You can feel wonderful during your pregnancy if you take good care of
yourself. Increase your odds of a healthy pregnancy by following these
sensible steps to keep yourself in top condition:
1. Eat five or six well-balanced meals each day.
2. Take a prenatal vitamin each day as directed by your obstetrician
or midwife.
3. Drink plenty of fluids — at least eight to ten glasses a
day — avoiding caffeine and artificial coloring.
4. Don't drink alcohol.
5. Don't smoke or allow yourself to be exposed to secondhand smoke.
6. Exercise — it's important for your general health and also can
help reduce stress. Take a pregnancy exercise class or walk at least
fifteen to twenty minutes every day at a moderate pace. Walk in cool,
shaded areas or indoors in order to prevent overheating.
7. Get adequate sleep — at least eight hours a night. If you're
suffering from sleep disturbances, take naps during the day and see your
physician for advice.
8. Wear comfortable, nonrestricting shoes and put your feet up
several times a day to prevent fatigue and swelling of the feet, legs, and
ankles.
9. Continue to wear a safety belt while riding in motor vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the
shoulder portion of the restraint should be positioned over the collar
bone. The lap portion should be placed under the abdomen as low as possible
on the hips and across the upper thighs, never above the abdomen. Also,
pregnant women should sit as far from the air bag as possible.
10. Don't take over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies
without first consulting your obstetrician or midwife.
Sources: National Women's Health Information Center and American College
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.
Content courtesy of American Baby.
