Fitness and physical care are essential to keeping your body healthy and in shape. One critical time for this is before, during, and after pregnancy. Pre and postnatal care are some of the most critical stages of having a successful pregnancy.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care should begin roughly three months before you start trying to conceive. It encompasses everything from health habits to doctor visits when pregnant.
Healthy Habits
- Quit smoking/drinking
- Take folic acid supplements
- Consult a physician about all medical conditions and drugs/supplements you take
- Avoid any toxic substances
Doctor visits are vital during pregnancy to monitor both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women are recommended to have regular doctor visits. Mothers should have monthly doctor visits for the first six months of pregnancy. For the seventh and eighth months, doctor visits should be biweekly and then weekly during the ninth month.
Prenatal care has plenty of benefits for the mother and baby. It helps catch potential problems/complications for both mother and child and can make the pregnancy/birthing experience more easygoing. Furthermore, good prenatal care decreases risks during pregnancy and increases the chance of a safe/healthy delivery. Children born to mothers who did not have prenatal care were also three times more likely to be born with low birth weight.
Postnatal Care
Postnatal care should begin right after birth and lasts roughly six to eight weeks. According to the World Health Organization, the postnatal period is “crucial for building relationships and establishing behaviors that affect long-term infant development and health.” The main focuses of postnatal care include getting proper rest, nutrition, and body care.
Getting proper sleep/rest is critical. Some tips for ensuring you get enough sleep are:
- Sleep when your baby sleeps
- Keep your baby’s crib near you when you sleep to make feeding easier/more convenient
- Allow someone else to bottle feed when you sleep
Postnatal nutrition is essential due to your body’s immense changes during pregnancy. It is recommended new mothers eat when hungry, not when they are busy or tired. Tips for what to eat include:
- Avoid foods (especially snacks) that are high in fat
- Eat low-fat food with a good balance of protein and carbs
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Drink lots of fluids
Overall, the time before, during, and after pregnancy are very delicate for both the mother and baby. Pre and postnatal care are essential to the mother and baby’s health. During these times, health habits should be followed, and it is always important to consult with your doctors before making any choices or changes to your routine.
