The way of life during pregnancy affects a woman’s well-being, the course of gestation, and pregnancy outcomes. A healthy lifestyle plays a leading role in the intrauterine development of the child – the fetus is directly connected to the expectant mother through the bloodstream. Everything that enters the woman’s body affects the baby.
Preparing for pregnancy three to six months before conception will increase the chances of a successful gestational outcome and the birth of a healthy baby. A few tips will form an understanding of a healthy lifestyle and increase the chances of having a healthy baby.
The Influence Of Bad Habits On A Child
Bad habits include alcohol and drug use, smoking cigarette, and vaping. In the United States, the prevalence of alcohol abuse among pregnant women and women of childbearing age has increased to a threatening level.
The numbers are especially high in the state of Rhode Island (RI), where in 2014, approximately 8.9% of pregnant women were reported to binge drinking or abuse alcohol. However, the numbers have increased and this problem needs immediate attention. One of the best solutions is to get professional assistance to treat alcoholism.
Besides, rehab in RI and other States of the US provide special treatment programs tailored for pregnant women. If this problem is not taken care of, toxic substances will enter the bloodstream through the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory tract. Harmful products carried through the blood vessels affect the body of a woman and a child.
1. Developmental Delays
A pregnancy that develops under the influence of toxic substances is at risk. Research proved that bad habits lead to a child lagging behind in mental, cognitive, and physical development. Here are some developmental delays among babies of addicted women:
Disorder Of Physical Development
Toxic substances cause spasms of blood vessels. As a result, the child experiences oxygen deprivation. Under conditions of hypoxia, cells, tissues, and organs cannot develop normally. As a result, intrauterine fetal growth retardation (FGR) is characterized by fetal lag in physical development.
The child in utero and after birth does not correspond to the generally accepted average statistical data as weight, height, head, and chest circumference get reduced. Children who came from women with bad habits are more likely to suffer from infectious diseases.
Mental Disorders
According to statistics, the risk of developing mental disorders, including autism, increases. The child experiences significant difficulties in contact with the outside world and people. As a result, he prefers staying at home.
Cognitive Impairment
Toxic substances have a negative effect on the child’s nervous system: the central and peripheral nervous systems. As a result, the kid faces difficulty in adapting. In addition, the condition gets aggravated by the development of negative character traits, i.e., increased excitability and aggression.
2. Formation Of Fetal Malformations
Bad habits increase the risk of developing intrauterine fetal malformations: defects of the cardiovascular, nervous systems, the appearance of congenital, and malformations. Therefore, one of the key points of a healthy lifestyle, which increases the chances of having a healthy child, is giving up bad habits. Thus, if you are also suffering from addiction to bad habits such as alcoholism, you must consult a professional to eliminate this problem.
Health And Safety Rules
Let’s talk about the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.
3. Light Exercise
Light physical exercise is beneficial and safe during pregnancy. Physical activity maintains muscle tone, strengthens the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In addition, outdoor activities and hiking provide oxygen to the blood. Thus, the risk of developing oxygen starvation decreases.
Doctors recommend walking for several hours every day. This advice is suitable for women with a normal pregnancy that is not accompanied by the threat of termination and other complications. Physical activity during pregnancy helps prevent sleep disorders, insomnia and is also a way to relieve emotional stress.
4. Proper Nutrition
A balanced diet is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. A varied diet and proper food processing provide the baby’s body with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, proper nutrition reduces the risk of anemia and low birth weight. You can consult your doctor to know what you should and should not be eating during pregnancy.
5. Compliance With The Drinking Regime
Water participates in biochemical reactions of the body, maintains water and electrolyte balance. The body’s need for water increases during the time of pregnancy. You need to drink fractionally, in small, even portions throughout the day.
The optimal amount of water drunk at a time is considered to be 150-200 milliliters. A portion of 250-300 milliliters will lead to the appearance of the urge to urinate in half an hour since the cells of the body will not be able to absorb all the water that has come in.
6. 4. Postpone Heavy Sports
For fans of active sports, doctors recommend postponing heavy and extreme physical activity until the baby is born. Unfortunately, every pregnancy is unpredictable, and a variety of factors affect gestation. Therefore, even an active sportswoman may not withstand the usual intensity during pregnancy.
However, to the lovers of sports, some doctors allow them to practice dancing, yoga, Pilates, and water aerobics during pregnancy. However, before starting training, you should consult with your doctor to identify contraindications to sports.
7. Visit Doctor Timely
Preventive doctor visits reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. After interviewing and examining, obtaining laboratory tests and ultrasound, the doctor makes a conclusion about the state of health, gives recommendations, and makes a list of appointments. Thus, you must visit your doctor timely for a healthy pregnancy and must not miss any appointment.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important at all stages of pregnancy. A married couple who performed a set of examinations at the planning stage of conception and followed medical recommendations during gestation has a higher chance of having a healthy baby.
Pregnancy is a great reason to give up bad habits and start leading a healthy lifestyle. The chances of a successful pregnancy outcome get increased by physical activity, balanced nutrition, and regular medical examinations while avoiding toxic substances.
