As a first-time expecting mom, your biggest concern is not missing your antenatal appointments, much as these visits are necessary. Neither is it fussing over the gender of your unborn child, much as you deserve to know in good time.

Instead, the greatest mistake you can ever make during pregnancy is living a sedentary lifestyle. And this doesn’t just apply to first-time moms but anyone interested in delivering a healthy baby without undue complications. 

A huge part of healthy living during pregnancy comes down to the foods and supplements you consume and how you spend your free time. But contrary to what you may think, pregnant women don’t necessarily need to subscribe to fad diets or overbearing workout routines. 

Simple lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in keeping you and your expected bundle of joy out of harm’s way. In this article, we highlight simple pregnancy tips that can make a world of difference to your health as well as that of your unborn child.   

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• Avoid Non-prescription Medications

Pregnant women are generally warned against consuming any medication without express authorization from a licensed gynecologist or physician. That includes popular alternative herbs. 

Sunday Scaries CBD that you may otherwise use to relieve stress and anxiety may not be your best bet during pregnancy. It may cause minor to serious side -effects that can be a concern for your child’s health.  Just remember to consult your gynecologist before using any such products. 

• Sleep More

Fatigue is a common side effect of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. One effective solution is to sleep more. 

As you sleep, the body heals and repairs damaged muscles, allowing you to wake up feeling physically stronger and mentally rejuvenated. 

As you endeavor to sleep more, try to make your bed comfortable to avoid experiencing lower back pain. That includes investing in things that align your postures, such as memory foam mattresses and pregnancy pillows.

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• Drink Plenty of Water

Water is the most abundant substance that constitutes the amniotic fluid. That fact alone makes it necessary for pregnant women to drink plenty of water. 

Water also acts as a medium for nearly all the body’s physiological processes, including processes associated with fetal development. Plus, it plays an instrumental role in relieving swollen joints and flushing out toxins from the body. 

And did you know that low fluid intake is one of the risk factors for miscarriages, congenital disabilities, and complicated labor? The fact that pregnant women generally get dehydrated fast makes it all the more necessary to have a water bottle by your side every day throughout the nine months. 

The general convention is to drink at least 10-ounce cups of water every day. These ten cups don’t have to comprise plain water. You can supplement with flavored water, such as fruit juices, smoothies, and herbal teas.

• Avoid Coffee

The first reason to avoid coffee during pregnancy is that caffeine, the most abundant bioactive chemical in coffee, is highly dehydrating. 

The second reason is that coffee can be overly stimulating. As such, it may throw your circadian rhythms off-balance, interfering with your sleep-wake cycle. 

Also, caffeine undergoes relatively slow digestion. Therefore, it can find its way to the placenta and into your baby’s bloodstream. When that happens, all the side effects of caffeine, such as irritability, dizziness, and headaches, can affect both you and your baby.

• Exercise Regularly

Exercise secretes endorphins, hormones associated with happiness, and positivity. So, exercising regularly can help to combat anxiety and mood swings during pregnancy. 

Regular workouts may also help in strengthening your muscles in readiness for labor. Plus, it improves blood circulation and relieves joint pain. 

The convention is to choose low-impact exercises instead of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Examples include swimming, walking, and yoga. When it comes to yoga, opt for pregnancy-friendly asanas like the cow pose or the goddess pose.

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• Insist on Prenatal Massage

Massage is not always a component of regular prenatal care. However, it can go a long way in relieving joint pain, backache, neck pain, and other forms of pregnancy pain.

Much like exercise, regular massage can enhance blood flow and resolve various circulation problems like varicose veins. It can also alleviate inflammation and improve your overall moods. 

Again, the conventional wisdom is to opt for a low-impact massage. Always remember to consult with your gynecologist to learn the best methods and techniques. 

• Watch What You Eat 

A healthy diet is essential during pregnancy. It not only ensures the health and safety of your unborn child but also makes labor pain more bearable. 

There are multiple food groups considered safe and healthy for pregnant women. Examples include dairy products, berries and legumes, seafood, dark, leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, and lean meat. 

If you’re struggling to settle on the right foods to consume during pregnancy, just look out for those loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, iodine, and folic acid. Alternatively, you can hire a professional nutritionist.

Final Word

As you can see, leading a healthy life during pregnancy isn’t as difficult as many women may want to believe. It mostly comes down to making simple lifestyle adjustments, including eating healthy foods and being more active.