A pregnant woman’s care includes both prenatal (before birth) and postpartum (after birth).
It includes treatments and training to ensure the health of mom and baby during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care reduces pregnancy risks and increases the likelihood of a safe and healthy delivery.
A healthy pregnancy requires regular monitoring of the mother’s and baby’s health, in order to identify any potential problems before they become serious.
It also supports the mother emotionally and contributes to improved maternal and infant health.
Here are some habits to follow during pregnancy:
1. See a healthcare provider regularly
Pregnant women should see a healthcare provider regularly throughout pregnancy to monitor their health of the mother and baby. The visits usually include a physical, blood and urine tests, and fetal monitoring.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Pregnant women should eat a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups. The diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources (such as lean meats, poultry, and beans). Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, contain calcium and other nutrients. It is also necessary for pregnant women to avoid certain foods that may harm the baby and themselves. These foods include unpasteurized dairy products, certain types of fish, and undercooked meat and fish, etc.
3. Get enough rest
It is very crucial for both the mother and the baby to get an adequate amount of sleep. During pregnancy, pregnant women should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble sleeping, try using comfortable pillows, avoiding caffeine and large meals before bed, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
4. Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity is generally safe and beneficial for pregnant women. It can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, improve mood, and reduce the risk of developing certain pregnancy complications. It is imperative to select pregnancy-safe activities, such as walking, swimming, and pregnancy-specific exercises. Also, be sure not to overdo it and listen to your body.
5. Avoid certain activities
Pregnant women should avoid certain activities that may be harmful to the baby, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs. As well, they should avoid contact sports and activities that have a high risk of falling.
6. Take prenatal vitamins
During pregnancy, prenatal vitamins supply the mother and baby with nutrients such as folic acid, iron and calcium. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine in the first few weeks of pregnancy. It’s recommended that pregnant women take a prenatal vitamin that has these nutrients and others.
7. Stay hydrated
It is important for pregnant women to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and support the needs of the growing baby. Water is the best choice, but pregnant women can also get fluids from other beverages such as milk and juice, and from foods like fruits and vegetables. It is also important to avoid caffeine-containing beverages, as caffeine dehydrates the body.
8. Practice good hygiene
Pregnancy requires good personal hygiene to reduce infection risk. It includes washing your hands regularly, brushing your teeth, and taking regular showers or baths.
9. Take care of your skin
Pregnancy can cause changes to your skin, such as stretch marks, acne, and dark patches. Maintaining clean, moisturized skin during pregnancy and using safe products is essential.
10. Manage stress
A woman’s body and mind can undergo many changes during pregnancy, so it is essential to find healthy ways to manage stress during this time. To maintain your physical, emotional, and mental well-being during pregnancy, you can engage in exercises, relaxation techniques, and seek support from your friends, family, and healthcare providers.
Postpartum Care
Pregnancy also includes postpartum care, which is the kind of care a woman receives after giving birth. A woman should take care of her physical and emotional health during this time. Here are some tips for postpartum care:
- Get enough rest: After giving birth, your body needs enough rest to recover and heal. It is normal to be tired, so it is okay to take naps and rest when you can.
- Eat a healthy diet: Healthy eating is not only a necessity during pregnancy, but also after childbirth. The right diet can assist you in recovering from childbirth and provide you with the nutrients you require to produce breast milk. Diets should be well-balanced, containing a variety of foods from different food groups.
- Exercise: Moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking or swimming, can help improve your overall physical and mental health. Make sure you listen to your body when you begin and start slowly.
- Take care of your perineum: After childbirth, it is important to take care of your perineum (the area between the anus and the vagina) to help it heal. You may use ice packs, sitz baths, or pads instead of tampons to alleviate symptoms.
- Take care of your mental health: Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and challenging experiences in a woman’s life. So it is common for women to feel happy, sad, and fatigued after giving birth. It is a must to take care of your mental health by seeking support from loved ones, talking to a healthcare provider or a mental health professional if needed, and finding healthy ways to manage stress.
Taking care of your physical and emotional health before and after giving birth will make the process easier.
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