Staying Safe During Pregnancy

When you are expecting a baby, it feels like the best time of your life — in fact, one of the most memorable ones. But, with those excitements, some concerns come crawling in, and safety is on the top list. 

Whether it’s the motherly urge to start to care, or if you want to start a new life where safety healthier choices are prioritized –  you are in the right direction. Reduce any kinds of risk your newborn might have to face during birth by following some life-changing advice shared through this article. 

The following list of tips will help you look after yourself and the baby by maintaining a healthy and safe pregnancy:

1. Find the Right Healthcare Professional

It is extremely important to find a good healthcare provider who understands your needs and sees birth in a similar way as you do. For instance, if you’re interested in getting an epidural or having a scheduled birth, you will want to find an OB who respects your choice and is willing to support you. You will have many checkups with your doctor during the course of pregnancy, and you shouldn’t miss any of them. Also, make sure you get all the medical tests required by the doctor and all the recommended supplements, such as prenatal vitamins.

2. Avoid Cigarettes and Alcohol

Here’s the first sacrifice you are going to make for your baby – you are going to quit smoking and drinking. There are reasons behind this difficult decision – both smoking and drinking during pregnancy can cause complications like premature birth or miscarriage. 

On top of that, avoiding cigarettes is a sure way to improve oral health during pregnancy. 

Next to smoking, alcohol is one of the most damaging things you can use while expecting a baby. Yes, you might be thinking a “tiny bit doesn’t hurt.” But,  you can take chances with alcohol, not with the habit. It’s time to stop now, and here are some good reasons why –

Too much alcohol during pregnancy can cause you to deliver a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome. Here are some symptoms of the same –

• low birth weight
• behavior problems
• learning disabilities
• lagging patterns in terms of growth 

3. Stay Physically Active

You know, there was a time when it was advised for pregnant women not to work out! Well, that’s not relevant now. If you are thinking not to lift one finger during pregnancy – ‘not a good idea.’ 

In fact, health experts are now of the opinion that a little bit of exercise is good for both the baby and the baby mama. 

How so, you ask? 

Pregnancy comes with different physical issues, which you can handle better if you exercise. Once you start exercising, you can deal with –

• Muscles pain
• Excessive weight gain
• Mood swings 
• insomnia 

If you were active and followed some form of fitness routine before pregnancy, then continue to follow them (with some adjustments, of course). If physical activities are new to you, be sure to discuss them with your doctor and ask your doctor to prescribe some fitness routines so that you can stay active. 

4. Eat Well

Your baby needs all the prenatal nourishment it can get. As you start to follow a good diet, you already start taking care of your baby. You have to ensure that you are getting the right types of food, vegetables, meat, and pure and high-quality dairy products. Most importantly, Try to eat more healthy foods that contain iron. If you are unsure about the right food and the right diet, you can always consult with a dietician. 

But here’s a suggestion – try eating seafood during your pregnancy. You’ll get vitamins, minerals, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, irons, and zinc. These are very important minerals and elements for both the baby and the mom. However, remember to cook your seafood well before you eat it. An upset tummy is the last thing you want, right? 

So, which seafood should you eat exactly? Here are some examples –

• Shark
• Tilefish
• King mackerel
• Swordfish 

5. Say ‘No’ to ‘No-Sex During Pregnancy”

This applies to a low-risk pregnancy. Unless you are dealing with complications like placenta previa or any high-risk factors in pregnancy, sex is fine. But, it’s best to discuss things with your midwife-nurse, doctor, or pregnancy health care provider if you face uncertainties regarding pregnancy. 

You can have sex during pregnancy as long as you don’t have a complicating issues like placenta previa or similar risks involved with pregnancy. However, if you feel discomfort, you can always change your position. Also, discuss with your doctor if you need more insight into the safety of intercourse during pregnancy. 

6. Feel the Baby’s Movements

Here’s one way to check the signs of healthy development of your baby. Try to feel how your baby is moving inside your womb. As you reach the 18th or 24th week of pregnancy, you start feeling your baby’s movement inside. 

This sensation might take until the 20th week, especially if it’s your first time conceiving a baby. 

They will start as gentle fluttering or swirling, and as the pregnancy progresses, you may start feeling kicks. 

Try to understand the patterns of movement your baby has inside. Also, consult with your doctor as you start to feel these movements. If you notice that the baby’s movement has changed, stopped, or slowed down, consult with your doctor. Usually, you are supposed to feel the baby’s movement up until the baby is born. 

7. Take Care of Your Mental Health

During pregnancy, it is common for women to focus on physical health, even though mental well-being is equally important. Being an expecting mother brings a whole range of emotional experiences, and it is normal to go through occasional mood swings. But if the feelings evolve into something you cannot bear, it is necessary that you ask for help without the fear of being judged. As many as 1 in 5 women experience challenges related to mental health during pregnancy and up to a year after giving birth. Both your pregnancy care team and your closest family should be there to support you in case of such struggles.

8. Say No to Hot Tub & Sauna

Yes, hot tubs and saunas are relaxing. However, jacuzzis, saunas, and hot tubs can be too dangerous for moms who are expecting. 

In fact, according to research, the first trimester can double the risk of miscarriage. Also, as you soak your body in hot water, it raises your body temperature, which causes problems with the baby and increases the risk of birth defects. 

9. Cut Down on Your Caffeine Intake 

If you promise to yourself to take the best measures for your baby, then cut down on your caffeine intake. With higher caffeine intake, you have a chance of increasing your baby’s heart rate. As you consume coffee, it goes through the placenta and increases your baby’s heart rate. 

Current research suggests that you can consume one or two cups of coffee per day. But it’s best to say no to the triple-shot latte when you are pregnant. 

10. Practice Yoga

Do you practice yoga? It’s best to avoid hot yoga or Bikram yoga. But the rest of the yoga modalities are ok when you are expecting. In fact, there are pre-natal yoga classes for moms who are expecting. The instructors will help you know the poses that are best for you. 

But, if you are new to yoga and want to do it during your pregnancy, try talking to your doctor first. Go over the concerns and risks before signing up for a class.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a sensitive period, and many women are unsure about all the things they can do to improve the well-being of the new baby. Following the tips listed above will give you a great foundation for a safe and healthy pregnancy, and consulting with your doctor on a regular basis will help you maintain it.

You can follow these ten tips to secure the time when you expect. It’s best for your baby and for your personal well-being to follow all these tips. Thanks for reading.

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