Preparing for Your Initial Pregnancy? A doctor lists crucial things to remember

First Pregnancy Health Tips: Are you preparing for your first pregnancy? A woman’s life takes on a magnificent adventure when she becomes pregnant, but she also faces many obstacles that must be overcome with extreme caution.

A woman experiences a variety of physical, psychological, and emotional changes during pregnancy, which may directly or indirectly affect her general health and wellbeing. Throughout the day, you can start to feel queasy, go through mood changes, or have a lot of energy. Pregnancy brings about a unique set of changes for every woman. However, there are a few things that every woman planning her first pregnancy needs to be aware of.

Dr. Astha Dayal, Lead Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, spoke with Jagran English about first pregnancies and key considerations.

Health Advice for Expectant Mothers
When considering pregnancy, you should see a gynecologist to have your health assessed, advises Dr. Dayal. The preconception counseling visit is what this is known as. We examine you to rule out any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy, determine if being pregnant is safe for you, and adjust or discontinue your medication as necessary.

Prenatal vitamin intake should begin three months prior to conception. 400 mcg of folic acid per mother is required in order to prevent brain and spinal cord abnormalities in the fetus. A balanced diet should include calcium for strong bones and teeth, iron for the growth of blood and muscle cells, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids for brain development.

Consume a diet high in antioxidants to increase fertility as well. Antioxidant-rich foods include citrus fruits, legumes, almonds, green leafy vegetables, and vitamins A, C, and E. Steer clear of processed, refined foods made with sugar and all-purpose flour (maida). Maintain stringent food hygiene. Wash your hands, especially before preparing meals and after handling raw meat or cats and kittens.

Quitting smoking and alcohol is necessary. Abandoning before three months of pregnancy minimizes damage to the fetus. Avoiding passive smoking is also advised. If you consume dark chocolate, stay away from caffeine and limit your consumption to one cup of coffee or two cups of tea. The goal is to limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day.

It’s true that regular exercise increases fertility and facilitates conception. A lady should be in good health when she becomes pregnant. When considering pregnancy, you should begin an exercise and nutrition regimen to lower your BMI into a healthy range. Additionally, when considering becoming pregnant, let your doctor know if you own pets so they may test you for toxoplasma and the CMV virus. To avoid this, use disposable hands or refrain from changing the litter box yourself.