When you are pregnant, what you put in your body not only affects you, but also the growing fetus. Increase your awareness of what you consume and get into other healthy habits that help you feel great from the inside out. Remember that if yours is a high-risk pregnancy or comes with other special needs, your gynecologist will advise a stricter health regimen.

Healthy Habits Pregnant Women Need to Know About

1. Don’t Stop Exercising

Keep up your exercise routine and discuss any pregnancy-related changes you need to make with your gynecologist, such as switching from high-impact to low-impact workouts. If you do not currently exercise, find something you love and stick to it to help you and your baby gain the proper amount of weight and reduce your risk of gestational diabetes. Exercise also limits leg cramps, back pain, and bloating.

2. Eat Whole Foods Every Day

Consume whole foods that provide your growing baby with plenty of nutrients and help you gain weight healthfully. If your body mass index (BMI) is between 18.5 to 24.9, for example, you should gain between 25 to 35 pounds with vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid fish that may contain high levels of mercury such as swordfish or king mackerel, and limit your meat intake to prevent passing toxic chemicals such as dioxin to the fetus.

3. Drink More Water

Invest in a faucet-mounted or pitcher water filter if you have not already to enjoy healthier water. Drink at least half of your body weight to stay hydrated throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Get in the habit of bringing a stainless steel or BPA-free, reusable plastic water bottle with you everywhere so you sip the liquid all day long.

4. Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine

Swap alcoholic and caffeinated beverages for water and herbal teas during pregnancy. Alcohol and caffeine both have detrimental effects on pregnant women. If you want to drink herbal teas, ensure they feature herbs that contribute to healthy pregnancies and deliveries.

5. Take Your Supplements

Give your growing baby the nutrients it needs not just through healthy food, but with supplements. Prenatal vitamins typically feature all of the vitamins and minerals fetuses need to develop, though you may need others depending your diet restrictions. Your gynecologist will recommend a supplement schedule to stick to.
 

If you are recently pregnant and looking for a trusted gynecologist in the Cincinnati, OH, area, contact Dr. William M. Jamieson M.D. He provides a comprehensive range of women’s health services, including contraceptive advice and prescriptions, hormone therapy, pregnancy care, and menopausal treatments. Call (513) 241-7744 today to schedule an appointment or visit the gynecologist online for treatment information. Get more women’s health tips on Google+.