Ways to stay healthy during early pregnancy
Welcome to the start of your pregnancy journey. It may sound strange, but the start of your pregnancy journey begins even before you conceive you child. Your healthcare provider will calculate your due date by counting 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). The first day of your pregnancy is also the first day of your last missed period. If you have already taken a pregnancy test and it spotted the telltale pink lines, you’re likely two weeks pregnant or even more because most home pregnancy tests detect pregnancy about two weeks after conception.
A fetus develops rapidly during the first trimester; it develops a beating heart, a brain and a spinal cord. Other organs’ along with arms and legs begin to form by the end of 8 weeks.
These early weeks are a time to create a hospitable environment and make healthy choices. If you already eat well and have an active lifestyle, that’s wonderful. If your lifestyle could use a few changes, you can start right away. Small adjustments can make a big difference and keep you healthy in your future pregnancy. This is not the time to go on a diet and cute calories because you are eating for two (or more that is why healthy eating is important. Make sure you get your calories from foods that are chock full of nutrients that will add to your baby’s growth and development.
How to look after yourself during the first few weeks of pregnancy
Following the personal health measures will reduce your risk of pregnancy complications
· Take folic acid and vitamin D. Supplement your balanced diet with prenatal vitamins that include folic acid, vitamins and essential minerals need for pregnancy.
· Exercise regularly and avoid a sedentary lifestyle
· Do think about what you eat (eat a diet that includes, fruits, vegetables healthy fats and proteins) folic acid naturally found in peas, lentils and whole grain breads, has been proven to help prevent early pregnancy birth defects
· Eat about 300 calories more than normal
· Stay hydrated
· Avoid smoking and drinking and limit caffeine intake
· Address any medical conditions. Consult your doctor if you are taking prescription medications
Do eat the rainbow, not literally of course. Try to eat foods like carrots, apples, spinach, orange, blueberries and bananas. Go for foods that have healthy vitamins for you and your baby such as iron, calcium and folate.
- Poultry, liver, beef, fortified cereals, dried beans and lentils are good sources of iron
- Tofu, fish with bones, cheese, milk, yogurt, dark leafy green, broccoli and orange juice are good sources of calcium
- Liver, peanuts, orange juice, almonds, asparagus and dark leafy greens are good sources of folate.
Avoid foods that could harm your baby like raw eggs, undercooked meat such as sushi or raw oysters, unpasteurized dairy food and soft cheeses
Track your baby’s development, before you know it, your little one will finally be in your arms. And remember to take good care of yourself. Drink lots of water, be sure to eat healthy foods, don’t forget your supplements and don’t forget to ask for help.
Here at Busy Kiddies childcare agency, we take childcare seriously because it is important for you to take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby. A healthy, happy mom to be makes it all worthwhile. If you require any nanny services, please get in touch at www.busykiddies.co.uk <3