Maternal health plays a crucial role from conception to childbirth. Routine pregnancy health checks (pregnancy care) are essential from the first to the last trimester. For instance, conditions such as preeclampsia, anaemia, poor nutrition, stress, anxiety and depression may arise during pregnancy. 

These conditions can give rise to cognitive, emotional and physical disorders in the baby-to-be. Sometimes such complications can give rise to long-term health and developmental challenges too. 

An early intervention during pregnancy is essential to ensure the optimal development of the baby in the womb. Simple precautions like access to prenatal care, daily mental health screening nutritional interventions can be extremely helpful. Here are a few steps you can take to improve maternal health. 

Maternal Diet

Making smart and healthy food choices can help you go through a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. A balanced diet may include whole fruits (like apples, oranges, mango, etc), vegetables (like broccoli, sweet potatoes, beet, etc), and whole grains (like brown rice, millet, oatmeal, etc). In addition to this, you need to have proteins (like meat, chicken, egg, etc). low–low-fat or fat-free dairy (like milk, yoghurt, cheese, lactose-free dairy, etc). As far as calories are concerned, you may not require any extra calories in the first trimester of your pregnancy. In the second trimester, you will need an extra 340 calories a day. During the trimester, you may need 450 extra calories a day. Choose prenatal supplements like folic acid (400 to 800 mcg), iron, iodine and choline (low-fat and fat-free dairy, eggs, etc). 

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

As your pregnancy progresses, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight to avoid obesity.  This is because obesity can lead to conditions like gestational diabetes, hypertension and complications during and after labour. These conditions can also affect your baby’s weight and may lead to low birth weight and other developmental issues. You can stay active by practising low to moderate-intensity exercises under an expert’s supervision. Simple activities like brisk walking for 30 to 45 minutes a day can also make a difference.

Mental Health Balance

During pregnancy, mothers can experience stress, anxiety, and depression, which harm their developing foetus and increase the risk of cognitive, behavioural, and emotional difficulties in their children. Stress hormones released into the growing foetus can affect its brain development, potentially leading to cognitive, behavioural and emotional issues. It’s important to take a holistic approach to maternal nutrition and mental health, as recent research indicates that both are interconnected. Practice prenatal yoga and meditation to keep your mental health intact. If you are feeling too worried you can call up a friend, take a warm bath and listen to music. 

Oral Health Care

You may crave savoury and sweet foods during pregnancy. Change in taste preference can make your gums uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, as both sweet and savoury foods can sometimes lead to tooth decay and gum problems.

Be Kind to Yourself and Reward to Yourself

Everyone has good days and bad. You may also experience the same So, don’t give up. Believe in yourself and ensure that you’ll again get another chance tomorrow. Whether it’s treating yourself to a special meal, enjoying a DIY home spa, going shopping or getting a new haircut, Rewarding yourself can help you stay positive and motivated. 

Along with these steps, make sure you receive adequate medical attention and care throughout your pregnancy.