Try to follow these tips to stay healthy after pregnancy
To make pregnancy truly "a sweet wait", the key is to take care of yourself before and during this period so that your health is not impacted. In addition to the risks of obesity, there are also diabetes, high blood pressure, infertility, and others.
Ayda María Martínez Ipuz
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During pregnancy, it is normal for the Body Mass Index (BMI) to increase, but if it goes beyond normal parameters, be careful as it can affect both the mother's and baby's health.
Beyond an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that can be harmful to health, this condition can leave lasting effects on a woman's fertility by inhibiting regular ovulation, and there is an even greater risk of not being successful in vitro fertilization.
In addition to that, there are difficulties such as high blood pressure and organ impairments such as liver and kidney problems. Finally, there may be a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Therefore, it is important to follow scheduled check-ups to monitor your pregnancy, as well as diagnostic exams that will guide timely and appropriate treatment to control blood sugar levels or reduce the risk of possible complications. This may include changes in diet and physical exercise.
On the other hand, it is important to consider the implications of being overweight on the baby's health, including possible effects from congenital disorders, growth problems, asthma and childhood obesity, cognitive problems, and developmental delays.
"While obesity is a health issue that must be urgently addressed through prevention, timely diagnosis plays a fundamental role in addressing the problem on time because in most cases, women are already in a critical state. We must raise awareness so that they seek help from healthcare professionals to learn about safe and effective treatments," says Helida Silva, Director of Medical Affairs for Siemens Healthineers in Latin America.
Therefore, if you notice signs of obesity or overweight during this important period, act under the supervision of your doctor, as their effects can be long-lasting and represent one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with approximately 41 million people dying every year, accounting for 74% of all deaths worldwide according to the WHO.
To ensure a healthy pregnancy without worries, follow these tips:
The mother's diet during pregnancy has a direct relationship with the health and well-being of the baby in the womb and after birth. Keep in mind that everything you consume reaches the baby through the placenta. Consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals and take supplements with folic acid and iron.
Unless it is a high-risk pregnancy and advised against by a doctor, physical exercise is recommended throughout the pregnancy. The most suitable sports are yoga, pilates, walking, and golf.
Sleep problems are common during this stage, but it is important to pay special attention to sleep. You should try to sleep as much as possible.
Pay attention to fluid intake; therefore, it will be fundamental to consume plenty of fluids. It is recommended to consume 2 liters of water daily to promote the proper formation of the baby.
To have a 100% healthy pregnancy, it is vital to quit smoking and drinking alcohol. If a woman smokes during pregnancy, she is exposing the baby to harmful substances such as tar, carbon monoxide, and nicotine. Alcohol can interfere with the normal development of the fetus, causing birth defects.
Women with hypertension should monitor their blood pressure at home. In most cases, pregnant women should rest and avoid aerobic exercise.
Hormonal changes can cause modifications in the pregnant woman's skin, which responds with greater sensitivity to sunlight.
It is possible to experience itching on the thighs, chest, and abdomen. To avoid this, use creams and bath gels with oatmeal and wear cotton, linen, or silk clothing.
To have a great pregnancy experience and obtain benefits for both you and the baby, keep in mind that in addition to exercise, good nutrition, and medical monitoring, a state of tranquility should be maintained as much as possible.