If you’re thinking about getting pregnant or if you are already pregnant; you probably know some of the basics about taking care of yourself and the baby; Don’t smoke, don’t drink, rest, blah blah blah! Well, there are a lot more to that so here are more tips, from taking vitamins to what to do with yourself to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy:

1. Take a Prenatal Vitamin- Even when you’re still trying to conceive, it’s smart to start taking prenatal vitamins. Your baby’s neural cord, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops within the first month of pregnancy, so it’s important you get essential nutrients, like folic acid, calcium, and iron, from the very start.

Prenatal vitamins are available over the counter at most drug stores, or you can get them by prescription from your doctor. If taking them makes you feel queasy, try taking them at night or with a light snack.

2. Exercise- Staying active is a must for most moms-to-be. Regular exercise will help you control your weight, improve circulation, boost your mood, and help you sleep better. Plus, getting into an exercise habit now will help you set a good example for your child after she’s born.

Swimming and walking are all great activities for most pregnant women, but be sure to check with your doctor first before starting any exercise program. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Listen to your body, though, and don’t overdo it.

3. Write a Birth Plan- Write down your birth wishes and give a copy to everyone involved with the delivery. Here are some things you can answer in your birth plan:

– Who you want present, including children or siblings of the baby
– Procedures you want to avoid
– What positions you prefer for labor and delivery
– Special clothing you’d like to wear
– Whether you want music or a special focal point
– Whether you want pain medications, and what kind
– What to do if complications arise

5. Educate Yourself- Even if this isn’t your first baby, attending a childbirth class will help you feel more prepared for delivery. Not only will you have the chance to learn more about childbirth and infant care, but you can ask specific questions and voice any concerns. You’ll also become more acquainted with the facility and its staff.

Now is also a good time to brush up on your family’s medical history. Talk to your doctor about problems with past pregnancies, and report any family incidences of birth defects.

6. Practice Kegels- Kegels strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder, bowels, and uterus. If done correctly, this simple exercise can help make your delivery easier and prevent problems later with incontinence. Here’s how to do them right:
– Practice squeezing as though you’re stopping the flow of urine when you use the bathroom.
– Hold for three seconds, then relax for three.
source: http://slicereports.com/blog/2016/03/20/top-15-tips-stay-healthy-pregnancy/

How about the remaining 9?

7. Change Up Chores- Even everyday tasks like scrubbing the bathroom or cleaning up after pets can become risky when you’re pregnant. Exposure to toxic chemicals, lifting heavy objects, or coming in contact with bacteria can harm you and your baby. Here are some things to take off your to-do-list:

– Heavy lifting
– Climbing on stepstools or ladders
– Changing kitty litter (to avoid toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a parasite which cats can carry)
– Using harsh chemicals
– Standing for long periods of time, especially near a hot stove

Also, wear gloves if you’re working in the yard where cats may have been, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.

8. Track Your Weight Gain- Yeah, you’re eating for two. But packing on too many extra pounds may make them hard to lose later. At the same time, not can gaining enough weight put the baby at risk for a low-weight birth, a major cause of developmental problems.
Check in with your doctor frequently to make sure you’re gaining at a healthy rate.

Also, ensure that you avoid self-medication. This is one of the things causing birth loss and complications during pregnancy for many Nigerian women today.

Any and Every medication or drug/food recommendation should come from your doctor only. I advice that you speak to your doctor as much as possible, go for regular health checks so as to discover underlying issues before they become complicated. Also, do not miss antenatal classes, even if you've already done it several times during your previous pregnancies. Things change and there may be new information on diseases and pregnancy health that you may need to learn.

Last but not the least, keep track of your pregnancy progression. Calculate and track your pregnancy week by week and know what is required for each trimester. Avoid stress and put on the right type of clothing.

If you have any unusual pains, report quickly to your doctor and make sure you always have people around you. Have fun and stay healthy till your due date. Cheers.