FIRST-TIME PREGNANCY: HOT TIPS NEW MUMS SHOULD FOLLOW 

Written by Feba Maryann 

Being able to give birth and providing a bridge to the future is indeed the greatest blessing bestowed upon women. The period of pregnancy is a peculiar, exciting, and often joyful time in a woman’s life. But with great power also comes great responsibility, and this can be best exemplified through pregnancy. Not only blood and nutrients, but it also requires huge attention, patience, and tenderness by a woman to support the health of her baby. Accordingly, pregnant women must be healthy and well nourished.  

This article provides some hot tips new mums should follow for their own and baby’s health: 

Regular Workout and Meditation: 

It is undeniable that pregnancy gives both physical and mental stress to the mother. Regular workout, yoga and meditation help to counter that to an extent. Low impact exercises help in relaxing back pain, improving blood circulation and handling mood swings. Yoga improves fertility rates and reduces restlessness. It avoids the need for surgery and promotes natural birth. 

However, heavy weightlifting and intense cardio exercises are strictly prohibited because they can be harmful. 

Taking Naps and Rest: 

Giving proper rest to the body is as essential as working out. Fatigue and restlessness both are very common especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. During this time body goes through various new hormonal changes that impact it physically and mentally. Along with the right amount of sleep at night, afternoon naps are also necessary to restore energy in the body. It also compensates for the lack of sleep caused after the birth of a baby. Often the baby bump doesn’t let a pregnant woman sleep comfortably, so pregnancy pillows can be used for comfort. 

Staying Hydrated:  

Pregnant women especially those with their first baby are advised to drink plenty of water during the whole course of pregnancy. A layer of an amniotic fluid composed mainly of water surrounds the baby in the womb.  Less fluid can cause complications in labour and birth defects. At least 10 glasses of water should be drunk to avoid these. Additionally, it relieves swollen joints and helps the body to get rid of toxin accumulation. 

Limit Caffeine Consumption: 

Caffeine takes a long time to get digested in the body. It enters the baby’s bloodstream through the placenta. Caffeine causes high blood pressure and heart rates that can affect both mother and child. It also causes other complications such as low birth weight for the newborn. To avoid caffeine, the herbal tree can be consumed as an alternative but only after consulting with a doctor. 

Have A Balanced Diet: 

During pregnancy, a woman should follow a diet chart comprising of all nutrients such as protein, fibre, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins and minerals. Dairy products, legumes, dried fruits, and whole grains should be included with a major focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating healthy during pregnancy helps in nurturing of baby thereby providing it good health. Also, it helps mothers to overcome weakness after delivery. 

Routine Check-ups: 

It is necessary for pregnant women to regularly visit their concerned doctors to have check-ups and tests. It helps to monitor the development of a baby. It also provides details about the body and detects if there is any sort of deficiency so that it can be cured within time through supplements or other treatments. 

Eliminate Toxins: 

Alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, tobacco, and illicit drugs should strictly be avoided as they cause high chances of miscarriage. Smoking reduces blood flow to the baby’s body and causes other problems. Drinking alcohol is highly injurious to a baby’s health as it gets mixed with the baby’s blood and persists there for a long-time causing defect’s known as foetal alcohol syndrome.  

Research and Knowledge: 

It is better for women pregnant with their first child to attend childbirth classes or simply do online research in order to be more prepared before their delivery. It gives knowledge about delivery and infant care and helps to clear all doubts and concerns. Overall, it provides better acquaintance with the situations so that they can be handled smoothly. 

Bottom Line 

As your pregnancy progresses, you might have more questions. Talk to your healthcare provider and make use of online forums or even join a new mum’s support group in your locality.