Articles by Nurse Wendy
 |
I am so excited that summer is upon us! Time to slow down our hectic lifestyles and enjoy the beautiful summer weather with a little getaway! In planning for your summer vacation, we want to make certain your baby travels safely along the way. This m.... read more |
 |
Happy Mother’s Day! While you have likely celebrated Mother’s Day your entire life, this year represents a new chapter…YOU are the one being celebrated! Whether your .... read more |
 |
Did you know that April is “Green Awareness Month”? This month we are going to celebrate by exploring some of the ways you can go green and protect your body, your baby, and your planet all at the same time! Together we can make a difference for gene.... read more |
 |
I can hardly believe it is already March! This year is flying by, and the spring is already upon us. For those of you with summer due dates, that “to do” list is becoming a mile long. As you start to check things off your “preparing for baby” list, o.... read more |
 |
Can you feel it? Love is in the air! Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovely pregnant ladies and new mommies. To celebrate we will explore just how to love yourself and your body through one of the most exciting years of your life. So grab a cup of t.... read more |
 |
Happy New Year! I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season. As we welcome in 2010 and reflect back on the highs and lows of 2009, there is a lot of excitement and anticipation with all the hope and promise that a new year holds. This is also a gr.... read more |
 |
September is National Preparedness Month, so to celebrate, we will discuss some of the more practical aspects and transitions brought on by pregnancy, as well as parenting.read more |
 |
In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month, I will be discussing breastfeeding from A-Z! Topics include preparation for breastfeeding while pregnant, getting your breastfeeding relationship off to a great start, breastfeeding af.... read more |
 |
The lazy days of summer are finally upon us! To celebrate National Recreation Month and the busy summer t.... read more |
 |
June is National Safety Month! In celebration, this month I will be.... read more |
 |
In honor of National Physical Fitness Month (and with swimsuit season just around the corner), we are dedicating this month’s ne.... read more |
 |
Pregnancy and parenthood is all about hope and expectations. From the moment the plus sign appears, your mind begins to wander and your body begins to change. Of course you are prepared for the growing belly and the obvious changes that.... read more |
 |
A good night’s sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Sleep affects your feelings, mood, relationships, productivity and quality of life. Sleep researchers have found that the ave.... read more |
Prenatal Health & Nutrition
By Nurse Wendy Spry, LVN, CPSS
Health and nutrition has never been more important than when you are growing a baby. Not only are you preparing for the marathon of childbirth and parenting, but your body is taxed more than ever with the extra demands on every system to accommodate for the rigors of pregnancy and the new life inside. It is important to go into any pregnancy in optimal health to minimize the stress on your body.
Additionally, studies have shown that taking 400 mcg of folic acid and a prenatal vitamin daily prior to conceiving can help reduce the incidence of neural tube defects and other anomalies in the baby.
Once pregnant, paying close attention to nutrition can have lasting effects on the health of both you, and the baby. Focusing on healthy choices, minimizing consumption of processed foods (anything pre-made, packaged or frozen), and increasing your daily protein (meats and tofu) intake can help support your body, as well as keep your weight gain in check. A good rule of thumb is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store. That is where you will find the fresh and whole foods while the inner aisles are where the processed foods reside. Do not underestimate the power of fluids! Hydration is essential during pregnancy. Staying well hydrated not only helps with that gorgeous pregnancy glow, but is also essential in helping avoid preterm labor. Additionally, it is recommended that you limit your caffeine intake to one cup a day as caffeine is a diuretic.
It's amazing how a tiny person the size of your fist can cause so many changes in your body. The good news is that the second trimester has come and you begin to feel more energy and excitement about the pregnancy. It is common to begin to feel those flutters of fetal movement around 20 weeks. This movement can be irregular in the beginning, you might feel it a lot one day, and nothing the next. If you are concerned, drink a glass of juice and lay down. Chances are that will stimulate the baby to kick away. By 28 weeks the movement becomes more regular and predictable.
If nutrition and exercise has never been your strong suit, do not fear…it is never too late to start, and it might be easier than you think. Even small changes like switching to organic produce and dairy items, adding quality protein, fruits and vegetables to every meal will go a long way in improving your nutritional status and give your baby the best possible start. As for exercise, pregnancy is not the time to start an intensive training program, however, if you are already in an exercise program, keep it up, you and the baby will reap the benefits! Be sure to tailor your activities to your expanding belly both for balance and to keep your heart rate in a healthy range. If you are a stranger to the gym, pregnancy is not the time to be a couch potato. Childbirth is a marathon, and you should be prepared. A daily 30-minute walk will work to improve your cardiovascular state and keep that dreaded ankle swelling at bay. Of course, make sure your care provider is in support of your exercise plan as well.
To read more, click here to download the complete article:
Prenatal Health & Nutrition | Wendy Spry, LVN, CPSS
Get Started for Free
