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Every pregnancy experience is different.
Some of us experience morning sickness. Others don’t.
Some of us know we’re pregnant super early on. Others may not know until the 2nd trimester (yes, it absolutely happens).
But one thing that remains the same across the board: To have a happy, healthy pregnancy!
While there are probably a million and one healthy habits you could start, here are the top 5 healthy pregnancy tips (aside from getting excellent prenatal care).
5 Easy ways to stay healthy while pregnant
1. Take a prenatal vitamin
Your prenatal ensures that you and baby are getting adequate nutrition even if you miss a little on your dietary intake.
This was a real lifesaver for me during the first trimester when the morning sickness was at its peak. I knew I wasn’t getting enough protein or veggies, but I just couldn’t stomach much more.
I found peace of mind in knowing that my prenatal was making up for what I was lacking.
If you’re not able to get the recommended 200 mg of DHA through diet alone, this is something to consider when selecting the right prenatal vitamin as many of them do not contain much DHA at all.
2. Drink enough water
Hey, isn’t that a tip for everything?
Yep, the water has it with pregnancy too.
Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to ward off pregnancy bloat and swelling.
Be sure to drink enough water– even if that means running to the bathroom even more.
So, how much water is enough?
On average, pregnant women need about 10 cups (about 80 oz.) of liquid per day– this includes the recommended 3-4 cups of milk.
The easiest way to stay hydrated is to keep a bottle of water with you at all times. A water bottle with time markers helps a lot!
3. Keep moving
I understand you may not feel like doing your typical workout routine once pregnant, but it’s still important to keep exercising.
Regular exercise during pregnancy helps you manage stress, makes it easier to not go overboard on the weight gain, and it reduces your risk of some pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and more.
Might as well get a head start on establishing some healthy living habits for baby too, right?
4. Sleep
That’s right. Extra sleep is a must-have when pregnant.
Try for at least 8 hours every night, but if you’re having trouble sleeping, add in some extra naps throughout the day.
One thing that helps tremendously with sleep during pregnancy is a body pillow.
Sometimes you just need a little extra support in a few places once your bump starts to grow.
5. Eat your fruits and veggies
While it’s okay to indulge once in a while, your diet plays a big role in how you feel and it’s important for your baby’s development.
Try to incorporate as many of these into your diet as you can. Just be sure to thoroughly wash all fruits and veggies before consumption to avoid any exposure to toxoplasmosis.
The extra fiber will help you feel full and the added nutrients are great for you and your little bundle!
Are there any fruits and veggies I should avoid?
We’ve all heard the tales about pineapple inducing labor. According to this article, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. (Although it’s best to do your own research so that you can come to your own conclusions.)
That being said, the American Pregnancy Association recommends that you avoid any raw sprouts such as alfalfa, clover, and radishes due to the possibility of bacteria. Cook them first!
If you maintain healthy habits and do your best to follow these and other healthy pregnancy tips, you’ll be able to feel your best all throughout your pregnancy.