Ten Tips for Pregnant Moms

Nelson Mandela always says “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” This is especially true for pregnant moms or moms-to-be. There are so many hills that moms climb during a pregnancy and many times they suffer either mentally or physically – that is why NMCF would like to go through some tips for pregnant moms that will help them during and maybe even after a safe and healthy pregnancy.

1. Take a prenatal vitamin: Prenatal vitamins are available by prescription from your doctor. If taking them makes you feel queasy, try taking them at night or with a light snack. Chewing on gum or sucking on hard candy may help afterwards too.
2. Exercise: Exercise regularly, but don’t overdo it. Try out relaxation techniques daily like yoga, stretching, deep breathing, and massage especially before bed to avoid leg cramps and body pain, reduce stress, boost your mood and promise better sleep.
3. Educate yourself: Take pregnancy and childbirth classes and learn more about childbirth and infant care to get more familiar with the facility and the staff.
4. Change up your chores: Avoid harsh or toxic cleaners, heavy lifting, scrubbing the bathroom, or cleaning up after pets like kitty litter, using harsh chemicals and standing for long periods of time, especially near a hot stove.
5. Nutrition: Eat lots of folate-rich, and calcium-rich foods, as well as more foods with fiber, vegetables and fish that aren't high in mercury. Don’t eat soft cheeses, and don’t overeat – try eating five or six well-balanced meals each day.
6. Mental Health: If you have any mental health problems before, after or during pregnancy such as depression, anxiety and PTSD please seek help and support from your doctor.
7. Drink water: Drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water per day and limit your caffeine intake. Don’t drink alcohol or any other beverage containing alcoholic or harmful toxins during pregnancy.
8. Check your medications: Don’t overmedicate and don’t take over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies without seeing your dentist or medical consultation.
9. Get some sleep: Get enough sleep and plenty of rest. Ensure you get at least eight hours of sleep a night, and if you're suffering from sleep disturbances, take naps during the day.
10. See your doctor: You should call your doctor with concerns if you experience any symptoms such cramps, pain, fatigue, tender or swollen joints, nausea and vomiting.

Your last tip: As soon as you suspect you’re pregnant or if you're a mom-to-be looking for a checkup and want to find a general pediatrician for your baby checkups, see our doctors and visit our page: https://www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.org/private-practice or call our General Pediatrician, Dr. Nellie Balfour: +27 67 379 1469. We wish you well throughout your nine-month pregnancy journey.