You recently found out about your pregnancy, and you couldn’t be more excited to meet your little one. To make sure that your baby is as healthy as possible, there are some health guidelines you should follow. In addition to speaking with a women’s doctor about how your lifestyle will affect your pregnancy, consider the following tips for proper prenatal care. 

Do

Take a multivitamin. 

When you start trying to conceive or find out you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about prenatal vitamins. Key nutrients like calcium, iron, and folic acid help with neural chord development in the first month. Vitamins A, B, and C, as well as iodine, potassium, and zinc, can also aid in fetal development and maternal health. 

Get plenty of sleep. 

You may feel tired during pregnancy, so listen to your body and sleep. Most women’s doctors will recommend getting eight hours of sleep and napping during the day to recharge. If you’re having difficulty sleeping during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor about how to ease discomfort and catch some z’s. 

Move your body. 

Even if you feel sluggish, take some time to move your body regularly. An exercise regimen will boost circulation, retain muscular strength, and ease any muscle aches. A combination of cardio and low-intensity exercises like yoga can work together to deliver these benefits. Just be sure to practice moderation and avoid over-exerting yourself.

Don’t

Smoke or drink alcohol. 

Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to miscarry and give birth prematurely. Their babies are also at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and birth defects. Similarly, women who drink alcohol while pregnant can put their children at risk for learning, speech, and language disabilities. These children may also be born with fetal alcohol syndrome. To avoid any of these conditions, it’s vital to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol throughout your entire pregnancy.

Eat unpasteurized dairy.

Consuming unpasteurized milk, cream, and cheese can put women at risk for listeriosis, a dangerous bacteria. This can cause an infection of the fetus, stillbirth, or a miscarriage. Remember that while most healthy adults will not become sick from this bacteria, pregnant women are at a higher risk. To avoid these foods, always check the label before consuming any dairy products.

Drink too much caffeine. 

While you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee in moderation, it’s best to limit consumption. This is because caffeine can limit iron absorption, increase blood pressure, and cause dehydration. It can also stimulate your baby and disrupt their sleep patterns. Since there have been conflicting studies on this subject, talk to your women’s doctor about how much caffeine is healthy for you.

If you’re planning to get pregnant or recently learned that you’re expecting, North Little Rock Women’s Clinic can help you maintain a healthy pregnancy. Located in Pulaski County, AR, this team of women’s doctors uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver a variety of treatment options, including specialized prenatal care. From your first ultrasound to the baby’s birth, the team of experts will provide compassionate care for you and your baby. To view a full list of services, visit them online. To schedule an appointment, call (501) 835-9444 today.