You need a healthy body to make a healthy baby. So what can you do to get your body in baby-making shape? Plenty! Besides getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising and going to your entire preconception checkups with your gynecologist (don’t forget to see your internist and a dentist!), there are lifestyle changes that make all the difference. Taking a prenatal supplement every day is a small change that will pay big rewards. Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
- EXERCISE DOES WONDERS DURING PRGNANCY
Maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel your best. Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve your posture and decrease some common discomforts such as backaches and fatigue. There is evidence that physical activity may prevent gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), relieve stress, and build more stamina needed for labor and delivery. If you were physically active before your pregnancy, you should be able to continue your activity in moderation. Don’t try to exercise at your former level; instead, do what’s most comfortable for you now. Low impact aerobics are encouraged versus high impact. If you have never exercised regularly before, you can safely begin an exercise program during pregnancy after consulting with your health care provider, but do not try a new, strenuous activity. Walking, jogging, running, swimming or prenatal yoga are all considered safe to partake in when pregnant. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise per day at least 3 days of the week or more, unless you have a medical or pregnancy complication. Your heart rate should not exceed 140 beats per minute!!!
- FINE-TUNE YOUR DIET
Almost all pregnant women need to get more protein, more of certain vitamins and minerals such as folic acid and iron, and more calories (for energy). If starting at a healthy weight, you’ll need about 300 extra calories a day in the second trimester and about 450 extra calories a day in the third trimester.
PLEASE CONSULT WITH DR. KAHEN BEFORE STARTING ANY KIND OF A DIET AND/OR EXERCISE ROUTINE
