How to Stay Healthy and Low-Risk During Pregnancy

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Learn the basics for having a healthy pregnancy. Staying healthy and low-risk during pregnancy increases your chances of having a safer and more satisfying birth experience.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Eat a wholesome diet that includes quality protein, dairy, eggs, whole grains, leafy greens, Vit. C foods, yellow/orange fruits & vegetables, and 6-8 cups of water daily. Instead of eating three larger meals, have smaller meals and more snacks daily. Avoid junk food, processed foods, excessive caffeine, and white sugars and flours.

Step2

Include exercises daily to increase comfort and flexibility during pregnancy, and to obtain the stamina needed for labor and birth. Be sure to get some type of regular physical exercise daily including walking, swimming, and low-impact prenatal aerobics. Also do specific pregnancy exercises such as pelvic rocks, butterflys, tailor sitting, and Kegels.

Step3

Become informed about the many options available such as tests and procedures so that you can make the best and safest choices for yourself and your baby. Learn the risks and benefits of various procedures and tests, asks questions of your midwife or doctor, avoid things that may be harmful to your unborn baby such as tobacco, drugs, alcohol, toxins and preservatives and additives.

Step4

Educate yourself through reading, talking with your midwife or doctor, friends and family, and take childbirth education classes. Learning all you can about pregnancy and birth will help in your decision making and preparations for your new baby.

Step5

Finally, learn and practice relaxation techniques. Relaxation helps reduce everyday stress and is the key to handling labor. Practice twice daily for 20 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

Check with your midwife or doctor before beginning exercises
Review your nutrition with your midwife or doctor to make sure you are eating correctly
Discuss any concerns you have regarding your pregnancy
Don't continue anything that causes sudden pain, headaches or dizziness