Pregnancy can be one of the most joyful moments in a woman’s life as it marks the start of motherhood. However, in this phase, the responsibility of the mother also increases significantly. When it comes to catering to the health development of the baby, mothers have to take care of various things, including their diet and lifestyle habits.
According to a specialist in fetal medicine in Siliguri, making changes in these aspects helps mothers protect the fetus from cases of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, as well as the most common preterm birth. Here is a thorough guide which outlines aspects which help the reduction of pregnancy complications through simple lifestyle changes.
1. Focus on Maintaining Balanced Nutrition
Nutrition is especially important to support the development of the fetus while also strengthening the mother. The fetal medicine specialist in Siliguri states that it is extremely essential for mothers to add various nutritious foods to their diet. This would include whole grains, leafy greens, and fresh fruits.
The major nutrients to focus on are iron and omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fish, leafy greens and red meats. When it comes to food that needs to be avoided, there are foods with added sugars, unhealthy fats, which can cause excessive weight gain and promote gestational diabetes. Staying hydrated is also another important aspect that women need to take care of.
2. Do Light Exercises Regularly
While it can be gruelling to move a lot, doctors actually suggest that mothers try out light workouts regularly. Moderate movement exercises such as yoga and pilates can be of great help for reducing stress. A specialist for fetal medicine in Siliguri states that this can also help in boosting circulation and preparing the body for labour. However, mothers need to be extremely cautious while exercising, as rigorous activity can lead to falls or strain to the abdomen.
Instead, doctors suggest that others take up activities which help increase their flexibility and help them learn about breathing techniques, which can also be beneficial during th labour. If you are affected by gestational hypertension, exercising can also help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of complications.
3. Practice Mindfulness for Stress
Stress is one of the major aspects which limit the overall development of a fetus. Pregnancy can also make your emotions fluctuate, causing you to face an intense amount of stress. If the level of stress is not managed well with pregnancy can be affected with the risk of low birth weight or pre-term labour. In order to maintain the level of stress, you can practice meditation regularly along with other relacing methods as journaling and deep breathing.
Each day, you can aim to set aside at least 15-20 minutes for these practices, which will help you to calm yourself and help manage your anxiety. With the help of support systems, you can also foster a sense of community that can help you walk through minor problems without feeling too anxious.
4. Avoid Harmful Substances
Being exposed to harmful substances during pregnancy can be extremely harmful for the fetus as well as the mother. According to a specialist in fetal medicine in Siliguri, research has found that women who are exposed to toxic substances during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage along developmental issues. However, secondhand smoke, alcohol, and substance abuse are not the only factors which affect the development of a baby.
Pregnancy cases can also be affected if the mother is exposed to toxic environments for a long period. It is important to ensure that the living space of the mother is comfortable and pure, with no toxic fumes from paints or sprays. Caffeine can also increase the chances of miscarriage, so it is important to consume less amount of coffee and tea.
5. Attend Prenatal Checkups Regularly
Once you have confirmed your pregnancy, it is essential to regularly visit your doctor for check-ups. These check-ups not only help in monitoring the development of the baby but also detect any possible changes that need to be made for the well-being of the mother. This also helps the regulation of potential complications that can affect the fetus. Most check-ups after pregnancy consist of ultrasounds and blood tests, which help the doctor to analyse and offer suggestions to the parents.
Through these checkups, you can also talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes, need for change in diet, unusual symptoms and any other concerns which make you feel anxious. These consultations act as a tool for staying proactive with prenatal care, which reduces the likelihood of complications going unnoticed and ensures timely interventions when needed.
6. Learning about Warning Signs
Staying aware of facts related to pregnancy complications can be vital for the mother during this stage. It is great to familiarise yourself with warning signs that require immediate medical attention, such as severe abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, or sudden swelling in the hands, face, or feet.
Symptoms like decreased fetal activity, ongoing headaches, or alterations in vision might signal concerns such as preeclampsia or placental complications. Attending prenatal classes or consulting trustworthy resources helps you discern what is normal and what is not. Additionally, you should keep your doctor’s contact information handy and don’t hesitate to seek help if something feels off.
Conclusion
Reducing pregnancy complications is within reach through intentional lifestyle choices and proactive care. By nourishing your body, staying active, managing stress, avoiding harmful substances, attending checkups, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying vigilant about warning signs, you pave the way for a safer pregnancy. Consulting a specialist for fetal medicine in Siliguri can provide tailored insights, especially for high-risk pregnancies, ensuring both mother and baby thrive.
