When I found out that I was pregnant, I was incredibly excited but also a tiny bit frightened. I wondered about maintaining my health during pregnancy and how my body would change. I was also excited to tell my family and friends the news.
I was worried about gaining weight when pregnant. I had heard that some women have intense cravings and pile on the pounds. I wanted to make sure I stayed healthy, so I did some research.
As I went through my pregnancy, I learned five key steps to remaining healthy throughout the nine months, and bouncing back to shape quickly after giving birth. These tips are not only specific to pregnancy, but are great tips for all women to follow for lifelong health. Obviously, maintaining health is a lifelong struggle, but what better time than when pregnant to really strive for great health?
I thought I could just eat whatever I wanted, stop exercising, and take it easy. But I realized that I didn’t feel right and that my body was more sluggish than ever. That’s why I followed these five steps:
Firstly, I started reading up on nutrition for pregnancy. For example, did you know that a baby can actually rob a pregnant woman’s teeth and body of calcium? That might explain why my gums were starting to ache, and my dentist told me to take extra care during pregnancy.
It is important to maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy, including adding calcium and limiting empty calories. Caffeine should also be avoided, as it can be harmful to the baby.
Secondly, I kept a close eye on my food cravings during pregnancy, and did my best to resist them. In some cases, my cravings were caused by a lack of certain vitamins and minerals, which could be remedied by eating certain fruits and vegetables. Other cravings, such as those for salty foods, could cause water retention and weight gain, so I did my best to avoid them. Pregnant women may crave salt when they actually need sugar, which is one of the many strange side effects of pregnancy.
Thirdly, as a pregnant woman, I discovered exercises that are beneficial for both pregnancy and overall health. I tried to find out which exercises were safe during pregnancy, in order to protect both myself and my baby. The right blend of fitness routines prepared me for childbirth while also helping me stay in good shape. Additionally, I avoided hot saunas as overheating the body is not good for the developing baby.
The fourth tip I followed was to create a maternity wardrobe I loved. I focused on my body and clothes that made me feel good. I knew I would have a baby bulge, but I hoped to get back into shape as soon as possible after the birth of my baby. Wearing nice clothes helped me remember that pregnancy doesn’t have to mean giving up your style.
Finally, the thought of getting back into shape after having a baby can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. I started planning my fitness and diet journey while I was pregnant, and I believe this is why I was successful in losing the baby weight. It’s all about planning ahead and being prepared.
