As I’m nearing the end of my third pregnancy, each one has been a little different but I’ve pretty much had the same goal each time. Make it through and come out in the end with a healthy baby. Sometimes trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is easier said than done when you are faced with morning (aka all-day) sickness, exhaustion, body aches, and the other myriad of pregnancy symptoms. Despite the challenges I think it’s important to do your best to eat well, get a little exercise, rest (a lot) and take your vitamins.
Pregnancy is known for bringing out food cravings and aversions which can make getting all of your nutrients in a challenge. With my first pregnancy I ate really well, I craved fresh fruit, veggies and milk. (Yeah, ice cream too but overall I think I did great.) My second pregnancy the only thing I really remember wanting horribly bad was cheese popcorn. You know, the bright orange totally bad stuff. At least it had fiber from the popcorn, right? And now with the third pregnancy there’s not been anything I’ve just had to have. I am however counting down until October 1st when I can get my hands on a Pumpkin Pie Blizzard, but that’s about it. However, with every single one my appetite has shrunk down pretty much the instant I got pregnant. The first trimester is especially hard when I hardly want to eat anything at all but I know there’s a baby working hard on growing and needs a balanced diet.
I think one of the most important things I’ve done with each pregnancy is making sure to take prenatal vitamins to balance out what I’m not taking in food wise. Even to give 
myself an extra boost. When you have a baby depending on you solely to provide all of it’s essential nutrients to support it’s growth and development it makes it so important to get it all in whether it’s through food or vitamins. With close to 70% of energy supply being devoted solely to brain development while the baby is growing, finding a prenatal vitamin that has an adequate amount of folic acid and DHA, such as BrainStrong Prenatal, to support healthy brain, eye, and nervous system growth is key. BrainStrong Prenatal vitamins have the highest level of folic acid and DHA you can get without a prescription and they happen to cost less than most copays. Also, something that’s important when you are taking a DHA supplement is to make sure you are getting it from a clean source without potential contaminants, which is hard to do when going with a fish source. BrainStrong DHA comes from a vegetarian source so there’s no worries there.
As far as exercise goes, just taking a 15 minute walk every day can actually help boost your energy when you are feeling sluggish and possibly give you the energy to walk a little longer. It doesn’t take much at all to get a little pick-me-up. Through most of my first and second trimester I was walking to school to pick up Hanna every afternoon and we would stop at a local playground on the way home. It was good for the kids and good for me to get some sunshine and get a little blood flowing in the afternoon.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even with pregnancy challenges can be pretty simple if you let it. Eat a well balanced diet, supplement with prenatal vitamins, get in a little exercise and rest as much as you can. Once the baby is here make sure to keep taking your prenatal vitamins too, especially if you are breast feeding! It’s easy to forget once your little one is here but it’s still so important and helps give you that much-needed extra energy too.
What have you done during pregnancy to make sure your baby is growing healthy and strong? What tips would you give other moms trying to do the same?
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. However, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The one thing I’ve tried to remember to do is take my prenatal and make sure that I was staying as active as possible. I’m on my third pregnancy as well and I’ve noticed that I eat less and less each pregnancy but still manage to gain around the same amount. My body thinks pregnancy=gain weight, too much weight lol.
The best advice I could give other pregnant women is to stay active it will help tremendously with labor and feeling great throughout the pregnancy!
Christa recently posted..Pregnancy Must Haves: Preggie Pops Review & Giveaway
I always took my prenatal vitamins!
Malia recently posted..$3 for a $15 iTunes Gift Card! *HOT DEAL*
DRINK WATER!!!!! Keeping hydrated is very very important during pregnancy. Staying active, taking prenatals and protein helps with morning sickness. Also having 5 kids I have to say honestly DO worry about your weight, even though you are growing a baby you’re not literally eating for 2, your baby is not a full grown adult
Wait… pumpkin pie blizzard?!?!?!
I made an effort during pregnancy to get enough protein (yay greek yogurt!), take my prenatals, drink lots of water, and stay active!
Emily @ Baby Dickey recently posted..do you have a happy baby story?
Yes!!! They are SO yummy! Each October they are the Blizzard of the Month at DQ. You’ll have to get one.
Thanks for the article! I’m looking at trying to get pregnant soon so this is really helpful
Susan Bewley recently posted..Ginsu Sofuto Knives Review
You’re welcome! Good luck; hopefully we’ll be reading about your new baby soon.
I gave up caffeine and tried to eat a more balanced diet with fruits and veggies. I also took the daily prenatal vitamins.
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Caffeine is one of my issues too. I did great with the first one, okay with the second and really not so great this time around. I do try to limit myself to one cup of coffee or soda though; most doctors say that’s okay.
During both pregnancies, I took prenatal vitamins and drank lots of water. I was so lucky, with my first, I craved all salads and orange juice like crazy so that helped!
Tina @ My Highest Self recently posted..Swatch & Review: Four Shades from Wet n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color
That’s great! It does make it SO much easier when you are craving the good stuff. My first pregnancy I ate really, really well because of that.
Prenatals are super important, it is good to know of one with so many benefits!
Nina Say recently posted..How the Say Household Prepares for Halloween #KmartHalloween
I take prenatals even when not pregnant in case I become pregnant.
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The most important thing I did was quit smoking. I also took a prenatal and walked more.
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle for the baby.