Healthy mothers, healthy babies
Pregnant women who follow their doctor's orders, adhere to suggested nutritional requirements and stay within weight-gain guidelines are more likely to deliver healthy babies. To increase your chances of having a healthy baby, try to avoid certain foods, get enough exercise and avoid chemicals that may harm your unborn child.
Instructions
1. Keep prenatal appointments. Visit your obstetrician when instructed to do so. A doctor can detect any problems that may develop as your pregnancy progresses. He can help you avoid pre-term labor and treat any underlying medical conditions you may already have.
2. Eat nutritiously. Pregnant women should adhere to a healthy diet that includes daily servings of whole grains, lean protein, fruits and vegetables. A diet filled with the right foods can help you avoid conditions such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia that may affect the health of your unborn child.
3. Drink water. It is important for a pregnant woman to drink enough water to maintain proper circulation. Aim for several full glasses of water per day to help you stay hydrated. This is especially important during times of excessive heat.
4. To make sure you get enough calcium, drink milk every day. If you dislike milk, substitute diary products such as cheese and ice cream. Your doctor may prescribe a calcium supplement as well to ensure that your bones and the bones of your growing child remain healthy during the pregnancy.
5. Avoid toxins and chemicals that may harm your baby, including many common household solvents and cleaning agents. Ask your partner or husband to help as your pregnancy progresses. If you must use these chemicals, make sure the room is well-ventilated, and wear appropriate clothing to protect your skin. Do not smoke. Drink little or no alcohol during your pregnancy--alcohol can severely harm the cognitive development of a fetus.
6. Gain a healthy amount of weight for your frame. Too much weight may make it difficult for the baby to exit the birth canal. If you don't gain enough, however, it may cause your baby to be underweight, a situation that can lead to lifelong medical complications. Your doctor can advise you about how much weight is safe.
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