Your Guide Through Pregnancy – What to Expect

Congratulations! You’re pregnant!

After the high with everyone congratulating you, and the celebrations, the reality sets in; you’re going to raise life in your body, so many questions come up. What do I eat? How much do I exercise?

Maintaining maternal health is the most important to you and your baby. So, let’s take a look at the various ways you can keep yourself and your child healthy.

Gaining weight is an essential part of every woman’s pregnancy.

But why?

Gaining a healthy amount of weight helps you have enough energy to carry your baby while also helping your baby grow into a healthy little newborn.

According to studies, gaining too much weight during your pregnancy increases your chances of getting gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy. It can also increase the chances of getting type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure later in life.

Gaining a healthy amount of weight helps your pregnancy and delivery process much smoother. It will also be easier for you to get back into your pre-pregnancy shape. Some studies have also shown that gaining a healthy pregnancy weight lowers the chances of becoming obese or having other weight-related issues for you and your child.

Food plays a massive role in pregnancy health. So, what kinds of food and drinks should I have?

When you're pregnant, you need to eat more of some nutrients such as protein, iron, folic acid, iodine, and choline. Getting a healthy amount of calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and fiber is also paramount.

Today it is quite common for pregnant women and expectant mothers to take folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D supplements, but we would recommend you consult with your doctor before taking them.

Make sure to eat these foods regularly

Fruits: Apples, bananas, grapes, and mangoes are good sources of vitamins and fiber.

Vegetables: Beans, carrots, broccoli, lady's fingers, and spinach are great sources of iron, and vitamins, and lower the risk of heart diseases.

Protein: Paneer, soya, chicken and fish are all great protein sources to keep your baby healthy.

Dairy and low-fat milk products like yoghurt, almond milk, and paneer are great sources of calcium to keep you healthy and the baby growing.

I’m vegetarian. What do I do?

A vegetarian diet during pregnancy can be very healthy! Channa, dals, paneer, soya, bhindi and so many great options allow you to mix and match the perfect diet you need.

Just ensure you’re getting enough calcium, iron, protein, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and other nutrients your doctor recommends.

Keeping active plays a massive role in maternal health as it helps with aches, pains, and the delivery process. It also allows you to gain weight in a healthy way.

Basic stretches and yoga are highly recommended. Going on regular walks can also keep your body and mind in check and also reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Remember not to exert yourself too much and consult your doctor on the level of exercise.

Here are some basic exercises that you can try out at home!

• Wall pushups
• Yoga ball squats
• Step-ups
• Leg raises

Incorporating some yoga or stretches with some light cardio can even aid when you have to give birth!

The day has finally arrived. After months of growing your little one, day by day, night by night, and your baby is finally out, ready to apply for LinkedIn jobs! Congratulations!

What you went through is an experience you’ll never forget. But life moves on and now you’ve transitioned from pregnancy to postpartum. You’ll feel a wave of emotions, tired, your body might be aching at a few places, but of course what else would you expect? Right?

Your body has changed a lot over the past 40 weeks, so get ready for a few more. Postpartum recovery is usually six weeks after childbirth. During these six weeks, your vagina, perineum should be healed. Your uterus would also go back to normal during this time.

Your body and mind will be going through a lot of changes after giving birth, so remember not to stress too much and just go with it!

If you’re in this article, chances are you really care for your baby, and you want to ensure what you’re doing is right. Remember, nobody knows your baby like you, so follow your instincts! Nevertheless, here are some newborn care tips:

• Wash your hands before touching your baby. Newborns are still growing their immune system, so ensure anyone who touches your baby has clean hands.

• Support your baby's head and neck. Your baby’s neck and head are not fully developed yet, so ensure they are supported straight when you carry them.

• Never rough house your baby. If you want to play with the baby, you can try tickling their feet or blowing into their cheeks.

• Ensure your baby is strapped up safely when you use a carrier, stroller, or car seat. We know how horrible the roads are, so drive as safely as possible

The journey of becoming a mother is filled with excitement and joy. But also a fair share of challenges. No wonder you googled “Maternal Health” and clicked on this article.

Remember that every decision and step you take, not only affects you but your baby as well. Ask people for help and ask your doctors as many questions as you want. But also trust your instincts. As our favorite shark, Barbara Corcoran says, “Don’t you dare underestimate the power of your own instinct.”