With the pandemic still rampant in the US and across the globe, it's more important than ever to keep healthy. As more research becomes available regarding COVID-19, here are a few great ways mamas can stay healthy.
Eating a well-balanced diet. The nutrients we put in our bodies not only fuel us and are optimal for good health but essential for baby and baby's growth as they go through the developmental stages in each trimester. A good source is The Dr. Brewer Pregnancy Diet. It may be old, but there are loads of alternatives for my paleo, keto, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and fruitarians out there. Just be sure you aren't fasting while pregnant.
Drink lots of water! Everyone knows this, we hear and read it on every blog and video nowadays, but it's essential for pregnant moms, especially to drink more water. I know it's hard because we have to use the bathroom ten or more times a day, but it's excellent for cleansing the body, so all our organs are functioning and lubricated and great for your skin. Water also improves our mood and memory, which every pregnant momma needs since pregnancy brain is a thing.
Sleep! I'm sure friends and family has mentioned this, 'get lots of sleep now because you won't sleep much, if at all, with a baby.' It's true! My 15 months old still wakes us up at night. If your little one sleeps through the night, then lucky you. For all the other unlucky ones, good luck with sleep training. We are going through it and can't wait to see the light.
Get Moving. Getting exercise during this pandemic can be challenging. I get it! With gyms closed or operating at a limited capacity, and covid cooties running rampant, it's hard to find the time or stay motivated and focused on keeping healthy. Especially since there are so many shows or movies to binge-watch now that many folks are working from home, getting outside for a walk or staying on an exercise regimen can not only be beneficial physically but mentally. Also, walking daily with your little one and exposing them to vitamin D helps them sleep.
Vitamins & Minerals. We know the importance of taking iron, prenatal vitamins, and folic acid during pregnancy. Eating healthy may not be enough with depleted vitamins and minerals in our crops. Some individuals may have issues properly absorbing the nutrients they get from eating food, so taking vitamins can benefit the user and baby. With more research becoming available regarding covid-19, there have been studies and clinical trials using vitamin C & D to aid in the recovery of covid-19 patients. We may not know if it helps, but it doesn't hurt to take it or increase the dosage, so why not. Be sure to consult your doctor.
Relaxation. A stressed-out mamma can affect a baby by increasing the baby's stress levels. Depending on your stress level during each trimester, this can affect the baby's growth for that particular day or time. So be sure to find ways to stay relaxed throughout your pregnancy.
Avoid Toxins. Every pregnant woman gets handed a sheet(s) of things you can't eat or medications you can't take. And the list goes on to include house cleaners, cat litter, paint, nail polish, repellants, flame retardants, radiation from your electronics, etc. It's essential to avoid these toxins due to your baby's increased risk of congenital disabilities.
Consult with your health providers. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, these are known to cause gum issues including cavities and periodontal disease. According to the CDC, nearly 60% to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis. It's important to see your dentist as well as an Ophthalmologist due to hormonal fluctuations which may cause dry eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and other subtle or minor changes in your vision.
Educate yourself. We live in an information overload, and it's easy to get bogged down with the search results that come with the keywords 'pregnancy', birth,' and 'baby.' It's easy to get lost in thousands of hours spent reading or watching videos. Be sure to research! Research! Research! Only you know what's best for your body and your baby.
Continue your journey researching more ways to keep healthy and get moving and relaxing, mammas! Stay safe.
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