All prospective parents hope that their babies are born with the best possible health. It’s no secret that while pregnant, a mother’s lifestyle can have a major impact on the development of the baby. If you are pregnant, you may be asking yourself, “What can I do to improve my baby’s health in the womb?” Today, we’ll discuss a few ways you can help your baby develop a robust mind and body, setting them up for optimal health once they’re born.
Nutrient and Calorie Intake
It is crucial to maintain a healthy diet while pregnant. Everything you consume (foods, drinks, medications, etc.) is broken down into nutrients that the baby receives via umbilical cord, so it’s important to take sure you’re prioritizing the right things. Foods that have a high percentage of calcium are important when developing a baby’s bones and teeth. Folic acid is another vital component of a pregnancy diet, as it has the ability to reduce the chances of your baby developing a neural tube defect. It’s also a good practice to increase your calorie intake. Most pregnant women need an extra 340 calories a day (and a little over 400 by the third trimester) in order for everything to keep growing and functioning as normal. If anything, focus on getting enough. Enough vitamins, enough minerals, enough calories, enough fats, enough proteins, etc. Pregnancy is not the time to try out restrictive diet trends or experiment with cleanses.
Increased Intelligence
According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, children with moms who exercised throughout their pregnancy scored higher on intelligence tests than children with mothers who were stationary throughout pregnancy. Further research has demonstrated that the hormones released while exercising help foster a baby’s neurological development (so long as it is not excessive). It has also been proven that a baby can memorize the sounds in their environments by the third trimester, so reading out loud can help increase your baby’s language comprehension and attune them to the voices of their loved ones. Unborn babies also love music because it helps set off happy chemicals in their brain, which helps them stay calm and content post-birth.
Healthcare?
It is important to understand what your healthcare provider covers under pregnancy. You should talk to your agent; they can help you find the best coverage options for you. Giving birth is currently considered a special enrollment period (SEP), so if your health insurance won’t cover you, it might be time to switch plans. Do you have a doctor in your plan that is a pregnancy specialist? See who is in and out-of-network to be able to receive the best advice and help throughout your pregnancy.
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