If you are pregnant or thinking of conceiving, you might be aware of the primary pregnancy advice on taking care of yourself, like not smoking, drinking, and getting enough rest. You must take care of yourself and your baby before they’re born.

Ensure you get appointments and get adequate prenatal care. If you maintain a healthy pregnancy, you will have a healthy birth. Here are a few tips from what vitamins to take to how to handle kitty litter to ensure healthy prenatal development.

Prenatal Health Care

The bottom line of protecting your child’s health is getting regular prenatal care. Call your health provider if you think you might be pregnant to schedule your first prenatal appointment. However, many health providers might not schedule your first appointment before eight weeks unless there’s an issue.

Take A Prenatal Vitamin

From the point where you’re trying to conceive up until conception, taking prenatal vitamins is recommended. The baby’s neural cord develops within the first month of pregnancy – it becomes the brain and spinal cord. Therefore, you must get essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and folic acid from the beginning.

You can get prenatal vitamins over the counter at most pharmacies, or you can get a prescription. If you feel queasy taking them, take them at night or with a light snack. You can also chew on gum or hard candy after taking them.

Exercise

It is healthy to stay active and can help in stress and weight management, circulation improvement, boosting your mood, and sleep regulation. You can walk for 15-20 minutes daily at a moderate pace in indoor areas to prevent overheating. You can also take a pregnancy exercise class.

Exercises like Pilates, yoga, swimming, and walking are great ways to keep active while pregnant. However, make sure you get your doctor’s recommendation before starting any regimen. The experts recommend getting 30 minutes of exercise each day. Listen to your body, and don’t overwork yourself.

Educate Yourself

Whether it’s your first or second baby, going to a birthing class will help you feel prepared. You will get the chance to learn more about childbirth and childcare and ask specific questions or concerns. You’ll become close to the staff and the facility.

It’s also a great time to find out and brush up on your family’s medical history. Consult your doctor about past pregnancies and any incidences of congenital disabilities.

Practice Kegels

Kegel exercises help in strengthening pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support your bowels, bladder, and uterus. This exercise can make delivery easier and prevent incontinence issues if done well. The best part is that this exercise is virtually undetectable, so you can practice in the car, at your desk, or even at a grocery store line. Here’s how to do it:

• Squeeze as though you have to stop urine flow when you use the toilet.
• Hold for three seconds and relax for three
• Do ten repetitions

Reduce and Eliminate Toxins

There is a link between toxins and congenital disabilities, miscarriage, and other problems. Therefore, avoid alcohol, drugs, tobacco, paint thinners, and nail polish when pregnant. Smoking can decrease the baby’s oxygen flow and is linked to premature birth and other difficulties.

Let your doctor know if you have an issue stopping smoking, drinking, or drugs or have a history of addiction. Doctors can help support you, offer relevant advice, and refer you to relevant programs to help you fight it.

Change Chores

Many everyday tasks can be draining and risky to do when pregnant. Exposure to toxic chemicals, catching bacterias, or lifting heavy objects can harm you and your child. Here’s a list of chores you can take off your list:

• Changing kitty litter – avoid toxoplasmosis
• Climbing ladders or stepstools
• Heavy lifting
• Standing for a long time – especially in front of the stove
• Use of harsh chemicals
• Wash your hands after handling raw meat
• Wear gloves when doing yard work

Bottom Line

Following these steps means women ensure they’re healthy and ensure that the child comes into the world is healthy. You may think all this will keep you busy, but you’ll have very little time for yourself once the baby is born. Ensure you get eight hours of sleep and take naps during the day if you have sleep issues.

 Treat yourself and do things that make you happy – get lunch with friends, a manicure, or take a walk to help you relax. No matter what you choose to do, make sure you’re prepared for your world to change. Don’t forget to contact your health care professional if you face any issues.