One vital part of pregnancy care is evaluating your habits to see if there's anything you need to change. Some everyday behaviors that are safe or low-risk for you could affect your baby. While your OB-GYN will guide you on your specific needs, there are some recommendations that every woman should follow during this period. To help keep you and your baby healthy, here are a few habits to avoid during this period and what to do instead.

3 Lifestyle Changes to Implement for Prenatal Care

1. Skip Certain Foods

The American Pregnancy Association recommends avoiding raw meat and eggs, unpasteurized dairy, too much caffeine, and any amount of alcohol. The raw foods are risky because they can carry bacteria that you and your baby are more susceptible to during your pregnancy, while caffeine may be a factor in miscarriages. Alcohol also puts the baby at risk for congenital disabilities.

Instead opt for nutrient-rich foods like cooked salmon and eggs, sweet potatoes, and broccoli and other leafy greens.

2. Don’t Be a Night Owl

As your body changes during pregnancy and you begin to carry more weight, the volume of blood in your body increases. This means your heart has to work harder. Your lungs and other organs must do the same, since they become closer together, making breathing more difficult.

Because of these changes, you'll get more tired while you're pregnant. Discomfort may also make staying asleep more difficult. For this reason, most OB-GYNs will recommend you set aside extra time to rest, both at night and during the day. Try to get at least eight to 10 hours of sleep daily to stay healthy.

3. Avoid Chemical Exposure

Most people don't work in industrial environments where the risk of chemical exposure is high, but there are a few household products that also contain toxins. Solvent-based paint sometimes contains lead, which could cause issues for the fetus, so leave the painting to someone else if you’re setting up a nursery. The chemicals found in cigarettes also increase the risk of congenital disabilities and preterm birth, so if you smoke, you need to stop during your pregnancy.

To care for your body and your child during pregnancy, visit the OB-GYNs at Genesee Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology PC. Based in Rochester, NY, they are Monroe's County's trusted facility for obstetric and gynecological services. Their patient portal offers convenient communication and 24/7 access to your records. They also provide women’s health services for women at all stages in life. Visit their website to schedule an appointment or call (585) 232-3210 to learn more about what they do.