Karen’s Opinion

The following subject is one that concerns me. Please welcome Alan Cassidy as he presents this important information.

Staying healthy while pregnant is essential to both mom and baby’s well-being. There are many ways to ensure that you stay in good health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health has composed guidelines to keep you informed on what is safe and what is not. Most women will hear all kinds of stories and old wives tales while pregnant but many of them should bear no weight on how a woman behaves during her pregnancy. Keep it simple and you can have a safe pregnancy.

For most women, gentle exercise during pregnancy is very safe. Women who stay active are often relived of many common pregnancy ailments, and also tend to have easier labors and deliveries. The best exercises for pregnant women are low-impact. Besides walking, other good forms of exercise include swimming, biking and aerobics. Of course, any activity that could result in injury, particularly to the abdomen, should be skipped. If there are any complications, make sure to consult your OB/GYN before engaging in any kind of exercise. But usually, even for these women, there are some things that can be done to keep fit.

As for diet, there are certain foods that should be avoided. Raw or under cooked meat and fish is a no-go all pregnancy long. Alcohol should be avoided and caffeine intake should be reduced, instead drinking water and other low-sugar beverages to stay hydrated. To reduce the risk of listeria, always heat lunch meats and hot dogs until they are steaming. Never consume unpasteurized juice or milk, or sunny side up or runny eggs. Avoid raw sprouts and steer clear of fish with high mercury levels, such as shark, snapper, mackerel and swordfish. Most other types of fish are safe during pregnancy, just keep the amount low, around 6 ounces per week. Other seafood, so long as it is cooked, is safe in amounts up to 12 ounces per week.

Post-delivery, there are things a mother can do to help protect the future health of her baby. A growing trend, called cord blood banking, preserves the baby’s umbilical cord blood as a precaution. Should the medical need for a stem cell treatment arrive in the future – for the baby or a sibling, a source stem cells will be available to the family Mothers should also maintain their healthy diets and fitness routines post pregnancy to continue to pass nutrition on to their child. This will build a strong, healthy foundation for the baby in its most impressionable and developmental stages.
This article was written by Alan Cassidy, an active writer within the blogging community covering maternity and childbirth, and always advocating for infant and children’s health. Connect with him on Twitter @ACassidy22