How to Take Care of Your Body When Pregnant

Pregnancy is a time of great change and growth for your body. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially important during pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, you need to eat enough calories to support your growing baby, but you also need to make sure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs.

Some of the most important nutrients for pregnant women include:

Protein
Iron
Calcium
Folic acid
Vitamin D

You can get these nutrients from a variety of foods, including:

Lean protein, such as chicken, fish, and beans
Dark leafy greens, such as spinach and kale
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
Fortified cereals

It’s also important to limit your intake of unhealthy foods, such as processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats.

Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is another important part of a healthy pregnancy. Exercise can help you stay healthy, reduce your risk of pregnancy complications, and prepare your body for labor and delivery.

Some of the best exercises for pregnant women include:

Walking
Swimming
Yoga
Pilates

It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you get further along in your pregnancy.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for everyone, but it’s especially important during pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, your body is working hard to grow and develop your baby. This can make you feel tired and run down.

Most pregnant women need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night. However, some women may need more or less sleep. It’s important to listen to your body and get the amount of sleep you need.

Manage Stress

Stress can be harmful to your health and your baby’s health. When you’re pregnant, it’s important to find healthy ways to manage stress.

Some of the best ways to manage stress during pregnancy include:

Exercise
Yoga
Meditation
Spending time in nature

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

Your doctor is your best source of information about how to take care of yourself during pregnancy. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and ask questions if you have any concerns.

Here are some of the most common things your doctor may recommend during pregnancy: