N36 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Before you can take care of your new baby, you need to take care of yourself and your unborn child. There’s a lot of advice out there. Much of it is common sense, but some things – like avoiding cat litter – might be news. Your first tip: As soon as you suspect you’re pregnant, see your doctor and visit Pregnancy and Childbirth at UC San Diego Health.

prenancy

Take a prenatal vitamin

Exercise regularly

Write a birth plan

Educate yourself

Change your chores (avoid harsh or toxic cleaners, heavy lifting)

Track your weight gain (normal weight gain is 25-35 pounds)

Get comfortable shoes

Eat folate-rich foods (lentils, asparagus, oranges, fortified cereals)

Eat calcium-rich foods (dairy, canned fish, soy)

Eat more fish (except those high in mercury )

Eat foods with fiber

Don’t eat soft cheeses (unpasteurized styles like Brie and feta may contain bacteria that can cause fever, miscarriage or pregnancy complications)

Eat your veggies

Eat five or six well-balanced meals each day

But don’t overeat. You only need 300-500 additional calories per day. Keep a food diary.

Limit caffeine

Drink plenty of fluids (six 8-ounce glasses of water per day)

prenancy

Don’t drink alcohol

Wear sunscreen

Fly smart (avoid air travel if possible early and late in pregnancy)

Avoid changing cat litter (to reduce risk of toxoplasmosis)

Give in to cravings – sometimes

Know when to call your doctor with concerns

Don’t smoke; avoid secondhand smoke

Get enough sleep

Wear your seatbelt

Don’t take over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies without medical consultation

prenancy

See your dentist

Take a pregnancy class

Baby sit a friend’s baby for some real-world experience

Tour birth facilities

Practice relaxation techniques daily (yoga, stretching, deep breathing, massage)

Don’t overmedicate

Exercise, but don’t overdo it

Stretch before bed to avoid leg cramps

Take a picture of yourself before the baby arrives.

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