Health Tips for Expectant Mothers

Last updated 10 months ago

Pregnancy is certainly a rewarding experience, but it can also be an extremely stressful one, especially for first-time parents. Every mother wants a healthy and trouble-free pregnancy, but with so many informational resources available, it’s easy to get tied up in the details of delivery and post-partum parenthood. We here at the Good Samaritan Hospital Maternity Center of San Jose have compiled this guide to help expectant mothers ensure a healthy pregnancy:

Perform Research and Education
Child birth and care classes provide invaluable information about the health and safety of your newborn child both during and after pregnancy. Conventional advice from close friends and family members can be helpful, but attending a professional course will ensure that you receive more reliable healthcare information, as well as an unbiased opinion on any questions or anxieties you may have about parenthood. Generally, it is recommended to complete all parenthood courses by the 36th week of pregnancy.
Prepare in Advance
As the due date draws nearer and you complete preliminary research, it is important to take the time to develop a birth plan with your doctor to cover items such as delivery methods, potential risks, pain management, and other lingering healthcare questions. It is also a good idea to finish any preregistration paperwork, prepare luggage for your postpartum stay, and plan out traffic routes in advance.
Exercise and Diet Responsibly
Excessive weight gain over the course of pregnancy poses a variety of health risks to both parent and child, and increases the risk of conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Controlled exercise that poses little risk of falling injury and a nutritional diet can help you maintain you and your unborn child’s overall health. Consider this diet and exercise tracking tool from the USDA for more in-depth information.

The Maternity Center here at Good Samaritan Hospital has been repeatedly recognized in the Bay Area for its superior medical services and high-quality accommodations. To schedule a tour of our maternity services or for more information about our childbirth/breastfeeding classes, call (888) 724-2362 or contact us online today.