A healthy pregnancy can be achieved by maintaining the health of yourself and the fetus in the womb. There are several easy steps that pregnant women can take to create a healthy pregnancy until delivery.
Maintaining a healthy pregnancy is an important thing to do so that the fetus can grow and develop properly until it is ready to be born into the world. To achieve a healthy pregnancy and reduced risk of preeclampsia, efforts are needed from pregnant women to always lead a healthy lifestyle and mindset as well.
There are several steps pregnant women can take to achieve a healthy pregnancy, including:
1. Do routine pregnancy checks
Pregnant women are advised to routinely consult an obstetrician during pregnancy. This is important so that doctors can help pregnant women to prepare what needs to be done during pregnancy and before delivery. It can also anticipate what possibilities may occur during pregnancy and suggest steps for prenatal care and the best delivery method for pregnant women and their fetuses.
2. Pay attention to nutritional intake
In order for the condition of pregnancy to remain healthy, pregnant women are advised to fulfill their nutritional intake and good pregnancy diet, such as carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and various important minerals such as calcium, iron, and folate.
Pregnant women need to know that to support a healthy pregnancy, 300 extra calories are needed in the first 6 months of pregnancy. Pregnant women can increase their nutritional intake by taking prenatal vitamins according to the dosage recommended by the doctor.
In addition, make sure pregnant women eat food that has been cooked perfectly to avoid bacteria that can harm the fetus. Also avoid certain types of fish that contain high levels of mercury, such as tuna and sardines. It is also recommended to reduce drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea and soft drinks.
3. Exercise regularly
Pregnant women can get many benefits if they exercise regularly during pregnancy, namely:
- Build the necessary strength and endurance as your pregnancy progresses
- Makes it easier for the body to return to its original shape after the baby is born
- Prevent or relieve aches and pains during pregnancy
- Improves blood circulation in the limbs and throughout the body
- Reducing stress during pregnancy
Some types of exercise that are good to do during pregnancy are brisk walking, swimming, yoga, Pilates, and Kegel exercises. Even though it is good for the health of pregnant women and the fetus, do sports according to ability and don’t push yourself too hard until your body is exhausted or dehydrated.
Avoid types of sports that are at high risk or that can put excessive pressure on the joints. Pregnant women can consult a doctor to get advice on choosing a good type of exercise to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
4. Enough rest time
The fatigue experienced in the first few months of pregnancy is caused by high levels of pregnancy hormones in the body. This is the body’s way of telling pregnant women to reduce activity.
If pregnant women have trouble sleeping at night, try taking a short nap during the day or simply lifting your feet up in a chair and relaxing for 30 minutes. If back pain interferes with pregnant women’s sleep, try sleeping on your left side with your knees bent. Placing a pillow under your stomach can also relieve back strain or pain during pregnancy.
In addition, pregnant women can also try safe relaxation techniques during pregnancy, such as stretching, breathing exercises, yoga or massage for pregnant women. However, consult your doctor first before deciding to do it.
5. Do not smoke and avoid cigarette smoke
Smoking is something that should be avoided if you want to have a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant women who actively smoke can expose their fetus to harmful substances from smoking.
Please note that smoking can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In addition, smoking during pregnancy is also associated with the risk of stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, and placental abruption.
6. Check your dental health regularly
Pregnant women are also advised to always maintain oral health during pregnancy. This is important because fluctuations in the hormones progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can make pregnant women more susceptible to gum disease
Studies show that disease of the teeth and gums can cause premature birth and increase the risk of babies being born with low birth weight. This condition can be caused by bacteria in the teeth and gums that can reach the uterus and affect the development of the baby.
Therefore, pregnant women are advised to brush their teeth regularly, use dental floss, and check the condition of their teeth to the dentist regularly.
7. Take care of mental health
Many pregnant women feel emotional changes quickly during pregnancy. However, if mood swings feel extreme or interfere with daily life, pregnant women should immediately see a doctor to find out how to deal with them.
Maintaining the condition of pregnancy is very important to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Therefore, don’t hesitate to consult an obstetrician and carry out routine checks during pregnancy so that the health conditions of pregnant women and their fetuses are monitored and maintained.