How to Care For Yourself During Pregnancy
How to care for yourself during Pregnancy
6 Tips From An ObstetricianSource: https://northparkprivatehospital.com.au/maternity/Blog/How-to-care-for-yourself-during-pregnancy-6-tips-from-an-obstetrician
Congratulations on entering the exciting, and sometimes confusing world of pregnancy and parenthood! Whether you’re a first-timer or already experienced, each pregnancy is unique and comes with its own set of challenges.
We spoke with Dr Kim Thompson and experienced private Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Northpark Private Hospital in Bundoora to get her top 6 tips on how to care for yourself during pregnancy.
The most important thing to remember during pregnancy is to look after yourself. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is important, so is lots of rest. Pregnancy means your body is working 50% more than usual, 24/7, so you need to look after it. By looking after yourself, your baby will have the best chance of growing and developing to its full potential.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet, with nutritional supplementation of folate and iodine is important for pregnancy. Most pregnancy supplements are adjusted to cover all the bases, however, your personal dietary and health circumstances may mean you need extra supplements. Your body has increased nutritional requirements in pregnancy – multivitamins are a good way to account for this, if you have concerns that your diet is insufficient.
Eating fresh foods from a variety of sources, including protein, fibre and carbohydrates is important. Small, frequent snacks are a great way to keep up your energy levels and minimise nausea. Remember, you don’t need to eat for two!
Minimise the risk of food-poisoning by washing fresh fruit and vegetables properly, avoiding unpasteurised food and not eating undercooked meat. A freshly cooked ham and cheese toasted sandwich or a pizza with soft cheese is a great way to eat the foods you love in pregnancy.
You’ll be going to the toilet regardless in pregnancy, so ensure you keep yourself topped up! Our bodies are more than 50% water, and maintaining your fluid balance is important to minimise nausea and dizziness. Electrolyte drinks and icy poles are a good idea when you are unable to tolerate much oral intake. If you feel you are unable to manage, please speak to your obstetrician about being admitted for hydration management, as a few litres of IV fluids can make you feel like a completely new person.
Your body is already working hard, so you don’t need to do a strenuous workout. Daily walking or low intensity exercise are adequate for your mental and physical fitness. Your centre of gravity and posture will change in pregnancy, so keeping mobile is important to maintain your fitness and comfort.
By becoming a parent, you take on one of the greatest responsibilities imaginable. By maintaining your mental wellbeing, you will have the reserve to adapt to the changes of pregnancy and parenthood. Parenthood means that you need to be able to embrace change and recognise that you are unable to control every aspect of your life – inevitably your baby will soak through a nappy just as you are about to leave the house on time, requiring a complete bath and delaying you by at least half an hour!
By having continuity of care with a private obstetrician who knows you, your circumstances and your preferences, you can be proactive in your care and make carefully informed choices.
For some women, pregnancy can be a daunting experience. Some of the benefits of private care with an obstetrician is that they’ll advocate for you and your baby to help guide you in making the decisions that are right for you. The peace of mind and support that you get with your own private obstetrician results in a caring and meaningful relationship well into the future.
Choosing Empower Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Choosing Empower Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs offers expectant parents many benefits that significantly enhance the pregnancy experience. From personalised care and access to advanced medical facilities to continuity of care and flexible birth choices, Empower prioritises the well-being and satisfaction of its patients throughout every stage of the maternity journey.
Empower Obstetrics and Gynaecology empowers expectant families with knowledge, resources, and personalised care that nurture a positive and empowering childbirth experience, fostering a lifelong commitment to maternal health and wellness.
