Top tips for a healthy pregnancy

Every pregnant woman wants to look after her health the best she can but what does that mean? Navigating through the journey that is pregnancy can be hard. It's easy to get lost because there is a lot of contradictory advice out there. Top tips for a healthy pregnancy could take up a whole book, or ten. Actually, they do. Our first and most important tip for a healthy pregnancy is using your common sense and listening to your own intuition. Read on for more concrete suggestions.

Eat healthily

When I got the happy news that I was expecting confirmed at my OB's office, her very first comment was that I should now start taking prenatal vitamins, and most importantly a folic acid supplement. I'd been doing that for months already we were trying to conceive, after all but the one thing that surprised me is that my OB said nothing about actual eating habits. Yes, prenatal vitamins are a great addition to a healthy diet. But the healthy diet is what matters most. Avoid highly processed foods and too much sugar, and make sure you get plenty of fresh fruit and veg. Including foods from all major food groups is important for both you and your baby. Protein-rich foods can even combat morning sickness! Of course, there is no reason not to give in to cravings once in a while (or a lot, depending on what they are!).

Exercise

Prenatal exercise is great for everyone who wants to keep fit. It might make your labor and delivery easier, limit your weight gain, and relieve stress. Swimming, walking, and yoga are all great for pregnant women. When it comes to prenatal work outs, listening to your body is key. If you feel you are overdoing things, you probably are.

Drink plenty of water

Water is always important, but during pregnancy there are even more reasons to avoid dehydration. Read more in our article about the importance of staying hydrated in pregnancy.

Stay away from cat litter

Cleaning cat litter, or working in a garden where cats are around (which, let's face it, is most of them) without gloves can cause a toxoplasmosis infection, something that is extremely dangerous for unborn babies. Either wear gloves at all times and make sure there is no physical contact at all, or just don't do it.

Suffering from pregnancy signs?

Every pregnant woman knows what I am talking about morning sickness, heartburn, back aches, headaches, swollen legs and ankles... Whatever it is that is bugging you, try natural remedies before turning to allopathic solutions. Did you know that herbs can be used to fight pregnancy nausea, and heartburn can be treated with foods in many cases? If you're able to cure your problems the natural way, you won't risk having side effects of medications (like heartburn tablets).