Your diet and lifestyle habits are more important during pregnancy than at any other time. When you are pregnant, the baby is dependent on you to nourish him and avoid anything that could cause harm. It’s common for pregnant mothers to worry and wonder about any number of factors and the impact they could have on the growing baby. Fortunately there are some healthy habits you can adopt now to give your baby the best possible start in life.

 

Quit Smoking: This one is pretty obvious. Smoking is terrible for you and your baby. Babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are at risk from a variety of complications, such as miscarriage, preterm labor and low birth weight. After birth, they are more likely to have allergies or develop asthma. Even when the parents smoke outside, the smoke remains on the clothes and in the hair. This can have a negative impact on the baby.

A healthy diet is important for you and your growing baby. You only need about 300 additional calories each day during pregnancy. When you are planning meals, include a variety of different nutrients for a balanced diet. Fill in the gaps with healthy snacks. Avoid empty calories or unhealthy foods to give your baby a good start and avoid excessive weight gain.