Oct 24th 2009 Get healthy before pregnancy
For those looking to get pregnant, it’s important to have a healthy outlook in order to protect your baby and keep your body safe during pregnancy. If you wait until you notice the early pregnancy signs to change your health habits, it may be too late. Here are some of the things you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
The first step toward pre-pregnancy health is to stop doing things that would harm the baby. That includes smoking cigarettes, using alcohol, or using any other illegal substance. If you are currently smoking or using drugs, you may need to enlist the help of your doctor in order to quit. As for alcohol, be sure to avoid it if you are planning to get pregnant.
The next step toward good health is to take a vitamin supplement. You may want to take prenatal vitamins, but even a regular vitamin will work just fine if it contains 400-800 micrograms of folic acid.
Another important aspect of planning for pregnancy is to make sure that you are eating a good balance of the right foods and getting plenty of exercise. Make sure you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and try and vary the types that you eat. You should also be getting 6-11 servings of grains per day as well as servings of dairy and protein. Keep fat and sugar intake to a minimum.
You should also start an exercise program. Aim for cardio sessions of 20-60 minutes, 3-6 days a week. This will not only condition your body to become healthier, it will also prepare your body for the changes that will happen to your body during pregnancy.
Remember, your baby begins to grow in vital ways at the beginning of your pregnancy. Don’t wait until you notice the early pregnancy signs to start getting your health in order. If you’re planning a pregnancy, take steps to keep you and your baby safe.
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