Children

Health-Care Tips for New and Expecting Mothers

Expecting Mother
Expecting mother. Image credit: Adobe Stock.

Taking care of yourself can be difficult, especially if you’ve just had or are about to have a baby. At first, you may have trouble getting checkups, eating right, and sleeping. However, you’ll eventually fall into a comfortable routine.

Here are some essential health-care tips for new and expecting mothers to ensure you and your baby feel well cared for.

Schedule Regular Checkups

One of the most important things to remember to do during and after pregnancy is to schedule regular medical checkups. Going early and often will give your provider time to run tests, find problems, and offer solutions, which can make a massive difference if they discover an issue.

Most health-care professionals recommend at least one prenatal visit every four weeks over the first four months, once every two weeks until six weeks of pregnancy, and one visit per week until birth. Postpartum checkups should happen within three weeks of delivery.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

New and expecting mothers should also be careful about what they eat. Having good nutritional health will ensure optimal development in the fetus, ease childbirth, and improve the long-term health of the infant.

New mothers should continue to eat well for their physical and mental well-being, especially if they’re breastfeeding. If you understand why nursing is so important for newborns, you’ll know why eating a healthy diet is essential.

Get Plenty of Rest

Getting plenty of rest is crucial if you’re pregnant or just gave birth. A lack of sleep can increase the chances of congenital disabilities and lead to complications such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. And mothers who just gave birth need to rest to ensure they recuperate.

During your pregnancy, you should take some time each day to relax and unwind. Practicing mindfulness, doing yoga, and listening to music can reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. Once you’ve given birth, it’s essential to take time for yourself to ensure you don’t overwhelm yourself.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask for Help

Being a parent requires a lot of work, from changing diapers to finding the best accessories for your baby’s nursery. However, it can be especially difficult after a long pregnancy. If you know anyone who will lend a hand, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Taking care of yourself is just as crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

With these health-care tips for new and expecting mothers, you can ensure you and your new baby enjoy the early stages of your time together.

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Dr. Jade Marie Tomaszewski is a pathologist-in-training at McGill University, where she also did her degree in MSc Pathology. She obtained her medical degree (MD) from the University of the Philippines, after completing a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. In her (little) spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, curling up with a book and a large mug of tea, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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