Heart health is important for expectant mums. Here’s why.
It’s a well-known fact that the heart works overtime during pregnancy and the best way to stay well during this time is to have nutritious food at regular intervals throughout the day. In addition to maintaining a healthy body, it is important to follow healthy habits for great pregnancy heart health.
According to a study from Northwestern University, having a healthy heart during pregnancy not only gives a healthy baby but also benefits the child when they reach their teenage years. So in a way, you are laying a strong foundation for the baby’s future years in terms of their heart health.
How to Ensure Good Heart Health in Pregnancy
Risks of heart conditions like cardiovascular diseases, gestational hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia and congenital heart disease in pregnant mothers have increased over time. These can have mild to major effects on the mother and child.
You can avoid such risks and have a healthy pregnancy by following certain habits on a daily basis. So what can you do to maintain excellent pregnancy heart health? Let us see.
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Ensuring a good amount of exercise is the key to keeping your heart healthy during pregnancy. Cardio exercises can do wonders for your heart health while you’re expecting.
Just remember to check with your doctor on what kinds of sports and workouts would suit your body and the level of intensity that’s okay for you.
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At the same time, it’s important to get enough sleep every day. The right amount of exercise and rest ensures reduced levels of stress, which is highly essential to keep a mum-to-be’s heart healthy, as well as her baby’s.
Learn about safe sleeping positions that will ensure good blood flow, and also help you get a good night’s sleep during pregnancy.
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Maintain a balanced diet.
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Needless to say, your diet should include nutritious foods like vegetables, whole fruits, nuts, whole grains, lean meat, and the same. What you put inside the body contributes greatly to your heart health and gives you the energy that your body needs.
Does that mean you can eat your favourite mayo-based salads and sprouts throughout the day? No. That’s not a good idea.
Foods that suited you earlier may not necessarily serve the purpose when you’re expecting a baby. So it’s best to avoid certain foods like raw meats, unpasteurised milk, high-mercury foods, liver, etc. during this time, after consulting your dietician.
Moreover, it’s even more important to avoid food that is not good for the heart, such as fatty foods, and best to munch on foods that are high in Omega-3.
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Make prenatal care a priority
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When pregnant, you realise that your healthcare professional is your best friend! Regular prenatal care plays a major role in shaping the health of the mother and child as it gives you the right guidance and helps take preventive measures on time. So with regular health check-ups, you’ll have a clear idea about your and your baby’s health.
Image source: iStock
If you’re pregnant, be rest assured that you need much more water than normal. Keeping your body well-hydrated aids digestion and reduces lethargy.
Image source: iStock
Alcohol and smoking must be avoided before, during pregnancy and post-delivery owing to their ill effects. It could lead to premature birth or the baby having Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other such health problems.
Your health choices make you, regardless of whether you’re pregnant or not. Additionally, since your heart health directly programs the health of your baby’s heart, it’s even more crucial to follow healthy heart tips during pregnancy.
If you’re worried about your heart health or you have other concerns about your pregnancy, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information
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