Your Basic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy

Bringing a baby into the world is a joyous experience and definitely a life-changing journey for new parents. As first-time parents, there are sure to be a lot of worries and questions that they do not have the answers to. With the changes that happen throughout your pregnancy, you need to know how to take care of your body. If you have just begun the early stages of your pregnancy, this will be your basic guide to ensuring a healthier pregnancy journey.

Eat Healthy Food (Of Course)

You have probably heard countless times that pregnant women should always eat healthy foods. This is essential for your baby’s growth during their development stage in the womb. But which specific food should you be filling up on? Consuming lean meat is essential. Protein contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of all cells in your body and your baby’s. Lean beef, pork, and chicken are excellent sources of high-protein meals, while beef and pork are rich in iron which is important for helping your baby’s red blood cell supply grow and sustain yours. 

Lentils are also crucial. This vegetarian protein source deserves a spot on your plate whether you eat meat or not. A cup of cooked lentils contains around 17 grams of protein and 7 milligrams of iron. Lentils are also high in folate (also known as folic acid in supplements), B vitamins that are essential for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system, and a strong protective impact against neural-tube abnormalities. 

If you are hungry for a snack, yoghurt is a great choice. Your baby needs a steady supply of calcium for his growing bones, and you need it to keep yours strong. Three to four servings of dairy foods can help you meet your daily calcium needs, and yoghurt is one of your best bets. There are also various foods that should be avoided such as raw food and other types of food classes. Check out pregnancy blog articles for expecting mothers to gain insight into this topic.

Take Prenatal Supplements

Taking a daily prenatal multivitamin can help ensure you get the right amount of the key nutrients you and your baby need during pregnancy. These include folic acid, iron and calcium. While it seems like you would need to load up on all sorts of nutrients, here are 5 main supplements to support your baby’s growth and development:

1. Folate

Folates are a natural form of Vitamin B9 found in food sources that will help reduce the risk for neural tube defects.

2. Iron

This is commonly recommended to prevent anaemia during pregnancy caused by iron deficiency.

3. Calcium

Calcium is going to help with the development of strong bones, muscles, and nerves for your baby.

4. Vitamin D

This goes hand in hand with calcium and keeps your immune system strong.

5. DHA

This is omega-3 fatty acid that plays a role in overall fetal health.

Check out healthy supplements in Malaysia for pregnant women that will boost immunity and supply basic micronutrients for pregnant mothers. 

Stay Hydrated

A pregnant woman’s body needs more water than they did before pregnancy. Aim for eight or more cups each day. During pregnancy, you should drink 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water every day. Water has many benefits. It aids digestion and helps form the amniotic fluid around the fetus. Water also helps nutrients circulate in the body and helps waste leave the body. 

Especially during days that are hotter than usual, you’ll want to make sure you stay adequately hydrated. Here are just some of the benefits of staying hydrated during your pregnancy:

• Decreases constipation/haemorrhoids
• Reduces swelling
• Softens skin
• Increases energy
• Keeps you cooler
• Decreases the risk of urinary tract infections

Take Care Of Hygiene

Pregnant women experience increased vaginal discharge which sometimes stimulates bacterial growth. It can lead to ‘bacterial vaginosis’ and, if left untreated, can cause complications for the mother. A simple solution to maintaining your personal hygiene is wearing only pure cotton undergarments, and avoiding very tight jeans or pants to maintain air circulation between your clothing and skin. Check out belly lifting pants for pregnant women which are comfy while accommodating to the constantly-changing shape of your growing baby bump. Change your undergarments frequently to avoid sitting in clothing that may have bacteria growth. Browse more care products for pregnant women on Mamacliqs to ensure you get the best care.

Your health & happiness is our greatest priority.Stay healthy, stay comfortable, and stay happy, with Mama Net, your trusted Parenthood companion. Download the Mama Net App today!