With the beginning of pregnancy, a pregnant woman needs to become extra careful and opt for a healthy lifestyle to ensure her own and her baby’s health throughout the pregnancy and during childbirth. From what to eat, to maintaining mental peace, to transforming a casual lifestyle to a healthier one, and all the things to follow or avoid — everything counts towards ensuring the birth of a healthy baby. Let us discuss the guidelines to be followed during pregnancy by all pregnant women, from dietary dos and don’ts, to exercises during pregnancy, and other important steps required for ensuring a healthy and normal baby.
Guidelines to Follow During Pregnancy for Ensuring a Healthy Baby
These steps can help a pregnant woman ensure a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby. We will highlight healthy diet and eating right during the period when one is pregnant, talk about the appropriate exercises, and other mandatory requirements of the pregnancy phase of a woman’s life.
- Healthy diet when pregnant: What to eat? A pregnant woman must ensure sufficient folic acid is present in what she eats to ensure that the baby does not face any risk of neural tube birth defect. A minimum of 400 micrograms of folic acid should be consumed every day during pregnancy. Enriched foods like bread or pasta can be eaten for their folic acid content. Eat green and leafy vegetables, oranges and drink juices that contain folate or the natural form of folic acid. It is also necessary to eat iron-rich food when pregnant. At least 27 milligrams of iron is needed daily during pregnancy. Eat oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, green peppers, papayas, or broccoli for getting enough of vitamin C in your diet. Sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and carrots are rich sources of vitamin A. It is advisable to eat a good percentage of fresh fruits and vegetables for ensuring a healthy baby. For calcium, eat dairy products and drink milk regularly.
- Healthy lifestyle: What are the best exercises? It is good to maintain regular exercise routines while you are pregnant for preventing depression and ensuring your own strength & endurance. Yoga, swimming, and brisk walks are some recommended exercises for a happy pregnancy and healthy childbirth.
Safety Precautions While Pregnant: What Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?
Apart from eating healthy, regular exercise, these precautions should be taken when pregnant for ensuring a healthy baby. Keep these points in mind for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
- Avoid alcohol and restrict smoking or tobacco.
- Avoid exposure to toxic substances like radiation, lead, etc.
- Limit caffeine intake.
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