5 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

Whether you are having your first baby or second, you must take good care of your body during pregnancy. Eating healthy foods and avoiding bad habits can help you feel better and reduce the risk of having a premature baby. Here are five helpful tips for a healthy pregnancy:

Be Careful Not to Overeat

There may be a growing baby inside you, but that does not mean you should double your calorie intake. In fact, you do not need to increase your calories at all during your first trimester. When the second trimester rolls around, you can eat 300 extra calories a day. During the third trimester, add 450 extra calories a day.  If you overeat during pregnancy, you could harm yourself and your baby. Make sure your diet includes protein, folic acid and iron.

Stay Away from Raw and Undercooked Foods

During pregnancy, it is important to avoid raw seafood, like sushi, and undercooked foods. If you consume these foods, bacteria could get into your bloodstream and hurt your unborn child. 

Get Moving

Exercise might be the last thing on your mind, but staying active during pregnancy is actually very beneficial. If you exercise regularly, you can avoid excess weight gain, improve your mood and even sleep better. Low-impact activities, such as yoga, swimming and walking, are best for pregnant women. Be sure to discuss your exercise plan with your doctor first.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

While you should always protect your skin from the sun, wearing sunscreen during pregnancy is even more important. Pregnancy actually makes your skin more sensitive to the sun's ultraviolet rays, increasing your risk of sunburns and discoloration. Do not leave the house without putting on sunscreen first.

Manage Your Stress

Getting stressed during pregnancy is inevitable, but you should not let it get out of hand. Too much anxiety is harmful for you and your baby. If you have too much on your plate, you should ask your family members and friends for help. Also, practice stress management techniques every day, such as meditation and deep breathing.

If you follow these helpful tips, you can have a healthy and happy pregnancy. However, if you experience anything abnormal during your pregnancy, such as strong cramps or dizziness, you should see a doctor at an OB/GYN clinic as soon as possible. He or she will give you a full examination to determine exactly what is going on.