Important things that future mommies should do during pregnancy
By: Taren Vaughan
Becoming a mother is one of the most rewarding experiences of a woman’s life. The emotional attachment that a mother has with her children is very special. That all begins when the woman first becomes pregnant. Being pregnant can be a very overwhelming experience for first time mothers. So before your little bundle of joy arrives, there are some important things that you should do.
Routine check-ups are a must: Visits to the doctor’s office are trips we are supposed to make on a regular basis. Now that you are expecting, these visits should be done on a more frequent basis. Physical examinations are not the only thing that you can get from attending doctor’s visits. Pregnant women can get answers to questions that they may have pertaining to their pregnancy, childbirth or even parenthood. Routine check-ups while you are pregnant are vital to you and your baby’s health.
Be sure to get immunized: Women should be sure that they have had all of their necessary immunizations done before they get pregnant. Once you become pregnant, you are not allowed to receive some immunizations including the rubella and varicella vaccines. Doctors suggest that women wait for a one month period after receiving immunizations before they attempt to conceive. Mothers-to-be can be very susceptible to certain diseases that can do major harm to them and their babies.
Get your daily dose of vitamins: According to the U.S. Public Health Service, any woman of childbearing age should get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. By taking folic acid, a mother-to-be lowers the chances of her baby being born with birth defects. Folic acid also helps with healthy reproductive systems for women. Women who have the desire to become pregnant should begin to take folic acid three months prior to conception and a minimum of three months during the actual pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins provide with a great source of folic acid in addition to other vitamins including vitamin A and iron.
Change your habits: Along with going to the doctor, getting immunized and taking in the right amount of vitamins, a change in your habits can improve the quality of your pregnancy. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided during your pregnancy. Researchers have found that even engaging in these activities every once in awhile can have an effect on your baby’s health. If you are planning to breastfeed, activities involving alcohol and smoking should not be done until after you stop breastfeeding. Toxins can be transmitted to your baby through your breast milk. Be sure to practice a good exercise routine and good eating habits throughout your pregnancy. Proper dieting and amounts of physical activity helps with the soon-to-be mother’s stress level and cardiovascular health.
Following these tips is very crucial to the quality of your baby’s life. A mother’s health is directly related to the health of her unborn fetus. Although these tips are essential for pregnant women, they should be practiced regularly even if you are not expecting.
Source: Mama’s Health
