By Dr. Jonelle Samuel l OB-GYN, Luminis Health
If you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, congratulations! This is such an exciting time. We hope you’re savoring every precious moment … without stressing too much.
We’re here with expert advice to help you maintain a healthy pregnancy and safeguard your baby before and after delivery. Here are some dos and don’ts:
Pregnancy dos
Every pregnancy is unique, so your doctor is your best resource. But in general, remember to:
- Eat well. A balanced diet supports your baby’s growth. Include seafood rich in omega-3s.
- Exercise regularly. Even gentle movement like walking around your home or doing light bodyweight exercises can help keep you active and feeling your best.
- Get plenty of sleep. It’s common to feel tired when you’re pregnant. Aim for seven to nine hours a night to support you and your baby.
- Get your flu shot and other recommended vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend certain vaccinations during pregnancy to help mothers develop antibodies that can be passed on to their babies.
- Limit stress and maintain your mental well-being. When you’re pregnant, your body goes through a lot of changes, all of which can affect your mental health. Reducing stress will go a long way toward ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
- Take a prenatal vitamin. Ask for your doctor’s recommendations and look for a vitamin that includes folic acid and iron if needed.
- Travel safely. Your doctor will help you make informed decisions about traveling, including telling you when it’s best to stop traveling (usually by 36 weeks).
Pregnancy don’ts
To protect your health and your growing baby, avoid:
- Dangerous chemicals, including some household cleaners, and refrain from cleaning cat litter boxes
- Foods that increase the risk of foodborne illness, including deli meats, raw or processed meats, and unpasteurized milk and cheese
- Excess caffeine (one cup of coffee a day is usually safe)
- Hot tubs and saunas
- Radiation, including X-rays, unless necessary
- Alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs
These precautions can help you reduce risks and support a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
This summer marks 30 years of the Clatanoff Pavilion at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Over the past decade, 1,616 Severna Park babies have been born in Clatanoff — a testament to the generations of families who have trusted us with their most important moments. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our Severna Park community, and beyond, later this year.
Pregnancy care is key to keeping your baby healthy. Consider joining CenteringPregnancy, a program offered at Luminis Health Ob-Gyn Annapolis. With group sessions for expectant mothers and personalized consultations with trusted OB-GYNs and midwives, this nationally recognized program has been shown to improve birth outcomes, breastfeeding rates and patient satisfaction for new moms.
This branded content is brought to you by an expert in his or her respective field.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here