Pregnancy & Childbirth

Pregnancy & Childbirth

Carrying a child places extra strain on the body, so adequate diet, rest and moderate exercise are crucial to protect your health and that of your baby. Follow these tips to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

• Eat well. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet, spread out over four or five meals per day.
• Stay hydrated. Drink 10-12 glasses of water per day and avoid stimulants like caffeine found in coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks. Consuming caffeine while pregnant can lead to babies with lower birth weights.
• Sleep well. You need at least eight hours of quality sleep each night while pregnant and should seek advice from your doctor if you have trouble sleeping. An afternoon nap is also recommended.
• Exercise. It is important not to take strenuous exercise, but light exercise is recommended. Join a pregnancy exercise class and try to walk for 15 minutes each day, but avoid exercising in very hot weather.
• Smoking is very bad for unborn children and should be completely avoided. Also avoid breathing second-hand smoke.
• Talk to your doctor about prenatal supplements, which can help to provide your body with vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy, such as folic acid, calcium and iron.