Pregnancy is a beautiful, life-changing experience that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between morning sickness and a changing body, preparing for a baby and tending to all the normal day-to-day responsibilities, wellness can often get lost in the shuffle. While COVID-19 mitigation behaviors, such as social distancing and limiting contact, are essential for pregnant people to protect themselves and their unborn babies, wellness shouldn’t stop there.
A healthy diet is important during pregnancy, and many women struggle to find enough energy to eat well during the first trimester. Adding nutritional counseling activities to a wellness program, such as learning which foods are best for balancing blood sugar levels and managing nausea symptoms, can help.
Even though some physical discomforts increase during the later stages of pregnancy, it is still a good idea to continue exercise. A regular workout regimen helps reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems, and also improves mood. Including low-impact exercises like walking, swimming and cycling on a stationary bike, in addition to a range of strength training, can help.
Message therapy, also known as relaxation massage, is an ancient practice that can ease common pregnancy aches and pains, such as backaches and leg cramps. It also promotes circulation and decreases stress, which can both benefit the health of mother and baby. For more information on how you can benefit from prenatal massage at Midtown Family Wellness, contact us today.
It is recommended that pregnant women drink a minimum of eight glasses of fluids each day. This can include water, juices and soups. A diet rich in protein, fruits and vegetables is also recommended. It is important to avoid raw and undercooked meat, eggs and fish, as they can lead to a dangerous bacterial or parasitic infection called listeriosis.
While pregnant people are reducing visits to their healthcare providers due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that they stay hydrated and up-to-date on immunizations. Wellness programs can support these goals by offering a wide range of telehealth services that can provide screening for mental health disorders, as well as help with immunization scheduling and nutrition education.
Adding a new baby to the family requires careful planning and financial considerations. For many, it is a time to make sure they are in a solid financial position to cover all of the costs involved, both for the pregnancy and future expenses, such as school tuition and a larger home. Wellness programs can also play an important role in addressing financial challenges, by offering employee-funded childbirth classes and other educational resources.