Staying healthy while pregnant: the importance of prenatal care
Staying healthy while pregnant
In this blog, we outline some of our pregnancy care tips to help you keep healthy while pregnant and prepare for childbirth, as well as our take on the importance of prenatal care.
Pregnancy is an incredible experience for women, but it can also be challenging as your body changes. A healthy pregnancy requires care, planning, and attention, and it’s part of our role to help guide the women under our care through this. We’ve outlined some of our pregnancy care tips to help you keep healthy while pregnant and prepare for childbirth, as well as our take on the importance of prenatal care.
Preparing for Pregnancy
Planning ahead for pregnancy is important to ensure that you are healthy and able to create a healthy environment for your baby. The first step is to schedule an appointment with your doctor who can help you understand what to expect during pregnancy and what changes you need to make to your lifestyle to prepare for it. They can also advise you on how any medical conditions or health problems you may have might affect your pregnancy, and whether any medication you are taking needs to be changed prior to a pregnancy.
It is usually recommended to start on folic acid supplementation prior to falling pregnant and to start taking iodine supplementation once you are pregnant.
Having a Healthy Pregnancy
Having a healthy pregnancy involves taking care of your body and your growing baby. Some key things you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy include:
Eat a balanced and healthy diet: A healthy diet and knowing what food to eat when pregnant is important for the growth and development of your baby. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats and aim to consume foods that are high in nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, and iron. Certain foods are not recommended during pregnancy, such as raw or undercooked meats, fish high in mercury, and unpasteurised dairy products. It is also important to avoid consuming any dirt, so fruit and vegetables should be washed before eating. We recommend this great resource for all the information about eating well during pregnancy or talk to your LMC.
Exercise regularly: Exercise during pregnancy can help you stay fit and healthy. Moderate exercise is recommended during pregnancy, but it is important to listen to your body and consult your doctor for advice, especially before starting any new exercise programme.
Get enough sleep: Getting adequate sleep is important during pregnancy to help you stay healthy and to support the growth and development of your baby. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night and rest when you need to during the day. As your pregnancy progresses, sleeping positions become more critical. Experts recommend sleeping on your side to increase blood flow and nutrient delivery to the placenta from 26 weeks of pregnancy.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will help prevent dehydration during pregnancy. Avoid sugary drinks and limit your caffeine intake.
Take your prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins are important for your baby's development. Talk to your doctor about which vitamins and supplements are right for you. Some supplements or vitamins, like iron, may be added as your pregnancy progresses.
Attend all prenatal appointments: Regular prenatal checkups can help ensure that you and your baby are healthy throughout your pregnancy. Here’s a full list of tests and scans you’ll undergo during pregnancy.
Don't smoke or drink alcohol: We know it’s an obvious one, but smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy should be avoided as there is no safe limit, and it can harm your baby's development.
Try and relax! Life is going to change drastically very soon. Take some time out from planning and preparing to relax. This could be in the form of yoga, meditation, deep breathing, reading, walking or even trying out a new craft or hobby. It is safe to bathe or use a spa during pregnancy, as long as the water is not too hot, and although regular massages aren’t recommended, there are pregnancy massage experts available. Remember to seek support from loved ones during this time.
The Lead Maternity Carer you have chosen will be able to guide you during pregnancy to ensure you are doing everything you can to stay healthy and prepare for childbirth.
Preparing for Pregnancy After 35
Although there are sometimes a few more challenges, it is entirely possible to have a healthy pregnancy after 35. Women over the age of 35 are at higher risk for certain pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. You can talk to us or your doctor before trying to conceive to understand any risks, plan any additional things you should do to prepare and learn how to best manage your pregnancy.
Preparing for Childbirth
Preparing for childbirth is important to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable delivery. Some things you can do to prepare for childbirth include:
Attend antenatal classes: These classes can help you understand what to expect during labour, delivery and the newborn stages. It also helps you meet and connect with other mothers in the same stage as you.
Create a birth plan: Creating a birth plan can help you communicate your preferences for labour and delivery with your LMC and team. We usually do this with you at the later stages of pregnancy, around week 36.
Talk to your LMC about pain management options: There are several pain relief options available during labour and delivery, including epidurals and nitrous oxide. We can discuss options with you and help you incorporate these in your birth plan.
Why Is Prenatal Care Important?
Prenatal care is important because it helps ensure the health of both you and your baby during pregnancy. We can monitor your health and the health of your baby and provide you with advice and guidance to help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.
Prenatal care can also help detect any potential problems early, which can help prevent complications during pregnancy and birth.
We know it may seem overwhelming at first, there are a lot of changes and things to consider, but we are here to help guide you.
By planning ahead for pregnancy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, preparing for labour and birth and seeking the right prenatal care, you’re doing everything you can to have a healthy pregnancy and prepare as best you can for your new baby.
At Wellington Obstetrics, we understand that a healthy pregnancy requires care, planning, and attention. It’s part of our role to help guide the women under our care through this and be on hand for any questions or concerns.