes slow growth of the foetus, and this also leads to learning disabilities. Premature birth and congenital disabilities could be caused because of caffeine use.

Saunas and hot tubs are a big no-no

It is recommended that you avoid using the sauna or hot tubs when you are pregnant. This is because when you do a sauna or are in a hot water tub, the temperature that your body is exposed to is higher than the outside temperature. This could, in turn, lead to abnormal growth and delay the development of the fetus.

Keep yourself active

It is essential that you be active all throughout your pregnancy. When you do regular exercises, it will help you to control weight and will also help to improve the blood circulation. It helps to keep your mood positive and lets you sleep better. Even if you get into a habit of exercising now, then you will be able to follow that later too after delivery.

Pilate, yoga and walking are some exercises that you can try doing when you are pregnant. However, make sure that you check first with the doctor if you can do these activities. You can start with little and then gradually increase the time. However, make sure that you do not overdo it.

Herbs and medications

Certain herbs and medicines can affect the baby. Once you know that you are pregnant, make sure that you consult your doctor who can guide you on whether the medication is safe for consumption.