Planning Your Pregnancy: Tips For A Healthy Start By Dr Scott Kamelle
Congratulations on your decision to plan for a baby! Taking the right steps before and during pregnancy can help ensure a healthy start for both you and your baby. Planning your pregnancy is the first step to a healthy start. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Healthy Eating Habits
Before you get pregnant, it’s a good idea to think about the eating habits you’ll be setting for your family. You don’t need to worry about your diet being perfect; just make sure you’re taking steps in the right direction.
Here are some tips for healthy eating habits:
• Eat foods that are high in fiber and low in fat. These include fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, beans and other legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products.
• Limit processed foods. Processed foods contain more fat, sodium, and sugar than whole foods do.
• Choose water over other beverages when possible. Water helps reduce hunger pangs by filling up your stomach with zero calories!
Quit Harmful Habits
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby, according to Dr Scott Kamelle. Smoking can cause problems like premature birth and low birth weight, as well as heart disease in both mothers and babies later in life.
If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit before getting pregnant. You might want to consider joining a support group or attending a class on how to stop smoking. Some people find that hypnosis or acupuncture helps stop smoking during pregnancy, but only if done under the supervision of their Dr Scott Kamelle or midwife.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy can help you avoid excessive weight gain and related complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and pre-eclampsia.
To maintain your healthy weight, eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods and limit foods high in saturated fat. Be sure to get enough calories from healthy sources such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and peas, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats like chicken or fish.