5 Ways To Stay Healthy During Pregnancy

Now that you are pregnant, you do not just have to keep yourself healthy; you also are responsible for your unborn child's health. If you take good care of your body, you are more likely to have a comfortable pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Here are five ways to stay healthy during pregnancy:

Watch What You Eat

Even though you are technically eating for two, you can't just eat all the pizza and ice cream you want. Consuming too many calories during pregnancy can make you gain too much weight, which is not good for you or your baby. According to What To Expect, you should only eat 300 to 350 extra calories a day when you reach your second trimester. Once you reach your third trimester, you can eat 500 extra calories a day. Make sure your diet is still filled with nutritious foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Do not Forget to Floss

Pregnancy hormones can make you more susceptible to gum infections, so it is even more important to take proper care of your oral health. After you are done brushing your teeth in the morning, do not forget to floss between each tooth. Flossing every day can reduce your risk of developing gum disease while pregnant.

Try Yoga

When you are carrying another person inside you, the idea of exercise may seem excruciating. However, low-impact workouts can actually boost your energy levels and help you feel better. For example, yoga is very easy on your joints and will increase your flexibility and strength. Have an experienced yoga instructor show you how to properly do yoga poses.

Do Kegels

Because kegels strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, they can reduce your risk of incontinence and make the delivery process more pleasant. When you are sitting down on a couch or bed, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles for about three seconds and repeat 10 times.

Be Careful With Fish

Although fish is fine to eat during pregnancy, you have to be careful about how much you consume. According to Mayo Clinic, you should not eat more than 12 ounces of seafood a week. Safe fish to eat include salmon, sardines, herring, trout, mackerel and anchovies.

If you follow these helpful tips, you are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy. If you ever experience intense pain or trouble breathing during pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately. To learn more, speak with someone like OB-GYN Associates.

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