The essentials for a healthy pregnancy are a lot like the essentials for any healthy lifestyle. There are a couple of exceptions, but most pieces of healthy pregnancy advice will sound familiar because they basically amount to healthy lifestyle advice.

Regular Medical Care

More than perhaps any other time of life, pregnancy requires that you have medical checkups regularly. Good prenatal care is one of the biggest factors in a healthy pregnancy. There’s a regular schedule of prenatal checkups, and they’re important.

Medical professionals will do a variety of simple checks at each visit to help you and your baby stay healthy. And if any problems should arise, regular prenatal care helps identify and treat them quickly.

Good Nutrition

Pregnancy has its own set of nutritional and calorie needs, so be sure to find and follow good advice about your diet. The importance of prenatal vitamins and minerals is something you should discuss with a doctor, nurse, midwife, or dietitian. They will tell you if your current diet is lacking in adequate nutrition and provide a list of foods that will bring your body up to optimal condition for pregnancy.

The food you eat is important, but it’s not just a question of eating enough calories for two. Specific nutrients help each stage of your baby’s development, and that’s why your doctor will emphasize the importance of prenatal vitamins and minerals. Vitamins specifically formulated for pregnancy will help ensure that no essential nutrients get missed.

Adequate rest

Most women can maintain normal activity levels during pregnancy. But as any good health advice would include, it’s important to recognize the benefits of getting enough rest when pregnant. Trying to get seven or eight hours of sleep is a good place to start, but don’t be surprised if you need extra rest during pregnancy.

Some stages of pregnancy are known for being exhausting. First-trimester tiredness is common, and some moms find that the end of pregnancy requires a little more relaxation. Try to allow yourself a little extra time for a nap or a break if you need it. Be sure to check with your doctor or midwife if you’re concerned about excessive tiredness.

Healthy Habits

Getting a reasonable amount of exercise is an excellent idea at any time of life. Not surprisingly, good exercise habits are important during pregnancy. Before making any drastic changes in your activity level, consult your doctor, but most pregnant women have no problems with low-impact exercises like walking and light aerobics.

On the subject of healthy habits, pregnancy is definitely a time to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Studies have indicated that tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy is linked to specific health problems in babies. So, your work to quit smoking and drinking will be good for you and good for your baby.

Lastly, keep your home environment as clean as possible. While it’s not necessary to sterilize every nook and cranny, a clean home keeps germs away, which helps keep you in the best health possible.

Emotional Support

It’s important to have good people in your life anytime, especially when you’re expecting a baby. Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be a time that’s full of change and uncertainty.

Good relationships with friends, family members, and other expectant parents can give you a chance to talk, vent, and get advice. Caring people can also encourage you and look out for you. Emotional health is an important component of physical health.

There are many things that impact overall health and pregnancy health. Most of them are the same things. So, the healthy habits you build now are not just good for your baby, they’re good for you!