No doubt, every pregnant mum wants to be in the best of health throughout her pregnancy. Still, have you ever wondered, especially when you think that you’re doing everything right, why are you still feel poorly at times? Find out how you might be unwittingly responsible for some of the times when you’re not feeling your best!

Taking eating for two literally

Since your own daily calorie requirement is roughly between 1800 to 2000 calories, it’s not likely that a tiny fetus growing inside you is going to need that much calories! Hence, eating for two is a mere reminder to eat for your health and that of your baby’s as well. What matters to your baby is adequate nutrition to help the little one grow and develop. The rule of thumb here is that, you need only 300 calories more than your normal calorie intake. Keep in mind that excess weight during pregnancy can put you at risk of conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes and could even necessitate a C-section during your delivery.

So, if you have literally been eating for two all this while, complete with double portions of everything, it’s high time to check your diet! Stick to three portions of fruits, fill up on greens and raw vegetables and chomp on nuts and eggs for the right kind of proteins. About six small balanced meals throughout the day accompanied by lots of fluids are the best ways to go.

Self medicating? Stop!

Many pregnant women are unaware that they’re not supposed to be using antacids, paracetamol or even certain acne creams! Self medication can be dangerous for your pregnancy as are some types of beauty treatments. Take care that they do not give way to congenital abnormalities in your unborn baby.

Only take pills that are prescribed by your doctor. If you have noticed that your prenatal vitamins and iron doses are making you feel nauseated, talk to your doctor for a change of brand. These vitamins and iron supplements are prescribed to you to meet your nutritional requirements and you can’t do without them. If acidity, headache and acne is troubling, talk to your doctor for advice on safe and effective solutions.

Skimping on sleep

The hormonal and physical changes that happen within your body during pregnancy demand more rest so this is certainly no time to be ‘too busy to catch enough sleep”. The less sleep you get, the more tired and worn out you’re bound to feel. Instead of sacrificing sleep, you should try to make up for any deficit whenever you can. Sleep also helps your reserve your energy and strength for the rigours of labour and childbirth to come.

If you think you’re lacking of sleep, try going to bed an hour earlier and waking up an hour later. Too much housework? Hire a maid or ask help from family members!

Remember though that there is a fine line between getting enough rest and oversleeping! One keeps you feeling energized and refreshed while the other tends to make your body tired, worn out and even crave more sleep! No prizes for guessing which is which!

Finding comfort in foods

We all go through it – the cravings for something sweet, fatty or fried! While it’s no harm indulging now and then, it will be wiser to limit your sweet intake a little after the second trimester. It will help you prevent the chances of suffering from gestational diabetes and other allied problems.

It’s not that we’re implying you stay away completely from your favourite bar of chocolate, but rather, we’re advising you to practice some moderation when it comes to comfort foods.

Inactivity

Being in a state of inactivity during pregnancy can harm your body and do more damage to your well being than you imagine! Exercise helps to combat stress hormones, boosts circulation, prepare the body for the rigours of labour and delivery while also contributing to fetal growth and development. While we’re not implying you sign up for a sports boot camp, you should, instead, make a conscious effort to move that body as much as you can. Ideally, start exercising from the initial days of your pregnancy. If you are a beginner, discuss your plan with your doctor and how you should go about it and start making some time for it. A quick stroll in the park, walks after dinner or in the morning or joining a pregnancy yoga class – it doesn’t matter which you choose, but get moving, mama!

Hasty decisions on healthcare & hospital

Many pregnant mums make the mistake of deciding all too quickly on the hospital or birthing center for the delivery of their offspring, only to realize later that they could have made a better choice. To avoid going down this road, decide on what kind of birth you would like to have first. Then, take some time to check out which hospital and doctor is willing to accommodate your needs. Birthing is a precious experience and you wouldn’t want it to be ruined by not expressing your desires. If you haven’t yet explored the various types of birthing, do so now and then only choose what you would prefer for yourself.

Are you comfortable with your doctor? Are the hospital staff helpful so far in answering all your inquiries regarding your birthing day? If you have answered ‘no’ to either or both, it’s time to make a few changes now! Make yourself a neat and clear-cut birthing plan too, with everything you have decided on clearly stated in it! Hand a copy over to everyone who is directly involved with your pregnancy journey and your delivery.

Underestimating an antenatal class

Did you know that women who attended antenatal classes had a much lower risk of Cesarean section and were about half as likely to bottle feed while in hospital compared to non-attenders? Well, now you do! The ultimate aim of an ante natal class is to prepare a mum-to-be for her birthing experience and early motherhood. Most maternity hospitals provide birth education classes and there is likely to be a range of private classes locally available. There are even some online courses available.

Ante natal classes should include some of the following:

• Biological info about the process of labour and childbirth
• Important info on medical procedures and interventions
• Tips and advice on relaxation techniques
• The opportunity to learn about and experiment with different birth positions
• Info on pain relief choices
• Relevant tips on caring for your newborn baby and also some idea of what to expect after the birth and in early parenting

Pick up a class during your first trimester so that you will have a lot of time to learn and do the right things for you and your baby. If you have missed out then look for a crash course in an antenatal program. Something is always better than nothing!