When you’re pregnant not only is your body undergoing some incredible changes, but you may also experience stress and anxiety, too. After all, you want to stay as healthy and happy as possible to support your baby’s well-being. With that in mind, here are some practical tips on how to stay healthy during pregnancy.

Take Pregnancy Vitamins

Pregnant women should be aware of many essential nutrients, like CoQ10, Folic Acid, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

CoQ10 protects your cells from damage. It is found in fish, meat, and poultry, and you can also take supplements like CoQ10 gummies to ensure that you're getting enough because it helps support a healthy cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of some birth defects.

Folic acid contributes to the formation of the neural tube and prevents anencephaly and spina bifida. You can find it in leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fortified foods. Take 400 micrograms of folate daily, and eat foods rich in folates, such as spinach and black beans.

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial during pregnancy. A higher intake of EPA and DHA reduces preeclampsia risk, prevents preterm labor, and increases birth weight. In addition, it reduces the risk of depression in mothers. 

Consult your doctor about which prenatal vitamins and minerals are right for you.

Start Eating Healthily

A healthy diet can help you feel your best and provide you with the nutrients you need. During pregnancy, eating healthy foods is especially vital for your baby's development. A good diet also plays a significant role in improving your mental health, reducing the likelihood of experiencing severe mood symptoms during pregnancy.

How do you focus on eating a healthy diet? Here is a sample meal plan:

First, when eating meals, add fruit and vegetables to half your plate. You'll get more fiber, vitamins, and minerals this way. 

Next, eat whole grains like oats, quinoa, or brown rice at least half the time. A whole grain has more fiber and nutrients than refined grain. 

Then, choose lean protein sources such as tofu, legumes, and eggs. In comparison to processed meats like bacon and ham, these contain less saturated fat. 

In addition, consume dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese in a low-fat or non-fat form. Calcium and other nutrients are found in dairy foods. 

Finally, make sure you limit sodas, sports drinks, and juices that contain sugar. They can add a lot of calories to your diet without providing much nutrition. It is better to drink water or unsweetened tea or coffee most of the time instead.

Choose the Right Exercises

Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life, but you should also take extra care of your health during this time. Staying active is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but choosing the right exercises is crucial. 

You can stay fit during pregnancy with a little care and caution. However, based on your medical records, ask your doctor if exercising during pregnancy is safe for you. 

Once you've received permission, focus on low-impact activities that won't jostle your baby. Prenatal yoga, swimming, and walking are all excellent options. Also, consider some special prenatal workout classes offered by many gyms. Remember to do pelvic floor exercises, too, because they're essential to a healthy pregnancy and delivery. 

Stay on Track With Prenatal Care

As part of your prenatal care, you'll likely see your doctor once a month during your first trimester, every other week during your second trimester, and once a week during your third trimester. 

However, whenever you need a some help or advice, don’t hesitate to make an appointment and it doesn’t always have to be with an MD. During pregnancy, there are so many ways to help your mental and physical discomfort with yoga, physical therapy, massage therapy, mother-to-be counseling, or meet with a doctor of natural medicine to go over your diet and exercise habits as your pregnancy develops. If you have any concerns or are experiencing any complications between these appointments, call your doctor to visit him right away. 

Take Care of Yourself

During pregnancy, you need to be extra cautious about your health for both you and your baby. Make sure you take prenatal vitamins, eat healthy foods, exercise safely, and keep to your doctor's appointments.