Pregnancy is an amazing phase, but it also has its distinct challenges. The female body undergoes an unprecedented transformation unless this is the second or subsequent pregnancy. Weight gain is the most obvious visible change. There are extensive hormonal changes. Dietary requirements change, and so does the state of mind. There are physical and mental challenges to cope with. Every pregnant woman needs optimum care, with help from family and friends. Here are the essential tips for a healthy pregnancy that will ensure your physical and mental well-being.
Skincare During Pregnancy
Taking care of your skin is a quintessential need. Many women start using a pregnancy stretch mark cream after childbirth. Most women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. The unpleasant stretch marks on the stomach can be prevented if there is a proactive skincare routine. Help the skin cope with the expansion so it does not crack and develop the stretch marks in the first place rather than trying to reverse the process after you have them post-pregnancy.
Pregnant women should have a skincare ritual, usually twice a day. The skin should be properly cleansed every morning and moisturized to keep it supple and avoid many problems, including fine lines, acne, and spots. This is not confined to the stretch marks on the stomach. Such a ritual applies to the face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, chest, belly, abdomen, buttocks, back, and feet. Adequate nutrition and proper exercise should contribute to the skincare routine. Hydration is important. It is best to avoid makeup. If you have to use makeup, go for natural products and remove them to prevent traces.
Moisturizing is essential, and so is optimum collagen production in the skin. Stretch marks during pregnancy can be prevented if the skin retains its elasticity and gets nourishment to expand without enduring breakage or cracks. A stretch mark cream that can moisturize, nourish, and facilitate collagen secretion is a great choice. It is essentially the only way to avoid stretch marks on the stomach with a certain degree of certainty.
Psychological Challenges During Pregnancy
There are two common psychological problems most pregnant women experience. These are mood swings and depression. It is common for depression and anxiety to be experienced simultaneously. Mood swings can range from anger to irritability, restlessness, and impatience to absentmindedness. Pregnant women often experience periods of sadness and joy, lack of concentration, excessive sleep or insomnia, declining interest in different activities, recurring thoughts of hopelessness, and varying degrees of anxiety. There may be a sudden urge to clean everything. The next hour could be all about binge eating. There may be irrational behavior without any notable cause.
Most psychological problems during pregnancy are a result of hormonal changes and the transformation in brain chemistry. Just as the physical changes have their visible and subtle effects, the changing hormones and how neurotransmitters work in the brain have influenced the mind and triggered mood swings and depression, among other psychological problems. These can worsen if there are issues in a relationship, any history of clinical depression or anxiety disorder, stressful events in life, or complications.
Effective ways of overcoming depression and managing mood swings during pregnancy include heartfelt conversations with the partner, spending more qualitative time with immediate family and friends, going out and socializing, watching lighthearted shows, or reading books that uplift the spirit, exercise, and meditation. Deep breathing can be useful to regulate emotions. Healthy snacking can also handle depression and mood swings. Those who do not have loved ones can reach out to support groups and opt for psychotherapy, light therapy, and physiotherapy. Adequate rest, proper nutrition and hydration, acupuncture, and herbal remedies can also help.
Recommended Diet for Pregnant Women
Nutrition is essential not only for a pregnant woman but also for the fetus. Nutritious meals at the right time and appropriate servings will also contribute to a better or sounder state of mind. Pregnant women should never skip breakfast. Cereals are fine, or you may go for whole-wheat toast. You can add fruits to ensure calcium, among other minerals and vitamins. Fiber-rich foods such as green veggies and carrots and fruits such as melons and bananas are healthy. Brown rice, whole grains, oatmeal, and beans are also fiber-rich.
Snacking cannot be dismissed entirely. Pregnant women will have the urge to munch several times a day, in many instances through the night, too. Yogurt and wholegrain crackers are healthy choices. All vitamins are essential, and so are folic acid and iron. Seafood, wild-caught fish, shellfish, and lean meat are crucial. Avoid fish or shellfish that have lots of mercury. Go for salmon, catfish, and shrimp. Avoid fatty foods, including heavily processed meats. Avoid cheese, caffeine, alcohol, and the ever-enticing chips or fries.
The best foods for pregnant women are natural yogurt, not with added flavors or preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients, legumes including peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, peanuts and soybeans, sweet potatoes, salmon, eggs, leafy vegetables, dark-colored vegetables, chicken, fish liver oil, berries, whole grains, avocados, dried fruits, and water. Staying hydrated at all times is necessary.
Exercise Guide for Pregnant Women
Ideally, pregnant women should exercise every day. However, it is imperative to avoid exhaustion. The best exercises are walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, aerobics, and specific workouts for pregnant women during pregnancy. Brisk walking is great, and so is swimming. Cycling should be on a stationary bike, not on the streets with an actual cycle. Falling from a process can have disastrous consequences. Running is not ideal when pregnancy is already in the latter phase of the first trimester, but it is definitely not permitted in the third trimester. Yoga should be customized to suit pregnancy. A majority of complex postures should be avoided. There are low-impact aerobic exercises and squats, tilts, and pelvic workouts specially designed for pregnant women. Practice has immediate physical and psychological effects. Any pregnant woman who has physiological problems and experiences complications during any of the trimesters should avoid exercise.
