A Comprehensive Guide to Staying Healthy Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Before Pregnancy

Some things are important from preconception until after the baby is born:

Good eating habits
Regular activity
Taking care of your mental health

Get started by focusing on good health to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. These steps can help while you’re trying to get pregnant:

Make sure any health issues you have are under control.
Avoid being around chemicals.
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
Talk to your doctor about any supplements you may need. If you take any OTC or prescription medicines, ask your doctor if they’ll be safe to take during pregnancy.

Myth: “You can’t get pregnant if you’re stressed.”

While stress can sometimes affect ovulation, it does not make conception impossible. Many women become pregnant even in high-stress situations. Managing stress is important for overall health but is not a guaranteed form of birth control.

During Pregnancy

Pay Close Attention to Your Blood Pressure

Many women have high blood pressure during and after pregnancy. It is critical to get treatment for it. It can put both mom and baby at risk. It can also cause problems during birth. High blood pressure and the complications it causes are among the leading causes of maternal death.

Baby’s Health

Your doctor will track your baby at all stages during your pregnancy, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. This may include:

Ultrasound exams to track your baby’s growth and organs with images made from sound waves.
Nonstress test to electronically track the baby’s heart rate and movements.
Other tests that may be needed based on your own health and family health record. That can include checking for high blood sugar levels, which could be a sign of gestational diabetes.

Myth: “You can’t exercise during pregnancy.”

Unless you have a medical condition that prevents it, regular exercise is actually beneficial during pregnancy. It helps with circulation, reduces stress, and can make labor easier. Always consult with your doctor before starting or continuing an exercise routine.

Myth: “You should eat for two.”

While you do need extra nutrients, doubling your food intake is unnecessary. Most women only need about 300 extra calories per day in the second and third trimesters, which is the equivalent of a small healthy snack. Overeating can lead to excessive weight gain and complications.

After the Baby Comes: Mom’s Mental and Physical Health

Your doctor plays an important role in your postpartum recovery. The postpartum period is the first six weeks after your baby is born. A health check during this time is your chance to make sure you’re healing well and ask your doctor questions about your health.

Get plenty of rest. Allow others to help so that you can rest.
Be reasonable about your weight loss expectations. It takes time to get your body back to where it was before pregnancy.
Ease back into working out, focusing on your core, and try kegel exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
Eat healthy foods. If you’re nursing, you may need extra calories. Talk to your doctor about a healthy eating plan.

Myth: “Postpartum depression is just the baby blues and will go away on its own.”

While some mood swings and emotional changes are normal, postpartum depression is a serious condition that requires medical attention. If you feel prolonged sadness, anxiety, or disinterest in your baby, talk to your doctor for support and treatment options.

By staying informed and debunking common myths, you can take better care of yourself and your baby at every stage of pregnancy.

Stress during pregnancy can lead to early maturation of first-born daughters