As a mother, your every action will affect your child’s well-being – especially when he or she is still inside your womb. You should take all the necessary steps to keep your health at optimal level to make sure that your baby’s development goes smoothly.

At the same time, picking proper lifestyle choices is not only important for your baby. It is also crucial for a healthy delivery and your safety. Pregnancy-related complications have increased in the past 10 years. Yet, you can avoid such complications and even prevent any illnesses from plaguing you.

Proper Nutrition – What You and Your Child Should Eat

Proper nutrition is important for pregnant women AND babies. Only consume a diet rich in high-quality meats and vegetables – preferably in their raw and organic state. You should also consider training your child’s taste buds at an early age to consume these types of foods. Being used to these during their early years will help them avoid the pressure of junk food, sodas, and other unhealthy snacks during their childhood.

An Active Lifestyle: How It Can Help Your Pregnancy

Exercise is as important to a mother as it is to her child. Aside from its health-enhancing benefits, exercise can help pregnant women by:

• Easing back and other musculoskeletal pains
• Normalizing blood pressure and lessening swelling
• Improving mood and relieving your anxiety
• Lowering the risk of preterm birth

You should encourage your kids to exercise. While working out develops their muscles and bones, it can also raise their immunity. Walking, running, riding bikes, and playing sports are good examples of activities for kids that will help them get fit.

What Else Can You Do For Your Health?

Sunshine is also healthy for you and your baby. With sunshine exposure, your body produces vitamin D. Just make sure that you and your baby aren’t exposed too long under the sun. The indicator that you have obtained enough sunlight is when your skin turns into a light shade of pink.

For additional support, some women take supplements such as:

• An omega-3 fat supplement – Instead of taking fish oil, which is a known source of omega-3 fats, some ladies take krill oil. Studies show that krill oil is better than fish oil because the latter may be derived from a source contaminated with mercury, PCBs, and heavy metals. Krill oil is often derived from Antarctic krill, which is isolated from industrial activities.
• A probiotic supplement – Your children can take probiotics, too. Instead of having them take a tablet – which will be difficult for them to swallow at a young age – you can find supplements in powder or liquid form. You may also have them consume fermented foods such as yogurt or kefir.