May 16th, 2010 | 
Author: Being pregnant is an exciting experience but this depends on whether you take good care of yourself or not. Whether planned or unplanned, the thing is you are already pregnant and you need to be healthy both mentally and physically to deliver a healthy baby. To have a healthy pregnancy, it will do you good if you knew what to do and what not to do during this period.
The prenatal care given for pregnant mothers is not just a routine visit to the clinic but is very important. Make sure you get these regular checkups because you may not be able to anticipate any possible pregnancy problems on your own. The doctor will be in a better position to do this and treat you on time before things get out of hand.
You will hear this in the prenatal care clinics and from your personal doctor; avoid alcohol and cigarettes. These products are not good for your health and chances of them harming the baby are high so if you want to be healthy during pregnancy, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. If fact, you should stop these habits just before you get pregnant unless it is unplanned for.
There is no way you are going to sit around just because you are pregnant as this might bring you difficulties during the pregnancy and childbirth. Hence, get the right exercises prescribed by your doctor to help you reduce back pains, swellings and constipation which are common during pregnancy as well as keeping your weight gain in check. Exercising will help you look good during pregnancy and thereafter, getting back into shape will be easy.
What you eat during pregnancy will also determine whether you are healthy or not. Increase your protein intake and carbohydrates but eat only the required fats such as whole milk and butter cheese, (just enough for fetus growth) to avoid unnecessary weight gain. Vitamins are essential too especially vitamins A and C but you can get vitamin supplements normally given during prenatal visits. Coffee has been associated with miscarriage hence try to reduce the intake but plenty of clean water will do you good especially if you have regular headaches.
Doing everything to ensure you are healthy will save you a lot during pregnancy including minimizing the complications associated with pregnancy such as morning sicknesses. After you give birth, your body will be in a better position to recover fast and going back to your normal activities will only take a few days.