Tips on Having a Healthy Pregnancy

Below are some important tips to ensure a healthy pregnancy:

1. Seek quality prenatal care. If you are over thirty five or have special medical problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, be sure to choose an obstetrician who has experience with your particular condition. Even if you are the perfect picture of health, be sure to start spoiling your child now by getting the best prenatal care possible.

2. Eat right. Whether or not you suffer from nausea or are starving every second, it is important to maintain a diet high in complex carbohydrates, green and yellow vegetables, fruits, calcium-rich foods, and a moderate amount of protein and iron-rich foods. Although you need more calories when you are pregnant, your general eating patterns should be the same as your basic healthy eating plan. It is not difficult to add an additional 300 to 400 calories daily, but be sure these are not empty calories. Seek the advice of your prenatal practitioner. Especially if you are overweight, underweight, or very young and still not fully developed yourself, be sure to follow your practitioner's instructions for the right amount of daily caloric intake for you. Always drink fluids, preferably water, to flush out toxins and waste, help reduce the chance of urinary infections, and minimize bouts of constipation.

3. Lose the image of the perfect pregnancy. Don't buy into myths that all pregnant women are happy, fulfilled, or have a certain glow. Be open to having good days and bad days, such as you or anyone else who is human would experience.

4. Rest. There comes a time in life when you simply won't be able to get everything done. It's called motherhood, and pregnancy is a practice run. Stop trying to accomplish everything you think must get done and start focusing on yourself and your new baby. This means giving up the idea of being super-achiever career mom and relaxing a little into the role of normal pregnant woman.

5. Keep in shape. Avoid gaining weight too fast, and consult your prenatal practitioner about beginning an exercise program. If you've never exercised before, now is a good time to get started. Walking, cycling, and swimming are good picks for a novice, and be sure to pick up a good exercise video or book for expectant mothers. Unless you are proficient at some rigid workout routines, never start an exercise program during pregnancy that includes rigorous training such as jogging or weightlifting.

6. Beware of your responses to feeling abandoned by the absentee father. Worrying excessively about him can make you emotionally susceptible to a difficult pregnancy. You're having this baby without him, and you will do just fine.

7. If you suffer from a serious addiction, seek help. Attend meetings that are smoke-free. Never use a nicotine patch to quit smoking while you are pregnant. Never replace any drug with another substance unless it is approved by your doctor.