Leading a Healthy Lifestyle While Pregnant: Benefits for Mother & Baby For those professionals/non-professionals in direct contact with as well as expecting mothers at appointments, hospitals, clinics and pre-natal visits. Elise Wood
“How does this relate to me?” Personal trainer Nutritionist Nurse Physician Family members Future spouse Future experience
What is a healthy lifestyle? Multiple definitions Individuals personal habits and choices that increase their overall health and decrease their risk of disease/illness The way a person lives; balanced life with wise choices
Increased importance Being pregnant requires a healthier lifestyle… I.Higher demand for better nutrition II.Increased need for exercise III.Developing baby needs protection IV.Lowered immune system V.Healthier environment VI.Healthier relationships VII.Better mental health
Nutritional Needs Myth about eating for two Increased caloric needs- 300/400 kcals extra Baby doesn’t benefit from “empty calories” Vitamins/minerals for fetal development Do’s & Don’ts food list…education!
Poor nutrition = increased risks Unnecessary weight gain Gestational diabetes- mother and baby affected Low caloric intake- ketones- stunt mental growth Dehydration- preterm labor/BH contractions Alcohol via umbilical cord Pica development Left: average sized newborn Right: newborn w/ mother that had GD
Do’s and Don’ts of nutrition Guidelines Eat certain things and have healthy pregnancy Do not restrict Educate yourself
Exercising is good! Can help prevent bodily discomforts Better sleeping patterns Prevents excess weight gain Benefits for your baby and his/her future Get post-baby body back quicker Prenatal yoga, Walking Light weight lifting Swimming Consult with a doctor beforehand-know warning signs of doing too much.
Weight gain- what is normal? Normal: 25-35/ Underweight: 28-40/ Overweight: 15-25/ Where does it all go? Eating right Exercising
How will my weight gain affect me? Gaining a healthy amount of weight Better self image Helps delay stretch marks Easier to lose after baby Easier labor Less aches and pains Lowers risk for GD Pre-eclampsia/PTL
Weakened Immune System Mainly due to hormonal changes/imbalances Baby is generally protected/mother takes the brunt Cannot take all antibiotics Susceptible to bacterial and viral infections Rest Monitor fever spike Decrease in fetal movement
Keeping your immune system healthy “What can I do to prevent getting sick?” Diet Hand washing Exercise Sleep Healthy Lifestyle!
Having/creating a healthy environment Helps to: Protect you Protect baby Lowers risks to baby Avoiding exposures to: Pesticides Solvents- paint thinners,etc. Cigarette smoke
What you can do… Using cleaning products, have good air ventilation Do not paint- remove yourself Check labels before use Know the warning signs: Dizziness Blurred vision Hearing fading Nausea
Relationships Significant Other: You & your partner may connect differently Need for more support Less desire for normal activities Friends: May not understand Differences in “fun” Family: Supportive/non supportive Jealousy Feeling left out
Enhancing your relationships Significant Other: Talk! Listen Be honest Friends: Compromise Stay in touch Family: Involve Reassure
Mental Health Used to be overlooked/more prevalent Depression in pregnancy – low birth weight/PTL What to look out for: Depression Lack of connection w/ baby Lack of personal grooming Crying Feeling worthless Feeling overwhelmed
There is help… Depression during pregnancy Let doctor know immediately… can help through pregnancy Post partum depression Contact your doctor- 2 weeks max Treatments: Talk therapy and medicine You’re not alone
Links with useful information Women's Health Healthy Child/Pregnancy Information for all steps of pregnancy Resources with who can help
Concise summary Stay active! Eat balanced meals Attend appointments Healthy environment Supportive relationships Stable mental health Enjoy it
References diabetes/basics/complications/con diabetes/basics/complications/con