During pregnancy, expectant mothers will experience and adhere to a variety of physical and lifestyle adjustments. While certain restrictions, such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, are commonly advised, there are several other lesser-known changes expectant mothers should make. Below are a few do’s and don’ts to follow throughout your pregnancy. 

Do:

Practice low-impact exercises. 

Most forms of exercise are deemed safe during pregnancy. In fact, low-impact workouts such as yoga, swimming, walking, or indoor cycling are encouraged. By embracing exercise during pregnancy, you’ll increase your energy, reduce backaches, improve endurance, strength, and muscle tone, and enjoy better sleep. 

Prioritize prenatal care and checkups. 

Prenatal care appointments with your doctor are incredibly important to monitor the health and development of both you and your growing baby and to finalize your birth plan. During the first trimester, you should see your doctor once a month. In the second trimester, these appointments should occur twice a month, and in the final trimester, you should see your physician on a weekly basis. 

Don’t:

Give in to every food craving. 

Weight gain during pregnancy is expected, necessary, and natural. However, consuming high-calorie foods can be detrimental to you and your baby. Instead, maintain a healthy and nutritious diet and increase your caloric intake based on your physician’s recommendations. Most women require 100 extra calories during the first trimester of pregnancy and roughly 300 additional calories by the final trimester. 

Allow stressful situations to get the best of you. 

Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to pregnancy complications. With this in mind, do your best to make changes in your daily routine to stay calm. This may include changing your work schedule, getting plenty of rest, and embracing meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga. Don’t hesitate to talk to your midwife about stress management.  

Are you looking for loving and compassionate support from a midwife during your pregnancy and labor? If so, Home Birth with Love is the ideal resource. Led by Leah Marinelli, a certified nurse-midwife with over 17 years of experience, this organization is known throughout New York and New Jersey for providing holistic birthing assistance. To schedule a consultation with this Suffern, NY-based team, call (845) 641-5058. For more information on their services, visit their website.