Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Whether it’s the food you’re eating or the exercise you’re doing, there are many rules to follow when you are pregnant.
Do:
- Get early and regular prenatal care
- Take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin
- Avoid X-Rays until after delivery
- Eat a variety of healthy foods
- Get all the nutrients you need each day
- Gain a healthy amount of weight (your doctor will tell you how much is healthy)
- Work with your healthcare provider to create an exercise plan
- Get plenty of sleep
- Read books and articles on what to expect while you’re expecting
- Stay away from smoking - even secondhand smoke
- Take steps to avoid illness (wash hands, keep your hands away from your eyes and face, etc)
Don't:
- Drink alcohol, smoke, chew tobacco or take drugs
- Take hot baths or go in hot tubs or saunas
- Eat fish with lots of mercury
- Exercise too much. Find a plan that works for you
- Miss doctor’s appointments
All in all, receiving the proper health care during your pregnancy is crucial to ensuring a positive outcome. If you have questions about how to obtain health care, call your doctor or visit a local Planned Parenthood. If you are thinking of placing your baby for adoption, you may be able to receive financial assistance for doctor’s visits, prescriptions and other health care needs.