Most women generally have no idea how an unfit and unprepared body can affect pregnancy, delivery and health of the baby. A body that lacks essential nutrients witnesses many nausea-like symptoms during pregnancy, may give birth to a baby with certain deficiency and become very weak after childbirth. To elude any complications during and after pregnancy, one must stay fit and healthy. A diet well balanced and rich in nutrients is imperative at every stage in life and if one has been neglecting the need for a balanced diet, it`s never too late to start.
When one is planning a baby in the near future, it becomes all the more necessary for her to keep a tab on her diet and prepare herself. Most of us think that ovulation surges have everything to do with a successful conception, what we don`t realize is that health of the eggs is also of chief importance. A nutritious diet help maintain a high fertility rate. This includes olive oil, nuts, avocados, seasonal fruits, green vegetables, whole grain cereals, fish, red meat and dairy products especially milk, yogurt and ghee.
A vitamin deficiency in a woman can result in various kinds of birth defects in her future baby. It is extremely important that she intakes adequate amount of vitamins before and even during pregnancy so as to avoid any shortage. Over-the-counter prenatal vitamin supplements can be consumed to meet the demands of pregnancy but only after consulting a doctor. Prenatal vitamin supplements include folic acid in them which are particularly required right after the conception. It helps in preventing a complication known as neural tube defect.
Supplements should only be consumed if body lacks it in a high amount. Otherwise, one should rely on natural sources to get her daily supply of folic acid. Vegetables such as peas and broccoli alongside other food like chickpeas, whole meal breads and fortified breakfast cereals contain good amount of folic acid. Additionally, women should refrain from alcohol and smoking. If one is on prescription medication, it`s advised that she consults a doctor to revise the prescribed drugs.
Apart from that, one should exercise regularly to burn calories, increase her stamina and improve heart conditions. A 45 minute walk at a steady pace, swimming for decreasing stress levels, yoga for staying calm and relaxed, low-impact aerobics for rejuvenating oneself, weight training to build strength or stretching exercises for better muscles can be tried. These exercises help her lose weight and get in shape for the pregnancy as obesity can also harm the baby. Some of these exercises can also be continued during pregnancy, but one has to get a nod from her doctor.
Tags : Body, Pregnancy