To have a good pregnancy we not only have to look at physical health. Being healthy is essential at these times, but also being mentally calm, prepared and happy. That is why we are going to give ten keys to a healthy and happy pregnancy, in which mind and body combine in harmony to welcome a new member into our lives.
1. Eat and drink healthy during pregnancy
The diet must be varied and balanced. The important thing is to eat foods rich in nutrients and vitamins such as folic acid, iron, calcium and iodine, but not fat. The diet must be varied based on vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy products and legumes, without forgetting the daily protein intake of meat and fish.
A healthy diet includes maintaining correct hydration. Drinking enough water and milk that provides us with calcium is essential. We can also take juices, better natural and unsweetened. Of course, let's forget about alcoholic beverages and coffee.
2. Take the recommended vitamin supplements
To complement a healthy diet, the doctor will recommend certain vitamin supplements that include folic acid, along with other vitamin and mineral supplements that are also beneficial for pregnancy, such as iron, iodine, calcium ... In this way we help the fetus to develop properly avoiding deficiencies that They could cause complications for both the baby (low weight, spina bifida…) and the mother (anemia, pre-eclampsia…).
3. Exercise during pregnancy
For our well-being and an ideal weight gain, it is essential to perform physical exercise appropriate to our state. Whether it's swimming, yoga, walking, the Pilates method ...
By carrying out a moderate and constant exercise we will improve our cardiovascular and muscular condition and promote postural correction. All this will provide the pregnant woman with a better general physical condition and will allow her to face the labor of pregnancy and delivery with less risk.
4. Go to medical visits
Periodically visit the gynecologist to do the corresponding tests and obtain adequate prenatal care. In this way we will monitor both the baby's health and ours, having the possibility of consulting the specialist with all our doubts and fears, as well as talking about our birth plan. The prenatal tests will give us peace of mind, they will help us “get closer” to the baby and with the ultrasounds we will have their first images to remember.
5. Wear appropriate clothing
We must wear comfortable clothing (including shoes), appropriate to the increase in weight and volume that we experience. This will help the blood circulate better, our movements are correct and not forced and the skin remains healthy. It's not about wearing potato sacks, as being pregnant is fortunately no longer at odds with being fashionable, and many stores sell beautiful maternity clothes. Heels can wait, but feeling comfortable and beautiful with a nice "wrapper" favors an important mental well-being at this time.
6. Pamper our minds during pregnancy
If we take time to take care of our body, we also have to save time for our relaxation and the care of our mind. It is not only the body that is more vulnerable during pregnancy. Finding our peace of mind and doing relaxation exercises at home will help us feel better. We do not have to park the activities that we like such as going to the movies, reading, going out to the country, crafts ...
7. Take care of our skin
During pregnancy it is essential to apply protective sun creams to avoid spots on the skin and burns. Due to the action of hormones, the skin of the pregnant woman suffers alterations such as hyperpigmentation. Anti-stretch mark creams are also important, which prevent the appearance of these scars with the stretching of our skin, with special attention during the final months, when the skin is stretched at a very fast rate.
Moisturizing the whole body after bathing or showering gives us a moment of relaxation. Gentle massages after exercise help us feel better. Of course, external hydration must be supplemented with internal hydration, drinking plenty of fluids as we have already mentioned in the point regarding nutrition. All combined will increase our well-being by feeling more cared for and beautiful.
8. A good rest during pregnancy
Sleeping and resting what the body asks of us is very important. Tiredness and sleep can accompany us from the first moment as one of the first symptoms of pregnancy, and hopefully they will disappear. But it is more than likely that we will feel very tired and sleepy again in the final phase of pregnancy. It is what the body needs, and we must listen to it, resting as much as possible, without forgetting that moderate exercise will make us rest and sleep better.
9. The childbirth preparation classes
Attending childbirth classes can be very beneficial for both our physical and mental health. Connecting with other pregnant women and sharing experiences opens our minds to discover that we are not the only ones who have doubts or fears.
They also help us to acquire knowledge and awareness about the changes in our body, knowing concepts about the phases of labor, baby hygiene or breastfeeding will help us feel more prepared for the changes that are coming. Through knowledge, an important self-confidence is generated thanks to security, and being a father begins to be lived now. As far as possible, it is good to share these classes accompanied by the couple.
10. Communicate with the baby
Talking to the baby, communicating with him, putting music on him, will make us feel closer, preparing us for the moment when he really reaches our arms. Know how its evolution is going from month to month, how it is growing in our womb, write a letter to it, keep a diary of our pregnancy, respond to its kicks ...
All these simple activities will make the life that is brewing in our womb fill us more with life. The possible discomforts of our pregnancy are forgotten in these moments of communication.
Don't forget, to have a healthy pregnancy you need a happy pregnancy. We have to take care of the mind and body in this delicate stage of our life, full of emotions and sometimes contradictory sensations. I hope that these tips to achieve a healthy and happy pregnancy encourage you to face this stage of your lives with an optimistic and vital spirit