Pregnancy and Beyond: Make Healthy Choices for Yourself and Your Baby

You're expecting a child! So, what's next? It might feel like there's a lot to do and learn when you're going to become a new parent. You'll almost certainly receive well-intentioned advice from family, friends, and even complete strangers. You may experience a range of feelings. Sadhbhavna Clinic, Multispeciality Gynae Clinic in Mohali suggests you to keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy and thereafter, whether you're delighted or overwhelmed—or both.

"First and foremost, do not assume the worst. Dr. Kimberly Yonkers, a Yale University researcher and psychiatrist, advises, "Expect the best." "While certain facts or figures may appear alarming, keep in mind that the great majority of the millions of pregnancies that occur in the United States each year are healthy."

Focusing on the good elements of pregnancy, as well as the things you can control, such as what you eat and how much you exercise, can help. Morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting that can occur during pregnancy, may have a silver lining. Research financed by the National Institutes of Health revealed that nausea and vomiting early in pregnancy are linked to a lower chance of miscarriage.

It's always crucial to eat well, but it's much more so during pregnancy. A well-balanced diet can help you and your baby acquire all of the nutrients you require. Fruits, vegetables, healthful grains, lean meats or other protein sources, and low-fat dairy products are all good choices.

Make sure you're getting enough folate, which may be found in foods like as orange juice and leafy green vegetables. Experts recommend that all women of reproductive age take 0.4 mg (400 micrograms) of folic acid, a type of folate, every day to supplement or add to their diet. Taking folic acid supplements at least a month before conception and for the first three months of pregnancy can reduce a baby's chance of some birth abnormalities by up to 70%. Most prenatal vitamins also contain other nutrients that are important throughout pregnancy.

Some areas of your health may be simpler to improve while you're pregnant, which may surprise you. "Our research shows that women typically get rid of a lot of harmful health habits during pregnancy, at least temporarily," Yonkers adds.

When you're pregnant, you have a lot on your mind. It's natural to have a range of powerful emotions throughout this time. However, if you're having trouble with particular sensations or ideas, you should get treatment. Dr.Triesta Fowler, a paediatrician and leader of the Moms' Mental Health Matters project at the National Institutes of Health, advises, "Get treatment and talk to someone you trust." "You are significant and valuable. Though the infant is typically the centre of attention, moms must recognise that they are as essential."

The greatest thing you can do to keep yourself and your baby healthy while you're pregnant is to get prenatal care early and on a regular basis. Every woman is different, and each pregnancy is different as well. Ask Dr. Sadhdbhavna Aggarwal the Gynae Specialist Chandigarh about the questions what's best for you and how to keep physically and emotionally well during your pregnancy.

Published on: 23-02-2022