Are you having a baby, or planning to get pregnant? Healthy habits will help your pregnancy go more smoothly, in the first trimester and beyond. Follow the advice in this article. It will give you the best chance for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Get a checkup
It’s best to get a checkup before you get pregnant. Your doctor will check your health history and make sure you’re up-to-date with vaccines. This is also a good time to share any concerns with your doctor and make a plan to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. Do you have a condition like diabetes or asthma? Work with your doctor to get the condition under control before you get pregnant.
Eat right
When you’re pregnant, you’re eating for two. Enjoy a variety of healthy foods each day. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish, and low-fat or no-fat dairy products like milk and cheese. Be sure to eat foods that are high in folate. Folate is a B vitamin that helps prevent some birth defects. Foods with folate include black beans, spinach, and broccoli. Your doctor may also tell you to take a prenatal vitamin while you are pregnant.
Be active
In the first three months of pregnancy, you may get tired more quickly. But if your doctor says it’s OK, keep exercising. Working out when you’re pregnant is safe. It can also improve your sleep, mood, and energy.
Quit smoking
Smoking may cause problems for your baby. For example, it may cause your baby to be born early or to be underweight. If you smoke, or if someone in your home smokes, now is the time to quit.
