Requirements for a Healthy Pregnancy
A healthy pregnancy is a vital part to having a safe labor and delivery and a healthy, happy baby. One of the best ways to have a healthy pregnancy is to become knowledgeable about pregnancy and what it involves. The daily changes taking place and how the fetus is growing, understanding the importance of prenatal care, a balanced diet and regular exercise, as well as what things to avoid are all important aspects to having the healthiest pregnancy possible.
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Prenatal Care
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An extremely important part of ensuring the healthiest pregnancy possible is to have ongoing prenatal care. Getting regular physician check-ups and taking prenatal vitamins every day are a must for pregnant women, and establishing both prior to conception is even better. According to KidsHealth.org, most physicians will want to schedule appointments every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, every 2 weeks until 36 weeks and then once a week until delivery. Recommendations are that all women of childbearing age take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid (which can help prevent neural tube defects in the fetus) every day as a part of their regular routine.
Balanced Diet
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Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet is another important step to having a healthy pregnancy--and although she may be eating for two, according to the American Pregnancy Association, a pregnant woman's caloric needs only increase by 300 calories for both the second and third trimesters. Pregnant women should concentrate on eating a well-balanced diet combining whole grains, fruits and vegetables, proteins (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and beans) and low-fat dairy. Fats and sweets should be kept to a minimum. It is also extremely important to stay well-hydrated during pregnancy to prevent issues such as swelling, high blood pressure and constipation, among other pregnancy-related problems.
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Regular Exercise
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Regular exercise during pregnancy helps with proper blood circulation and weight management, can lessen the chance of gestational diabetes and helps prepare the body for labor. With a physician's approval, a pregnant woman should aim to do 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, without pushing herself beyond the point of physical conditioning she was at prior to becoming pregnant. Walking, swimming and yoga are all usually safe forms of exercise for pregnant women. Anything that could can abdominal trauma or has a high rate of falling (like gymnastics or horseback riding) are activities best left until after the baby is born.
Slow, Consistent Weight Gain
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Pregnancy inevitably means weight gain. However, gaining weight in a slow, consistent manner throughout the pregnancy is the best way to stay healthy and avoid many pregnancy-related problems, including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and even stretch marks. Health experts agree that weight gain during a pregnancy carrying one baby should be 28 to 40 pounds for an underweight woman, 25 to 35 pounds for a normal weight woman, 15 to 25 pounds for an overweight woman and 11 to 20 pounds for an obese woman.
Avoiding Dangers
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There are many potential dangers that should be discontinued during pregnancy. Alcohol, tobacco, drugs and unsafe sex should be avoided at all costs. Also, unpasteurized milk, cheeses, juice or cider, raw or undercooked meat or fish, as well as dishes containing raw egg should not be consumed during pregnancy. The Environmental Protection Agency advises against pregnant women eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish due to their high mercury content.
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