Here are 10 steps pregnant women can take to improve their chances of delivering healthy babies—and of staying healthy themselves.
- Get early prenatal care. Go early and often to a health care provider. Problems spotted in the first stages of pregnancy are more easily resolved. You may think they are just checking your blood pressure, but that simple test alone could save your—and your baby’s—life.
- Take your prenatal vitamin. A nutritional supplement designed for pregnant women can help ward off birth defects in babies and health problems such as anemia in mothers.
- Exercise safely. Your doctor or midwife can advise you on the best ways to keep moving during pregnancy. Safe exercise can give you needed strength for carrying and delivering your baby, and even help you fight the pregnancy blues.
- Eat right. You’ll need to increase your calorie intake to get enough protein and energy for you and your baby. But while you’re eating for two, don’t overdo it. Excessive weight gain can also cause complications.
- Stop smoking. Every cigarette you don’t smoke will improve your baby’s health. Cigarette smoke causes problems ranging from low birth weight to birth defects.
- Examine your environment. Before you paint the nursery or apply acrylic nails, think about the risks for your baby. Let someone else work with the harsh chemicals until the baby comes.
- Watch the caffeine. While researchers debate the effects of small amounts of caffeine, studies show excessive caffeine intake can cause problems in pregnancy.
- Drink water. You need fluids. Water can stave off dehydration and, in some cases, even early labor.
- Get permission for every drug. Even over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies can cause problems for you and your baby. Check with your provider first.
- Rest. Even if you’re too uncomfortable to sleep, your body needs extra rest for the hard work of creating—and carrying—a child.