Now that you’re pregnant, taking care of yourself has never been more important. Aside from taking care of your own body, you’re now responsible for the health of your unborn child before they are brought into the world. While pregnancy is an exciting time filled with joy for the future, it’s natural for any woman to worry about doing their very best for the foetus. As a result, staying healthy and managing your well-being should be at the top of your priority list during the full 9 months.
If this is your very first pregnancy, it can be difficult to know where to begin, so we have listed some tips for staying in good health:
Visiting the Dentist Regularly
You may never have considered the impact that your dental health has while pregnant, but research states that it has never been more important to take good care of your teeth and gums during these 9 months.
Gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) is a common condition in some pregnant women. Not only does it cause your gums to become inflamed and painful, but it could even pose risk to your growing baby. What’s more, regular morning sickness during the first trimester is damaging to both the teeth and gums. The repetition of this action and the strong acidic liquid brought up from the stomach is enough to cause tooth decay. Taking preventative action is key. Booking in with a private dentist worcestershire will ensure that the relevant dental procedures are carried out to keep both you and your baby in good health.
Take a Daily Prenatal Vitamin
As soon as you’re aware that you are pregnant, it’s wise to take a daily supplement to ensure that both you and your unborn baby are getting enough nutrients. Pre-natal supplements typically contain folic acid and vitamin D. Folic acid is known to prevent a common birth defect associated with the foetus’ neural tube, which later forms the brain and spinal cord, while vitamin D regulates calcium in the body and keeps the bones and muscles strong.
Go for Prenatal Check-Ups
Ensuring you are attending prenatal appointments helps to rule out any concerns with your baby’s health and potential birth complications. Typically, you will be asked to attend your first appointment when you are 8 weeks pregnant through to full-term.
During each appointment, the healthcare provider will examine you and your baby to ensure you are both in good health and rule out any potential concerns that should be further investigated. They will also be happy to answer any questions you may have about pregnancy and provide advice on staying well.
Drink More Water
While it is recommended that all adults should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated, it is even more important for pregnant women to drink more water. During the early stages of pregnancy, you may be vomiting frequently or sweating due to hormone changes, which can lead to severe dehydration. During the summer months, in particular, staying hydrated is crucial as it can alleviate some of the key symptoms of dehydration, including:
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- The risk of UTIs
- Risk of premature birth
Be Cautious of Medications
Before taking any over-the-counter medication, always consult your doctor. This is because many drugs and medicines pass the placenta and could harm your baby’s health and development. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, should be avoided at all costs. During the first trimester, in particular, certain medications can produce abnormalities in the foetus, while the second and third trimesters can affect its functional growth. In some instances, your doctor may be able to prescribe you alternative medication that poses less of a risk.
Quit Smoking
If you’re a habitual smoker, stopping while pregnant may not come easily. However, smoking could be detrimental to your unborn baby’s health and well-being. Each cigarette contains 4000 chemicals and restricts the amount of oxygen flowing to the foetus. If you are a non-smoker but live with someone who smokes, be aware that second-hand smoke is also a danger. In both instances, it would be wise to seek assistance from a medical professional on how you or your partner can quit smoking for good.
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