You may not have anticipated being pregnant at this stage of your life, but staying healthy during an unexpected pregnancy is still a priority. Even if you’re within the early stages of pregnancy and contemplating abortion, your physical and mental condition is important. Regardless of what decision you make for your unexpected pregnancy, it’s important to stay healthy.
An unexpected pregnancy can be a surprising, life-changing event, but your overall condition matters as you consider your options. Avenue Women’s Center is here to provide you with support by offering limited medical services and free consultations to supply you with relevant information about your pregnancy. Our expert pregnancy consultants can meet with you for a private session to discuss parenting, adoption, and abortion, as well as address any concerns you may have about the pregnancy. Make an appointment with us today at one of our centers located in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois!
As you begin to experience pregnancy symptoms, you become more aware of the fact that your body is changing. How can you adjust to those changes in a healthy manner, regardless of what pregnancy option you are considering?
Healthy Eating Habits While Pregnant
Your body may have more needs than it used to now, and you may want to be careful that you’re picking the right food groups. While some of the recommended eating habits may resemble your standard nutritious diet, such as limiting fats and sugars, a pregnancy usually makes this type of diet crucial to maintain. It’s possible you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the recommended servings of protein, fruits and vegetables, and other products to remain fit while you’re pregnant.
Certain foods should be avoided or cut down on during pregnancy, such as raw meats, shellfish, fish with a high mercury content, and unpasteurized cheese or milk. These foods can cause infection, toxicity, or food poisoning, and that can lead to miscarriage, fetal development delays, or other issues. You may also want to discuss prenatal vitamins with a healthcare provider. While you should obtain necessary nutrients from eating healthy foods, you may still need supplementation, but only with a healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Morning Sickness and Cravings
The nausea and vomiting that often comes with pregnancy symptoms can pose a challenge when it comes to eating healthy, as it may be difficult to keep food down. Try to eat what you can and consider supplementing with vitamins if your symptoms let up. But if your nausea reaches a point where you’re struggling to swallow liquids, you may want to contact your doctor, as dehydration and malnutrition can be dangerous during pregnancy.
Experiencing cravings during pregnancy is also common. Sometimes they’re normal, as it’s typical to have a hankering for things such as meat or chocolate. But sometimes the cravings are a little strange. You may suddenly have an unquenchable desire to eat things like pickle juice-coated sardines or pasta topped with peanut butter. As long as you do not overindulge in eating habits that may be unsafe during pregnancy, you should be fine. You may feel hungry a lot, but that doesn’t mean you need to eat as often as your body tells you to. Remember that 300 calories is usually all you need to add to your diet.
Exercising and Staying Fit
You may want to ask your doctor about what types of exercises are healthy during pregnancy. It’s generally recommended that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-4 times a week. Walking, yoga, or swimming are just a few low-intensity exercises you can do to stay fit during your pregnancy.
Exercise can help you sleep better and uplift your mood. It can also ensure you maintain a healthy pregnancy weight, and if your doctor approves, core exercises and hip flexor stretches may be constructive. These kinds of exercises may strengthen vulnerable parts of your body, preparing it for labor should you decide to continue the pregnancy.
Lifestyle Choices
It may be necessary to alter a few of your habits while pregnant. You may want to avoid things such as drinking alcohol, smoking, and performing high-intensity activities. Indulging in these habits too often can lead to deformities, premature birth, and other issues. If you need help coping with an addiction, then you may want to have an honest discussion with a doctor to see what steps you can take to quit harmful and addictive habits.
Your overall condition during pregnancy matters a lot. If this is your first pregnancy, receiving expert consultation on how to take care of yourself may make your experience smoother. Deciding on an unexpected pregnancy option can come later, as your health and safety take precedence.
Avenue Women’s Center is concerned about your wellbeing throughout your pregnancy decision and beyond. We understand that each woman’s situation is unique. Our caring client advocates are here to provide you with the information and support needed to make a pregnancy decision you can feel confident in. Contact us today for an appointment right away!
References:
- American Pregnancy Association. How to Have a Healthy Teen Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/healthy-teen-pregnancy/
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019, July). Exercise During Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Exercise-During-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=false
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.