A healthy diet, physical activeness, little stress, positive attitude and, most of all, medical control – these are the general recommendations of gynaecologists obstetricians for pregnant women. They advise that vitamins and mineral components are best provided through diet and supplements should be treated as a last resort.
Wiesław Ciebiera, a gynaecologist-obstetrician at the Medicover hospital, told e-zdrowie web portal that if the pregnancy is healthy and progresses without complications, the main task of the patient is to follow a healthy diet and observe the schedule of successive controls.
Facts and myths surrounding pregnancy supplements
“In a way, pregnancy constitutes a process whereby new cells are created. A new being emerges inside the mother’s body and uses her feeding potential," says Ciebiera.
“This is why pregnant women should eat high-quality meat, fish, vegetables and fruit," he stresses. In his view, dietary supplements, so advertised and popular now, are usually not properly absorbed.
“They simply pass through our digestive tracts unnoticed," believes Ciebiera.
He believes that supplements should be used by women who do not pay particular attention to proper nourishment.
“If the patient has certain deficiencies, e.g. anaemia caused by iron deficiency, she will receive the iron as treatment," he notes.
The basic supplement recommended to all pregnant women is folic acid which prevents developmental defects of the foetus. The physician notes, however, that such supplementation only makes sense at an early pregnancy stage or preferably before it.
“It is believed that a woman should take the folic acid about three to four months prior to the conception; some opinions suggest an even longer period. However, this is a myth, since if someone is properly nourished and has a diverse diet, this acid is already in the diet," stresses the gynaecologist-obstetrician.
No contraindications for moderate physical activity
Among other things, proper development of the foetus requires the mother to exercise. Working out is beneficial to staying in shape before childbirth and prevents excessive weight, which further translates into a reduced risk of pregnancy complications.
Exercising should also serve to cope with the negative changes appearing during pregnancy, such as the transfer of the centre of gravity, change of the spine curve, and ailments produced by the lumbar spine.
The Polish Association for Studying Obesity recommends moderate physical activeness for pregnant women, preferably every day for at least 30 minutes at a time. The recommended activities include Nordic walking, walking and swimming. Of course, this is conditioned on whether pregnancy progresses as planned, with the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
Say no to alcohol and cigarettes, be careful with medicines
The main condition of a healthy pregnancy is the rejection of all harmful substances such as alcohol and cigarettes.
“These factors are absolutely detrimental to pregnancy, as they cause foetal oxygen deficiency. It has also been proven that they induce a teratogenic effect (formation of developmental defects)," stresses Ciebiera.
Not all medicines taken by mothers are contraindicated. “We should always consider if the benefits from the medicine exceed the risk of its use," the specialist stresses.
He also recommends that pregnant women avoid stress and excess overworking.
“If a woman likes her job and it does not involve excess stress or physical effort, she can continue to work, but reasonable proportions should be established," the physician states.
Comments (0)