Health Tips for a Safe and Happy Pregnancy.

Hello Everyone,
I trust we are all doing well? So, I have a lot of pregnant friends right now and people asking me all sorts of questions relating to pregnancy. Like what food is good to eat, and what to avoid, activities that should be limited in pregnancy and health tips generally that ensure a healthy baby and mother.
Pregnancy is a joyful period but it is also very uncomfortable for lots of women and the body of a pregnant woman is subjected to a high level of stress.  The stress in pregnancy is usually due to hormonal changes, higher nutritional demand or the pressure placed on bones and internal organs by the growing child.
The following tips will contribute to a healthy and safe pregnancy:

•  Go for Antenatal Care: Antenatal care is very important as it helps to care for the mother and baby and ensure a healthy outcome for both parties. So if you are pregnant, the most important tip is to go for regular antenatal care. Try not to miss your appointment and follow the advice of the doctor.
• Eat nutritious, healthy food : There is increased nutritional demand in pregnancy as your baby depends on you to get his/her nutrients to grow. Some food are especially needed in higher quantities than others. While some food may harm the baby. I will talk more on food in a later post. But generally eat foods rich in iron, protein, fruits and vegetables, water. Stay away from caffeine, carbonated drinks like coke and fanta, alchohol, junk food, greasy food.
• Take nutritional supplements: sometimes the demand on your body may be more than food can supply. So it may be helpful to take nutritional supplements like Iron, Calcium, folic acid, vitamin C. Vitamin B complex.
• Drink lots of water: water will help avoid constipation and its related problems
• Mild exercise : like a brisk walk or swimming will help improve your circulation, reduce constipation, swelling of the feet, leg and foot cramps and generally keep you well.
• Keep a good posture: make an extra effort to keep your back straight even when sitting.
• Avoid high heels.
• Do not lift heavy objects or do work that is strenous.
• Ensure you give birth in the presence of a skilled birth attendant.

These are just a few tips and tricks. Above all, go for antenatal care and take the advice of your doctor. Any risk factors you have will be discovered in antenatal care and adequate precautions taken. Make sure you give birth where you have access to skilled birth attendants. Also ensure that the centre you intend to give birth in can perform a caesarian section incase there is need for it.
Till my next post stay beautiful, well and healthy pink.
Dr. Anire