It’s important that you stay healthy both mentally and physically during pregnancy so you can take care of yourself and your growing baby. Staying fit will also help you recover faster after giving birth, reduce pain, and even help you sleep.
At Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery in Passaic Park, New Jersey, we know that pregnancy can be a stressful time, but we want you to stay healthy and relaxed before, during, and after birth.
Staying fit while you’re pregnant might seem daunting, but you really only need to do small things to accomplish this.
One of the easiest things you can do to stay fit during pregnancy is drink plenty of water. Water is a critical component to the growth of your baby. It helps in the formation of the amniotic sac and placenta, both of which deliver nutrients to your baby.
You can quickly become dehydrated if you’re experiencing morning sickness or if you’re overheating and sweating often. By drinking 8-12 glasses of water every day, you can ensure that your baby gets what is needed and you stay hydrated.
Even if you’re feeling fatigued and unmotivated, it’s essential to get some form of exercise every day. Moving more can cure your fatigue, even if it feels like a counterintuitive measure.
You don’t need to visit a spin class or run a marathon. A 20-minute walk or a short yoga class should be enough to stay healthy. Movement is especially important if you’re dealing with troublesome aches and pains and a lack of energy. Regular movement during pregnancy has also been shown to prevent gestational diabetes and even relieve stress.
Avoiding sugar can feel like a monumental task, especially if you’re experiencing pregnancy cravings. However, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that eating lots of sugar during pregnancy can harm a child’s cognitive abilities, such as their intelligence and memory.
Instead of reaching for chocolate, consider choosing naturally sweet options, such as fruit. By creating healthy, sustainable habits now, you’ll also be better able to pass on healthy routines to your child as they grow.
Creating a relaxing space where you can be mindful and calm can help you navigate a hormonal roller coaster. Meditating for 15-20 minutes every day can help bring calm to you and your baby. Meditation can help relieve stress, induce better sleep, and lower the risk of postpartum depression for moms-to-be.
During pregnancy, you and your baby should eat a variety of healthy foods to make sure the nutritional needs of you and your baby are met. Eating sensible, wholesome meals will also help keep pregnancy cravings at bay.
For calcium, consume green vegetables and dairy. For folate, which is critical for your baby’s growth, eat pasta, rice, and bread. To get iron, eat plenty of eggs, beans, and salmon.
Everyone's pregnancy journey is different, so, for your peace of mind, don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s. Your needs are not the same as another’s. Listen to your body. Rest when you need it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
At Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery, we want to help you relax and enjoy this momentous experience as you wait for the birth of your little one. For expert prenatal care, book an appointment online or over the phone with Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery today.
