13 hours Ago By Partner content by Meg Moore
Having a baby? Congratulations! While you’re bookmarking pages in “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” here is some new-mom advice worth considering. Odd food pairings, like pickles and ice cream, may top your wish list at times, but it’s also important to add healthy options to your shopping list, including: Seafood that’s low in mercury but high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, freshwater trout, shrimp or Pacific mackerel Lean cuts of meat and chicken Other kinds of tasty proteins, including eggs, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and tofu Vegetables, like broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets and spinach Whole grains, including brown rice, oatmeal and whole-wheat bread The main thing about your mom-to-be mains, sides and desserts? Preventing foodborne infections. This means no raw meat and sushi, as well as runny or otherwise undercooked eggs.
It’s best to skip the deli case, as hot dogs, sausages, other cured meats and unpasteurized cheeses can increase the risk of illness, such as food poisoning, listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. Pregnant mothers need to increase their hydration levels and medical professionals recommend drinking more water. Other options include fresh fruit juices, coconut water and milk.
Ask your doctor for guidance on your coffee or cola fix . While some recommend limiting caffeine to no more than the equivalent of two 8-ounce cups of coffee a day, others tell patients to cut it out completely — and this advice may also cover chocolate and energy drinks too. And every medical expert will tell you that alcohol must remain off the drinks list.
Love your cat but not cleaning the litter box? If you’re a cat mom, you’re in luck. You can cuddle your cat (just wash your hands afterward), but it’s time to assign that cleaning chore to someone else. While it’s a dirty job and someone must do it, pregnant women can’t take the risk of coming into contact with a cat’s business.
Feline fecal matter is littered with millions of bacteria and parasites, and Toxoplasma gondii in particular, is extremely dangerous for expecting mothers. Exercise is good for expecting mothers because it helps reduce pregnancy-related issues like insomnia, mood swings and muscle pain. If you already have recurring workouts on your calendar, keep going.
Ask your doctor for any suggestions to modify or adjust your routine, especially later in your pregnancy. If incorporating exercise into your day is on your to-do list, your doctor can recommend a program that works best for you. Many mothers-to-be enjoy prenatal or gentle yoga classes because instructors know which poses are best.
Cold-water swimming , or even cooling down with a chilly shower, is fine for pregnant mothers. However, research shows that using saunas and hot tubs to relax is not a good idea. The heat can raise your body temperature, potentially increasing the risk of birth defects.
Embrace a more healthful life with information to help you Eat Well, Be Mindful, Take Care and Move More..
