Negros Oriental - Pregnancy is a unique, exciting, and often joyous time in a woman's life, as it highlights the woman's amazingly creative and nurturing powers while providing a bridge to the future. The nutritional needs of a pregnant woman increase, and good nutrition and health will help the baby develop well inside the womb. Let this article guide you towards a healthy pregnancy to prevent complications.
Maintain a normal increase in weight. A pregnant woman shall have a steady increase in weight during pregnancy. The total increase in body weight should be approximately 20% of the pre-pregnancy weight or at a maximum increase of 400g in weight per week if she has a normal and healthy pre-pregnancy body mass index.
Absence of illness. A healthy pregnant woman must protect herself and her baby from any illnesses or infections through the practice of good and proper personal hygiene, observing the cleanliness of the immediate surroundings, and choosing the right kind of food.
Good nutrition. Eating a nutritious balanced diet during pregnancy can be linked to good brain development and healthy birth weight and can reduce malnutrition in babies. It can also reduce anemia, as well as unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. It can help supplement and manage micronutrient deficiencies. Pregnant women need extra food each day because she also provides the energy and nutrition for their growing baby. She should eat one extra small meal or snack each day. Check the Pinggang Pinoy for Pregnant and Lactating for the sample menus and food alternatives.
Exercise moderately. A pregnant woman shall exercise in moderate intensity and avoid strenuous workload to help increase energy levels, improve sleep, strengthen muscles and endurance, reduce backaches, relieve constipation, increase circulation, and decrease stress.
Every pregnant woman must look after herself so she can look after her baby from the first week of her pregnancy up until birth. A healthy pregnancy means a winning moment for the baby’s first 1,000 days of life. // ND II Jhianne Mae Nicole C. Tugaoen, RND
