Health and Fitness

It is every woman’s dream to become a mother. Good health of the mother can provide the best pregnancy outcome. A healthy well balanced diet and adequate exercise are essential for a healthy baby. Your baby depends on you to provide the vital nutrients it requires to develop and grow. You therefore need to learn more about pregnancy health and fitness to make sure you are eating the right food and taking the right amount of exercise.

The Importance Of A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

Maintaining a well balanced diet during pregnancy is very important for the development of a healthy baby. You are now eating for two, so weight gain is normal and in fact, the sign of a growing baby. Make sure you eat the right food so that your baby gets all the nutrients it requires to grow. Food like ice creams, chips and chocolates can increase your weight but they are not nutritious for your baby. Eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. Consume fruits, whole grain and only bare minimum of sweets.

Certain nutrients have been proved to be especially useful for mother and baby. Vitamin B, found as folic acid is one among them. Folic acid is known to reduce the risk of birth defects. It is an essential supplement that pregnant women need to take. Iron and calcium are also important during pregnancy. Iron helps in supplying oxygen to the blood stream of both the mother and baby. Calcium is required for the mother as the fetus uses the calcium in the mother’s bones, for its growth.

The Benefits of Exercise during Pregnancy

Pre-natal exercises provide a range of health benefits right from a positive self-image to improved circulation. These exercises can help to prepare for labour by strengthening the muscles. Some of them can even help in reducing the labour pain. Exercise is also essential as it prevents the mother from putting on too much weight during her pregnancy period.

Benefits Of Exercise Include:

  • Increases circulation and flexibility
  • Improves posture
  • Reduces stretch marks
  • Reduces probability of abdominal separation and varicose veins
  • Improves calcium absorption
  • Reduces muscle tension
  • Increases energy, stamina and strength

Be sure to consult your doctor before starting an exercise regimen. Once you are given the green signal, make sure you wear comfortable clothing and sneakers while exercising. Do not overexert. The frequency and duration of your exercise should be determined by your doctor. Follow his advice.

Other than exercise and a well balanced diet, ensure that you do not smoke or drink alcohol during your pregnancy. Both are extremely damaging to the fetus. Put in efforts to maintain pregnancy health and fitness.

For expecting mothers to have a healthy pregnancy tenure, it is important to incorporate a well balanced diet during pregnancy, and some form of exercise in consultation with a medical expert.

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