Pregnancy might seem like the perfect time to sit back and relax. But it can be a great time to get active. With your doctor’s care, the right nutrition and exercise, you can stay fit and healthy during your pregnancy.
Follow these tips for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
Visit your doctor.
Regular checkups are very important. See your doctor at least once a month for the first 7 months, then twice in month 8, and weekly in month 9.
Stick to a healthy diet.
Eat balanced meals rich in calcium, fiber, lean protein, and Vitamins A & C. This will give you the nutrients you and your baby need. Sugar and processed carbohydrates will increase weight and fluid gains.
Drink water.
Drinking enough water ensures that you stay hydrated, which in turn reduces tiredness and pregnancy nausea. Drink about 10 cups (2.4 liters) of fluids a day during pregnancy.1
Enjoy exercise.
With your doctor’s OK, routine exercise can be very helpful during pregnancy. It helps prevent backache, constipation and too much weight gain. It also lowers your risk for high blood sugar, makes labor easier, and means a quicker recovery.
To stay motivated, do the exercise and activities that you love. Modify your exercise programs by reducing duration and intensity and choosing specific pregnancy exercises that you will enjoy.
Take care of yourself.
Skip all alcohol and tobacco, and limit caffeine. Get plenty of sleep, and take frequent rest breaks throughout the day. Go to bed in a dark room that will allow you to sleep for a minimum of 7 hours.2 Remember that your body is growing a baby, so you need more rest than usual.
Know the facts about caesarean births.
Births by caesarean, or surgical delivery (C-section) have been on the rise. But many C-sections are not needed, and raise risks for health problems. If your doctor suggests it, be sure you know why, and know your choices and the risks involved.
- C-sections and Your Baby
A C-section often means a shorter pregnancy. But babies who are not carried to term are more likely to have issues like breathing problems or low birth weight.
- C-sections and You
Because of the incision, you have a higher risk for infection and blood loss. Scar tissue in the pelvic zone can cause pain and also lead to future pregnancy problems. You’ll need a longer hospital stay and more healing time.
QualChoice Can Help
If your QualChoice plan includes QCARE, sign up for our Maternity Management program. Learn more about our QCARE programs here. Or call 800.235.7111 or 501.228.7111 and ask to speak to a Care Manager.
