Pregnancy: what type of care and food we should take while pregnancy

Which foods are safe to eat while pregnant?

• Fruits and vegetables: These are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Include a range of fruit and vegetable varieties that are colorful, such as berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

• Whole grains: Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, minerals, and B vitamins. Choose full-grain cereals, brown rice, whole wheat bread, oats, and quinoa.

• Lean proteins: Protein is essential for a baby’s growth and development. Pick lean protein sources including tofu, chicken, fish, lean meats, eggs, and legumes (beans, lentils, and chickpeas).

• Healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids are advantageous for the growth of the baby’s brain and eyes. Include foods like avocados, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish (trout, salmon) in your diet.

• Foods high in iron are essential for supporting the increased blood supply that occurs during pregnancy. Lean meat, chicken, fish, fortified cereals, beans, spinach, and dried fruits like apricots and prunes should all be consumed in moderation.

• Foods that are high in fiber: Getting enough fiber helps avoid constipation, which is common during pregnancy. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and legume products.

• Drink a lot of water all day long to maintain proper hydration. Try to drink 8 to 10 cups (64 to 80 ounces) of water each day.

Which foods should expectant women stay away from?

• Meats that are uncooked or undercooked should be avoided, including beef, chicken, and shellfish. These might be contaminated with dangerous pathogens like Listeria, Salmonella, or E. coli.

• Eggs that are raw or undercooked should not be eaten because they may carry Salmonella bacteria. Unless they are produced using pasteurized eggs, this includes dishes like homemade Caesar salad dressing, hollandaise sauce, and mayonnaise.

• Avoid consuming unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, and other dairy products that are made from unpasteurized milk. These might be contaminated with dangerous pathogens like Listeria.

• Alfalfa, mung bean, clover, and radish sprouts are examples of raw sprouts that may include bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. It is advisable to stay away from them or make sure they are fully cooked.

• Unwashed fruits and vegetables: Wash produce thoroughly to get rid of any possible bacteria or pesticide residues. To lower the danger of contamination, it is advised to peel fruits and vegetables with thick skins.

• Deli meats and chilled pâtés: These foods are susceptible to Listeria contamination. If you decide to eat them, cook them until they are sizzling hot to eradicate any harmful pathogens.

Workout While Pregnant

• Consult your healthcare provider: It’s crucial to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning or continuing an exercise program. They can evaluate your particular circumstances and offer tailored advice depending on your health and any potential pregnancy-related issues.

• Observe your body: Pay attention to the signals coming from your body, and change the length and intensity of your workouts as necessary. Be careful and avoid overextending or overexerting yourself during pregnancy because hormones can make joints more flexible and prone to injury.

• Warm-up and cool down: Before working out, warm up with modest cardiovascular activity and easy stretches. Stretching exercises should then be added to progressively cool down to increase flexibility and prevent muscle soreness.

• Drink plenty of water to stay adequately hydrated before, during, and after exercise.

• Wear supportive shoes appropriate for the sport you have selected and comfortable, loose-fitting apparel. Use a sports bra with enough breast support and support that fits comfortably.

• Maintaining proper posture will help you avoid straining your joints and back during activity. Avoid tasks that require twisting or abrupt direction changes.

• As your pregnancy continues, you might need to adapt some of your workouts to account for your expanding belly. You might have to change to low-impact exercises, limit your range of motion, or adapt your posture, for instance.

• Pay attention to danger signals: If you feel any warning indications during or after exercise, such as vaginal bleeding, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, or muscle weakness, stop exercising and talk to your doctor.

Delivery and Labour

• The term “labor and delivery” refers to the birthing process. It entails the beginning and development of contractions, the opening of the cervix, and the delivery of the child and placenta. Here are some crucial details regarding labor and delivery:

Periods of labor: Typically, there are three stages to labor:

1. First stage: This stage lasts until the cervix is fully dilated (10 centimeters) and starts with the onset of regular contractions. The early, active, and transition phases are subdivided further.
2. When the cervix is fully dilated, the second stage, also referred to as the pushing stage, starts and lasts until the baby is delivered.
3. Third stage: Within 15 to 30 minutes after the baby’s birth, the placenta is delivered at this stage.

• Signs of labor: Regular contractions that develop stronger and closer together, the mucus plug coming loose, the rupture of the amniotic sac (the breaking of the water), and cervical dilatation are all signs that labor may be on the horizon.

• Pain management: Pain and discomfort during labour are possible. There are several ways to manage pain, including breathing exercises, relaxation methods, hydrotherapy (using water to ease the pain), intravenous painkillers, epidural anesthesia, and other medical procedures. To choose the best course of action for you, discuss your options with your healthcare professional.

• The medical staff will keep an eye on the baby’s heart rate throughout labor to ensure their safety. With a portable Doppler instrument or continual electronic fetal monitoring, this can be done.

• Medical interventions may be required or advised in specific circumstances to protect the mother and unborn child. Some of these interventions include oxytocin to initiate or speed up labor, an episiotomy (a surgical procedure to expand the vaginal opening), forceps or vacuum-assisted birth, or a cesarean section if vaginal delivery is not possible or deemed risky.

What are some typical issues that arise during labor and delivery?

• Fetal distress: During labor, the baby exhibits symptoms of a compromised state of health. Meconium staining (the presence of the baby’s first feces in the amniotic fluid) or diminished fetal activity are signs of this. Interventions to safeguard the baby’s safety in cases of fetal distress may include shifting the mother’s posture, giving oxygen, or conducting an emergency cesarean surgery.

• Shoulder dystocia: When a baby’s shoulders get caught behind the mother’s pubic bone after the head is born, the condition is known as shoulder dystocia. The medical staff must move quickly to release the baby’s shoulders securely and avoid problems in this difficult scenario.

• Perineal tears: If the infant is big or if an episiotomy (surgical incision) is done, perineal tears are more likely to happen during vaginal birth. First-degree (superficial) to fourth-degree (involving the anal sphincter) tears are the various degrees of tears that can occur. Most tears are small and can mend with care, but more serious tears might need to be repaired.

• After delivery, infections can develop, including uti infections, infections at the episiotomy or cesarean incision sites, and others. Antibiotic treatment must be administered quickly to stop the illness from spreading.

• Cesarean section risks and problems include infection, blood clots, damage to the surrounding organs, and a lengthier recovery period compared to vaginal delivery, despite the fact that cesarean operations are normally safe.

Postpartum care: what is it?

The physical, psychological, and practical assistance given to mothers following childbirth is referred to as postpartum care. It includes the postpartum period, which normally lasts for around six weeks or until the body has healed and become accustomed to the postpartum state. In addition to addressing physical healing, mental acclimatization, breastfeeding support, and keeping an eye out for any difficulties, postpartum care is primarily concerned with the health of the mother and the newborn. Following are some crucial elements of postpartum care:

• Physical recovery: During pregnancy and childbirth, the body goes through major changes. In postpartum care, the uterus is examined for involution (returning to its pre-pregnancy size), the healing of the perineum (if there were tears or an episiotomy), and the correct healing of cesarean incisions. In addition to offering advice on postpartum nutrition and exercise, physical discomforts such as pain, bleeding, breast engorgement, and constipation may be treated.

• Emotional support: Part of postpartum care is determining how the mother is feeling emotionally and providing support for her. Joy, tiredness, anxiety, and mood swings are just a few of the emotions that might arise throughout the postpartum period. Healthcare professionals may do a postpartum depression or anxiety screening and, if necessary, offer resources and referrals for mental health help.

• infant care and monitoring: Postpartum care includes keeping an eye on the health and welfare of the infant. Vital signs, weight increase, feeding habits, jaundice, and developmental milestones will all be evaluated by medical professionals. They might offer advice on safe sleeping techniques, bathing, diapering, and other baby care procedures.

• Family planning and contraception: Postpartum treatment frequently includes discussions of family planning and contraception alternatives. Healthcare professionals can offer advice on whether it is safe to resume sexual activity after giving birth and can assist women in understanding their contraception options.

• Follow-up appointments: Postpartum care usually entails follow-up appointments with medical professionals to track the mother’s recovery, manage any issues or difficulties, and offer continuous support. These check-ups enable the evaluation of physical recovery, mothering adjustment, and any necessary interventions or referrals.

• Support groups and resources: As part of postpartum care, women may be introduced to local support groups, parenting classes, or online communities where they can get advice, share experiences, and develop a network of friends.

What common postpartum symptoms are there?

• Vaginal bleeding also referred to as lochia, is common following childbirth. It starts out strong and bright crimson, like heavy menstruation. It gradually changes color and flows to a lighter state before fading off. This bleeding could continue for a few weeks.
• Breast changes: As women get ready to breastfeed, their breasts change. They could develop engorgement, tenderness, or swelling. Before milk production fully begins, colostrum, the early milk, may already be present. When their infant screams or during breastfeeding, some moms may additionally suffer leaking or letdown response.

• Perineal discomfort: The region between the vagina and anus (perineum) may be uncomfortable, swollen, or tender if there were perineal tears or an episiotomy during vaginal birth. This discomfort may last for a few weeks, but with correct treatment and healing, it progressively gets better.

• Cramping in the stomach: The uterus contracts after childbirth to return to its pre-pregnancy size. The cramping brought on by these contractions may be more pronounced during breastfeeding.

• weariness: During the postpartum time, the rigors of caring for a newborn, along with lack of sleep, can cause serious weariness. In order to manage fatigue and encourage recuperation, it’s critical to prioritize rest and accept assistance from others.
• Hormone adjustments cause major hormonal changes throughout the postpartum period. The baby blues, mood swings, feelings of melancholy or weepiness, and, in some circumstances, postpartum depression or anxiety, can all be attributed to hormonal changes. It’s crucial to ask for assistance and express any concerns to medical professionals.

• Body changes: During pregnancy, the body goes through a number of changes that require time to reverse to its pre-pregnancy form. Women may lose weight, change in breast size, shift in abdominal muscles, and hair loss. It’s crucial to set reasonable goals and give the body time to heal.

What advice do you have for post-delivery self-care?

• Rest and sleep: Recovery requires a sufficient amount of rest and sleep. Accept aid from relatives and friends and try to snooze when the baby is sleeping to give yourself breaks. Make sleep a priority by establishing a relaxing sleeping environment, such as a quiet, dark room.
• Eat healthy meals: Proper nutrition is crucial for your recuperation and, if nursing is an option, to support it. Concentrate on eating a nutritious, balanced diet that contains whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Drink a lot of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

• Take steps to relieve pain: If you are in discomfort or pain, talk to your doctor about the best ways to relieve it. Warm compresses, topical ointments, and over-the-counter painkillers might all fall under this category. Take the medicine as directed and pay attention to their advice.

• Exercise gently: To encourage healing and gradually restore strength, use mild workouts that have been approved by your healthcare professional. Start with easy exercises like walking or light stretching, then gradually increase the duration and intensity as you get more comfortable.

• Seeking emotional support is important because postpartum time can be trying. Seek out your partner, family, and friends for emotional support. Discuss your emotions and worries with people you can trust. If you want to interact with other new mothers and exchange experiences, think about attending support groups, either in person or online.

• Delegate tasks and accept help: When it comes to domestic work, cooking, or child care, it’s crucial to solicit and accept assistance. Give responsibilities to your spouse, family, or close friends. Support from others is necessary in order to take care of yourself.

• Engage in activities that encourage relaxation and self-care to practice self-care. This can be taking warm baths, working on your breathing techniques, reading a book, listening to music, or engaging in enjoyable hobbies. These exercises can aid in stress reduction and wellness promotion.

*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and appropriate treatment.

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Author Contribution: Reviewed by Dr. Ram Reddy, MD – General Physician