5 Wellness Essentials Every Pregnant Woman Must Know

Pregnancy is a unique experience for every woman. Some cruise through the journey and others struggle with complications and risks. Either way, you must follow some rules to ensure good health for yourself and your baby. Everything you do during pregnancy can affect your fetus, so you must watch what you eat, how you walk, and where you go during the phase. In fact, you need to be extra cautious after stepping into the third trimester. Even healthy women may encounter problems by skipping the precautions and being complacent about their health.

Wellness Essentials Every Pregnant Woman Must Know:

Every expecting mom knows the basics of self-care to follow during pregnancy. But you must think beyond the basics of a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, and rest. You can do much more by embracing a few simple measures. Going the extra mile with holistic well-being is essential because it sets you up for safe delivery and ensures a healthy baby. Let us share a few proven wellness essentials every pregnant woman must know.

1. Be aware of what not to eat

Pregnant women often plan their diet wisely. But it is easy to overlook the foods you shouldn’t eat when you are always picking the ones you must consume. Remember that some foods may cause more harm than good during pregnancy, so you must avoid them altogether. The list includes raw meats, raw eggs, liver, sushi, soft cheeses (feta, brie), and unpasteurized milk. Food poisoning is a possible complication caused by raw and unpasteurized animal products. Fish high in mercury can be harmful to a fetus. Also, go slow on food culprits like sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, caffeine, and alcohol.

2. Steer clear of active and passive smoking

As a would-be mom, you have a valid reason to kick the butt because smoking is unhealthy for your unborn child. It elevates the risk of poor outcomes such as miscarriage, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Besides giving up on cigarettes, you must also avoid passive smoking because it is equally harmful. Ask your partner to quit, or at least avoid smoking when you are around. You can also request co-workers and clients to steer clear of it or take a break from work.

3. Stay off unnecessary medicines

Your gynecologist will recommend a prenatal multivitamin to ensure your baby gets enough nutrition during gestation. You may also need some other medicines if you have a chronic condition or a pregnancy-related complication. But commit to staying off unnecessary medicines such as over-the-counter painkillers. Tylenol is specifically risky because research studies link it with the risk of autism in babies when taken during pregnancy. In fact, mothers can bring up a claim against manufacturers and seek Tylenol autism settlement if their baby develops the condition due to exposure. But it is better to skip the pill and avoid the risk in the first place.

4. Rework your activities

Another wellness essential for a pregnant woman is to rework her daily activities. Consider tasks that may be risky, and find alternatives to them. For example, take breaks if you stand for long hours, avoid lifting your toddler and delegate the responsibility to your partners. Climbing on ladders and step stools is a no-no. Also, steer clear of anything involving toxin exposure, such as using harsh cleaners and changing the kitty litter. Let your husband do the heavy lifting for a few months, or hire help if you can afford it. Also, skip anything that stresses you out because anxiety may also affect the developing fetus and maternal health.

5. Maintain good posture

Not many people talk about the significance of good posture during pregnancy, but it can keep you safe and healthy. Avoid slouching while sitting as it can cause back pain and fatigue. Maintain a good back posture, and invest in ergonomic furniture if you spend long hours sitting. Getting up every hour and stretching and moving around also keeps you comfortable. Also, ensure a comfortable sleeping posture at all times. Sleeping on your side is a good idea, and you can use pillows between your knees and behind your back for extra support. Avoid standing too long and lifting heavy objects. Choose comfortable and flat shoes to avoid back pain and fall risk.

Self-care is vital for pregnant women because it ensures a safe and healthy pregnancy. But you must go beyond the basics of diet and lifestyle. Consider potential threats and complications you may encounter and build your defenses against them. Follow this checklist of actionable wellness tips to give the best to your baby.