Entering motherhood is an exciting experience and a beginning of a new chapter in your life. That said, it can also be a bit daunting facing all the different changes that come with pregnancy and dealing with uncertainty, especially when you’re a first-time mom. Whether you’re married or a single woman going through a fertility treatment procedure, there are many things to take into account.

Plus, with so much advice to listen to, it can be difficult to distinguish accurate information from inaccurate statements. With that in mind, we’ve created a guide you can rely on to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a positive, low-stress experience for both yourself and your baby.

Pay attention to your dietary habits and choices

Following a healthy and balanced diet is important, especially once you start eating for two. Now is the time to pay special attention to your dietary habits and make healthy choices whenever you can. Pregnancy is also a time when you’ll need to cut back on your caffeine intake, avoid certain foods, and load up on some other foods that will support the development of your baby.

Try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet (five portions a day), increase your fiber intake by choosing whole-grain foods rich in carbohydrates, and opt for foods rich in proteins (nuts, eggs, beans), calcium (tofu, milk) and omega-3 fatty acids (fish like sardines, mackerel, or salmon). Consider adding supplements to your diet as well – take folic acid supplements during the first trimester and vitamin D during the entire pregnancy. You will also need to steer clear of particular foods, including undercooked/raw meat, raw/lightly cooked eggs, raw fish, certain pasteurized and unpasteurized cheeses, and unpasteurized juices, to name a few.

Say no to alcohol, smoking, and all illicit drugs

Just like too much caffeine can cause harm to your baby’s health, there are other, potentially more dangerous habits that you’ll need to break in order to preserve your health and the health of your child. 

If you’re used to drinking alcohol, you will need to reduce your alcohol intake during pregnancy, although it’d be best if you’d cut alcohol out completely since there’s no data about a safe amount of alcohol you can drink while pregnant. This will help reduce the risk of your baby developing FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome) or having learning or speech difficulties later on. Similarly, moms who are smoking or using illicit drugs during pregnancy are running the risk of miscarriages, growth problems, and premature delivery, so it’s best to quit and/or seek help.

Find the right obstetrician to care for you during pregnancy

Millions of women give birth each year in the U.S., and while the majority of pregnancies and deliveries are healthy ones (80%), others carry certain risks. According to recent data, more women who are dealing with pre-existing conditions such as diagnosed diabetes and depression are entering pregnancy, which only increases the risk of pregnancy and childbirth complications. This data only highlights the importance of finding the most reliable obstetrician to care for you during your pregnancy.

For soon-to-be moms from northeast Florida, finding the right obstetrics doctor in Jacksonville is a step in the right direction when it comes to ensuring a healthy pregnancy, especially in case of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, blood disorders, and advanced maternal age. With the help of a reliable obstetrician, expectant mothers will be provided the most up-to-date obstetrical care while the doctors’ 24/7 accessibility will give moms-to-be peace of mind during this sensitive period.

Get plenty of rest

A mother’s body changes during pregnancy due to all the hormones that are circulating in her body. All these hormonal changes could cause her to feel fatigue, especially at the beginning of her pregnancy journey. In the next couple of months, she may notice that she’s going to the loo more often and that she’s often unable to get comfortable in bed.

Despite pregnancy discomforts, it is important for an expectant mother to get all the rest she needs. For starters, consider using pregnancy pillows to reduce back strain or try exercising – it’ll help you sleep better while also providing backache relief. Also, sleep on your left side to allow for maximum blood flow. Short naps during the day will be helpful in case you’re having sleeping problems at night, while practicing certain relaxation techniques such as yoga and deep breathing will help expectant mothers unwind before bedtime and get the much-needed rest.

Wrapping up

From ensuring proper nutrition to getting plenty of rest to finding the best obstetrician you can rely on, planning a pregnancy can feel a bit overwhelming. However, with a couple of useful tips in mind, you can ensure a stress-free, problem-free pregnancy and welcome a happy and healthy baby.