Find out how to take good care of a pregnant woman. This blog talks about how important it is to have a healthy diet, take care of your mental health, get enough rest, and get prenatal care to have a healthy and happy pregnancy.
Pregnancy brings a lot of challenges along with it. Though it is a beautiful feeling, it is not easy to address such women’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
This stage is called the prenatal stage and is crucial for them and their babies. This post is going to be a supporting guide for all lovely ladies who want their pregnancy to be smooth and uncomplicated.
All doctors and GPS favour shared maternity care, which clearly includes these elements.
9 Ways to Take Care of a Pregnant Woman
Discover the best ways to help a pregnant woman. Learn about excellent eating, prenatal checks, emotional support, and safe activities to keep mom and baby healthy during pregnancy.
Let’s start with their nutrition and physical health.
#1. Balanced Diet
Like everyone else, a balanced diet is a must-have for a healthy pregnancy and fetus. They need extra nutrients, which must be folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein in the prescribed amount.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), such ladies should have an additional 300 calories every day in their diet, particularly during the second and third trimesters.
Here is a specific dosage for each nutrient.
- Folic Acid: This acid can help in avoiding neural tube defects. So, doctors recommend at least 600 micrograms per day of it.
- Iron: This is basically related to the formation of red blood cells. This nutrient prevents anaemia-an iron-deficiency. So, its quantity should be 27 milligrams per day.
- Calcium: This nutrient is, for sure, required for the development of a baby’s bones and teeth. Therefore, its intake should be 1000 milligram per day.
- Protein: fetal growth requires protein. Therefore, physicians recommend 70–100 grams of a protein-rich diet per day.
- Hydration: In addition to diet, lubricating the body is essential. So, intake an adequate amount of water. The Institute of Medicine suggests pregnant women should drink about 10 cups (2.4 litres) of fluids every day. Its adequacy maintains amniotic fluid levels, which thereby increase blood volume in the body.
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#2. Regular Prenatal Checkups
Besides nutrients, regular prenatal checkups are necessary. It will help in monitoring the health of the mother and the baby. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), eight visits to a gynaecologist are recommended to minimize the risk of perinatal mortality.
#3. Exercise
The next important thing is working out. Doctors appreciate regular exercise in moderation during pregnancy. Considering the recommendation of ACOG, such women should at least exercise for 150 minutes.
The intensity should be moderate for aerobic activity each week. It can help minimize common complaints like back pain and improve mood and sleeping patterns.
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#4. Adequate Rest
Resting is also important. At least 7-9 hours of sleep each night is a must for expecting mothers. It helps in rejuvenating the body and reducing complications like preclampsia.
#5. Managing Common Pregnancy Symptoms
There may be some more common symptoms that need proper management. Let’s share the common ones with you:
- Morning Sickness: Morning sickness is observed during the first trimester. Small and frequent meals with ginger can prevent nausea.
- Heartburn: Heartburn happens because of spicy or fatty food items. Eating small meals and avoiding spicy or oily food can be helpful.
- Swelling: Swelling is common in feet. So, elevate the feet and avoid standing in the same posture to avoid this condition.
Related: Top 10 Pregnancy Tips for First Time Moms
#6. Emotional and Psychological Support
- Emotional Well-being
Mood swings are common in this condition because of hormonal changes. At this time, emotional support is vital. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorder states that 10–20% of pregnant women feel depressed and suffer from anxiety attacks. These are some significant symptoms that must not be underestimated.
- Communication and Support
At this stage, a woman needs emotional support from her spouse, family, and friends. Open communication can also be helpful. All those near and dear should encourage her to express what she feels. Also, they should be concerned about helping her combat stress and anxiety.
- Prenatal Education
A consultation with the doctor or counselling in prenatal classes can be beneficial. These classes provide new mothers with valuable information about childbirth, breastfeeding, and postnatal care. The expectant mother feels more confident and acknowledged, which eventually heals her anxiety. She gets mentally prepared for labour and delivery.
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#7. Preparing for Baby’s Arrival
Apart from the aforementioned care and shared pregnancy plan, the woman needs to plan how to welcome the baby’s arrival. Here is a predefined plan.
- Planning for Maternity Leave
If she is working, apply for maternity leaves in advance. It will benefit her by minimizing financial stress. So, try to apply according to the company’s policies.
- Creating a Birth Plan
Moving to the birth plan, start outlining the preferences for labour and delivery. If you are able to manage that bone-wrecking pain, go ahead with labour. Also consult with the doctor if he/she sees any complications and follow his/her suggestions.
- Setting Up the Nursery
Make all preparations for the nursery and also collect essential baby items. It will be an overwhelming and exciting journey. So, start with a checklist. Jot down all items, from a crib, diapers, and baby clothes to a cradle, etc.
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#8. Regular Communication with Healthcare Providers
Be in touch with your gynaecologist. Frequently communicate to ensure that any complications can be addressed appropriately. So, you need to prepare a list of all the burning questions to discuss with her during prenatal visits.
#8. Complementary Statistics and Research
Always keep in mind these facts to avoid a troubled pregnancy.
- Infant Mortality: The infant mortality rate is related to inadequate prenatal care. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that mothers who did not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to die within their first year than those whose mothers have been regular with prenatal visits.
- Low Birth Weight: The March of Dimes reported that women who get early and consistent prenatal care are less likely to endure underweight babies.
- Benefits of Exercise: According to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine,
Regular exercise by a pregnant woman makes her 40% less likely to develop gestational diabetes. Also, a 30% minimal risk of preeclampsia is there.
- Nutrition and Birth Outcomes: The CDC report makes it evident that the intake of folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy can minimize the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%. Another study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adequate iron in the diet during this phase can help combat the risk of maternal anemia and preterm delivery to the maximum levels.
- Mental Health: Research published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth reveals the findings that expectant women receiving adequate emotional support and counseling are 50% less likely to go through severe depression and anxiety.
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Conclusion
Pregnancy can be critical without consistent and shared maternity care. It includes a ton of aspects, encompassing the physical, emotional, and psychological requirements of expectant women.
A balanced diet, regular exercise, proper rest, consistent prenatal checkups, vaccination, and stress management are significantly important. One cannot ignore any of these aspects.
The shared maternity plan also suggests frequent open communication with the spouse, family members, doctor, and loved ones. It can help in getting rid of mental stress.
Also, it gives strength to endure labour with confidence. Eventually, the result will be awesome.
Besides, the guidelines of the doctors must be followed religiously so that the delivery will be smooth and the baby will remain healthy throughout the pregnancy journey.
