Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a perfect pregnancy. But there are many measures mothers can take to help things progress smoothly and healthily. Memphis Obstetrics & Gynecological Association is here to provide you with 10 tips for a healthy pregnancy and other helpful information.
An Overview
Pregnancy is about the health of the mother and the developing baby. Ensuring the health of both is a matter of managing internal and external life factors to the best of your ability. Our wider office and your OBGYN are two main resources to help make this process easier for you, and plenty of other resources exist to enrich this experience.
10 Important Tips for Your Pregnancy
- Eat a Balanced Diet:
- It’s important you consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy. Ensure you’re also getting essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- These provide the necessary nutrients for fetal development and maintain the mother’s energy levels. If you have any deficiencies, address them with your provider as early as possible.
- Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, which helps support the increased blood volume and amniotic fluid levels during pregnancy.
- You should aim for at least 8-10 cups daily and adjust your intake based on your level of activity and climate. For example, if you’re in a heatwave during pregnancy, this becomes especially important.
- Get Enough Sleep:
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Use pillows to help you find an ideal sleeping position, especially as your pregnancy progresses.
- If you have issues sleeping, consider other remedies and aids with your doctor’s help. Never experiment with sleeping medication without prior consultation, especially if you’re taking other medications.
- Take Prenatal Vitamins:
- Prenatal vitamins provide an easily accessible package of essential nutrients that might be difficult to get from diet alone. A key element is folic acid, which is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in the fetus.
- Regular Prenatal Checkups:
- Maintain regularly scheduled prenatal visits to monitor your health and your baby’s development. Your MOGA provider will also advise you on any necessary screenings and tests as your pregnancy moves along.
- Avoid Harmful Substances:
- Be diligent about staying away from substances like alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs, as they can critically harm your baby’s development.
- Also consider a limited caffeine intake of 200 mg per day, or as advised by your doctor.
- Manage Stress:
- Pregnancy can be an emotional time, so find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, spending time with friends and loved ones, and doing recreational activities that bring you joy.
- Having a counselor can be a wonderful resource during pregnancy. If you don’t already see someone, this can be an additional asset for your mental health.
- Exercise Regularly:
- Even if you weren’t active prior to pregnancy, be sure to engage in regular, moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.
- These exercises help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and prepare your body for the process of labor.
- Educate Yourself:
- MOGA recommends taking childbirth and parenting classes to adequately prepare you for labor, delivery, and caring for your newborn.
- Knowledge can empower you and reduce anxiety about upcoming changes. It can also be a wonderful tool to integrate if you have a partner in parenting, as you can both support each other’s education.
- Listen to Your Body:
- Above all, pay attention to your body’s signals. If you feel tired, rest. If you notice any symptoms like severe pain, bleeding, or decreased fetal movement, contact our office immediately or visit the emergency department. These symptoms should never be ignored.
- Take advantage of accommodations provided by your workplace, if available.
A System of Support
In addition to these tips, it’s important to try and find community in your pregnancy. This can be found in friends, family, local support groups, and even your providers at our office. We are here to help you.
It’s important that you don’t deny yourself this help—if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask them. Do your own research, and partner with other mothers and parents in your life for additional support.
Changing for the Better
Pregnancy can be intimidating, whether it’s your first or your fourth! But everyone came from a pregnancy, and medical advancements have made them more and more successful over the years. Our offices at MOGA provide you with state-of-the-art treatment across the Mid-South, before, during, and after. You can visit us in East Memphis, Wolfchase, and DeSoto.