How to be Healthy During Pregnancy

Although women should always strive to live healthy lives, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is especially important during pregnancy. The needs of a woman and her growing baby are special, so special attention during this period will help keep both bodies strong and healthy.

• Begin a regimen of prenatal vitamins while trying to conceive. Prenatal vitamins provide the correct amounts of nutrients for mother and baby. Beginning this regimen before pregnancy ensures that the mother has enough folic acid at the time of conception. Scientists have found that folic acid levels play a part in the development of birth defects. A deficiency of this substance has been linked to some types of birth defects.


• Schedule a visit with your OB/GYN as soon as possible. She will run preliminary tests and give you due date. As you progress through your pregnancy, visit her every four weeks until your 28th week of pregnancy. At this time, your visits will become more frequent, so your doctor can more closely monitor your progress.


• Begin eating 300 extra calories every day. Although this number may vary depending on your personal situation, this is the base number of extra calories each mother should consume in addition to her normal eating habits.


• Fine-tune your eating habits to replace bad foods with healthy foods. Eliminate excessive sugars, fats and salts and plan meals that include foods from the food pyramid. Use a food tracking program or website to see exactly what you are eating every day. Don't stress about eating large amounts of foods, especially if they are healthy foods. You need to eat enough healthy foods for two bodies.


• Stay active without putting stress on your body. Even a long walk every day will keep your body active and fit. Keep your exercise routines low-impact, as intense cardio and even running can be dangerous for your baby.


• Avoid toxins like drinking and smoking. Ask your doctor before using any medicines, as many can cause adverse reactions and harm in growing babies.


• Eliminate your stress. Although it's hard to be stress-free while pregnant, adding a relaxation time to your daily schedule can help reduce stress. Your stress will pass to your baby.


• Remember that your baby experiences everything you experience. Whether it is food, medicines or stress, everything you eat or experience passes to your unborn baby.