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It is the desire of every expectant mother to give birth to healthy children. However, many women forget that to raise a healthy baby, the mother must be in good shape healthwise. To take care of your new baby, you must take care of yourself. 

So today, we at Pediatric Partners Hospital have put together this list of tips to help you through your pregnancy. Much of it is common sense, but we can all agree that sometimes, common sense is not as common as we would like to think. 

So here goes our list

  • As soon as you suspect you’re pregnant, see your doctor! 
  • Take a prenatal vitamin.
  • Exercise regularly (within reason.
  • Educate yourself about your pregnancy journey.
  • Change your chores (avoid harsh or toxic cleaners and heavy lifting).
  • Track your weight gain.
  • Get comfortable shoes (we can’t emphasize this enough)
  • Eat folate-rich foods 
  • Eat calcium-rich foods.
  • Eat more fish.
  • Eat foods with fibre.
  • Eat your veggies.
  • Limit caffeine.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (emphasis on water).
  • Don’t drink alcohol.
  • Fly smart (avoid air travel if possible early and late in pregnancy).
  • Give in to cravings – sometimes.
  • Call your doctor when you have concerns. 
  • Don’t smoke; avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Don’t take over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies without medical consultation.
  • Take a pregnancy class.
  • Practice relaxation techniques daily (yoga, stretching, deep breathing, massage).
  • Don’t overmedicate.
  • Stretch before bed to avoid leg cramps.
  • Document your pregnancy journey. Take a picture of yourself before the baby arrives.