This little life inside you needs your attention

When life grows inside you, you understand how beautiful life is. There’s no better feeling than being pregnant and to give birth to a new life. That tiny heartbeat and the first kick would leave you amazed. Preparing for the delivery is like preparing for the most important exam of your life.

Pregnancy is a result of the fertilization of an egg by a sperm. This egg is implanted in the uterus for a successful pregnancy. On average, the gestation period lasts for 40 weeks or 9 months.

The various signs and symptoms of pregnancy are –

There are a few conditions that arise during early pregnancy. They indicate pregnancy but are not confirmed criteria of pregnancy. One should always go for clinical tests to verify. However, the criteria involves –

• Diarrhoea

• Stress

• Vomiting

• Breast changes

• Insomnia

• Back pain

• Constipation

• Hypertension

• Weight gain

• Spotting

• Headache

• Missed periods

The health of the baby –

The first and foremost thing is to know when to expect delivery. This helps to monitor the health of the baby and you according to the period of gestation. Parental care is the care of the baby and the mother before the birth of the baby for a healthy pregnancy. Another most important point to be taken care of is the nutrition of the mother during pregnancy. The FDA says an approximation of 300 more calories is needed by the mother daily to maintain a healthy pregnancy. A balanced diet is a must needed thing during the pregnancy period. With the right food, vitamins and minerals supplements are also crucial components of a healthy diet. This healthy baby during pregnancy tips is crucial and yet very easy to follow.

The right food during pregnancy is –

1. Legumes – For protein, fibre, calcium, iron and folate.

2. Dairy products – Main source of protein and also calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B, magnesium and zinc.

3. Green vegetables – They are a good source of a few vitamins and fibre, calcium, iron, folate and potassium.

4. Dry fruits – They carry a high percentage of vitamins and minerals.

5. Water – It is very important to keep yourself well hydrated during pregnancy.

6. Eggs – They are rich in nutrition and also contain choline.

There are a few dos and don’ts for a healthy baby during pregnancy. Before your baby arrives, it’s your responsibility to keep your baby nurturing. A healthy is a dream if every parent, and with following correct tips it can become a reality.

The DON’T’S for a healthy baby are –

• Smoking and alcohol – Avoid alcohol, tobacco and smoking. They increase the risk of congenital disabilities. Other associated issue is FAS fetal alcohol symptom which results in low birth weight and learning disabilities.

• Coffee – A normal level of caffeine has no side effects but high levels can increase your baby’s heart rate and also the risk of low birth weight.

• Hot water bath – It is not recommended to have a hot water bath or to be in a high heat environment like a sauna, Jacuzzis etc as high body temperature can cause the problem to the baby and increase the risk of miscarriage.

• Medicine – It is advised not to take any medicine without the prescription of your doctor. Even the commonest and safest medicines should be avoided without consult. They may damage fetal blood vessels and also increase the chances of miscarriage.

• Stress – Depression and stress slow down our bodily functions. Stress during pregnancy can increase the chances of abortion and might also harm the baby and the mother.

The DOS for a healthy baby are –

• Eat right – It is already mentioned above that the right nutrition is very essential during pregnancy. Intake of high protein, vitamins and mineral diet is beneficial.

• Sleep – An adequate amount of sleep can help to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. At least 7-8 hours of sleep offers great relaxation to the body.

• Exercise – Staying active bring forth many benefits to the pregnant woman and the baby. It keeps you and your little one healthy. It also boosts circulation and mood. Exercising daily assist in weight control during pregnancy.

• Vitamins supplementation – The increased demand of the body during pregnancy may not be fulfilled just by a balanced diet. Prenatal vitamins contain essential nutrients like folic acid, calcium and iron that assist in the proper development of the brain and spinal cord of the fetus.

• Weight gain – Being overweight may increase complications during labour. It may also cause major developmental problems and risk for low birth weight. You need to plan what you eat and how much you eat.

Congratulations for your new happy parental journey. Take care of yourself and the baby in the best possible way!