Make Your Pregnancy Journey A Healthy And Happy One

Giving birth to a baby is described by a lot of mothers as one of the most important moments in their life. The joy of holding and nurturing a baby is said to be among the most exhilarating experience in life. If you are on your way to becoming a mother, no doubt you have wondered how best to be prepared for this experience. This article features six important tips to undertake during your pregnancy.

Stay healthy 

If you are planning to get pregnant or you are already pregnant, you probably know the effect your health plays on the unborn baby. Exposure to smoking, passive smoking, alcohol, illicit drugs, paint thinner, or nail polish remover during pregnancy can result in pregnancy complications. It is also important to get enough rest when pregnant.

Prenatal vitamins 

Nutrients like folic acid, calcium, and iron are essential in developing the brain and spinal cord of your baby. This happens within the first month of the pregnancy, so it is important to start taking them when you are trying to conceive. Prenatal vitamins contain these nutrients and are available at most drug stores. However, you should check with your doctor when taking over-the-counter medications, natural remedies, or supplements.

Exercise 

Exercise is essential during your pregnancy and can help lift your mood, improve circulation, reduce stress, and control your weight. Try to enroll in a pregnancy exercise class or walk for at least 15 minutes in a cool shaded area at a moderate pace. Aim to exercise for half an hour every day. Consult with your doctor before you start any exercise program and try not to push your body over its limits. Remember to drink more water. Your blood volume increases up to 50% to supply oxygen and nutrients to the baby, making it important to stay hydrated.

Educate your self 

Attending a childbirth class will help you better prepare for delivery. This will also help you learn more about childbirth and infant care, and you will have your concerns addressed during these classes. It would be best if you also strived to educate yourself on your family's medical history. Talk to your doctor about your family's congenital disability incidents or your past pregnancy problems.

Health insurance coverage 

A study published in 2003 suggests that it cost an average American $32,000 for an uncomplicated vaginal birth and twice that amount for a C- section. You can be sure that pregnancy cost has risen even more ever since. Before the Affordable Care Act was passed insurance companies classified pregnancies as pre-existing conditions and charged pregnant women higher rates or refuse to cover them. This is no longer the case; you can get insured through your employer, your spouse, or even your parents if you are below 26 years old. Other alternatives are through Medicaid, the health insurance marketplace, or directly from an insurance company. You can research how these plans differ from each other and how you can enroll in one.

Final take 

The tips mentioned above will certainly help you in your journey to becoming a mother. Try to make use of them in your daily life, and you will be on your way to holding a healthy newborn of your own.