5 tips for a healthy pregnancy

I knew pregnancy must be difficult, but no one has prepared me for the reality of it hitting hard on my ecosystem. After checking all the basic rules, such as no smoking, drinking, taking vitamins and not touching the neighbors’ cat, I still ended up at the emergency room twice, not counting all the sick days suffered in silence. I envied all my pregnant friends who were actually enjoying their pregnancies, not complaining about anything. After some research, I discovered I could ease some of the pain with some healthy habits. [button url=”#” new_tab=”false” size=”medium” style=”solid” color=”false” light=”false”]1. Exercising is not overrated.[/button]

Staying active is mandatory for all moms to be, and if you want to still be able to walk in your last trimester, then sign up to those Maternity Pilates classes fast. Regular exercise will help you control your weight, improve circulation, boost your mood, and help you sleep better. It is also proven to help you while giving birth, and who doesn’t want all the extra help they can get? Pilates, yoga, swimming, and walking are all great activities for most pregnant women, but be sure to check with your doctor first before starting any exercise program. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Listen to your body, though, and don’t overdo it.

[button url=”#” new_tab=”false” size=”medium” style=”solid” color=”false” light=”false”]2. Watch your diet[/button]

The notion that you’re eating for two was definitely invented by a hungry pregnant woman. Research shows you only need 300 additional calories each day throughout your pregnancy, so don’t start piling up on those plates. Especially on pizza boxes, fizzy drinks and chocolate. I must confess, I am guilty of all those things, thus I wanted to change my diet when my colon put me on a hospital bed. From now on it’s only salads, fish, and all the good and healthy foods. Make sure you get plenty of protein. You now need 70 grams a day compared to 45 grams before you got pregnant. And while your calcium requirement remains the same, it’s more important than ever that you meet it, which is a challenge for many women. Packing on too many extra pounds may make them hard to lose later. At the same time, not can gaining enough weight can put the baby at risk for a low-weight birth, a major cause of developmental problems. 

[button url=”#” new_tab=”false” size=”medium” style=”solid” color=”false” light=”false”]3. Power-pack on superfoods [/button]

All the nutrients your baby needs to grow come straight from you. You don’t actually need to eat more to supply the demands of pregnancy though; just be sure to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. I found out I wasn’t eating enough and my body didn’t assimilate all the proteins required during pregnancy, thus my trusted superfoods stock helped out a lot. One of my favourite superfood is Acai + Berry from Bioglan Superfoods, which is a powerful dose of supercharged berries destined to revitalize your body. A combination of berries including the superfruits Acai, Goji and Pomegranate plus Blueberry, it delivers vital nutrients, minerals and loads of anthocyanins and polyphenols in their natural form for purer health. I add a spoon of powder into smoothies, juices and baking.

Pregnancy mostly affects the quality of sleep, it lowers the immune system, and it also becomes a problem for the digestive health. Bioglan Acai + Berry powder is rich in vitamin B2 and iron which help to prevent tiredness and fatigue. Calcium and Iron in Bioglan Acai + Berry powder contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism to help give your energy a boost throughout the day. A rich source of vitamin A, Bioglan Acai + Berry powder helps to contribute to the normal function of the immune system. The powder is also  a source of fibre which aids digestion and helps to move other foods along the digestive tract. Also, calcium in acai contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.

[button url=”#” new_tab=”false” size=”medium” style=”solid” color=”false” light=”false”]4. Cut back on caffeine[/button]

Staying hydrated while pregnant is a must, so drinking at least 2 litres of water per day is key to a healthy digestive system. When it comes to other drinks, stay away of cola, some teas and coffee. Regarding the latter, you should limit yourself to no more than one cup per day. Caffeine has no nutritive value and makes it harder for your body to absorb iron, something pregnant women are already low on. It’s also a stimulant, so it can make it even harder for you to get a good night’s sleep, give you headaches, and contribute to heartburn. I was not a coffee drinker before, but I like my decaf cappuccino. You should also check the caffeine content of other products you consume, like tea, soft drinks, “energy” drinks, chocolate, and coffee ice cream, as well as over-the-counter drugs, such as headache, cold, and allergy remedies.[button url=”#” new_tab=”false” size=”medium” style=”solid” color=”false” light=”false”]5. Enjoy your pregnancy[/button]

I honestly couldn’t really believe I will be enjoying this unique time in my life, because of all the sickness, worries and pain. But I felt including my husband, family and friends in my pregnancy and discussing about all my anxiety helps them understand what I am going through so they can be more understanding and supportive. You may be having a hard time, especially at the beginning of your pregnancy. You may have morning sickness. People will understand if you take the time to let them know how you feel. Hormones will mess with your head, so what I do is count to 10 and breath slowly before saying or doing something I might regret.

When you’re pregnant, it seems like it will go on forever. However, people say it passes very quickly and is soon a memory. Take steps to document the many changes that are occurring in your life right now and create memories to share with your baby. Relax when you can and enjoy this time of preparation. All too soon your pregnancy will be over and you’ll be a new mother, with all the responsibilities of being a mum and a partner! You may have other responsibilities, too, in your professional or personal life, but this is a time to concentrate on your couple relationship and the many changes you will be experiencing in the near future.

I’m taking part in Bioglan Superfoods new campaign to superpowered the lives of women who are a Go Getter like me! For more tips or recipe inspiration, head to the Bioglan Superfoods hub to find out more or check out their Instagram orTwitter for daily inspiration.

• Bioglan
• Pregnancy