If you’ve been putting off telling your bad health habits, “adios,” pregnancy might just be the motivator you need. Your baby will require a lot of nourishment from you now, Mama. To ensure you and baby are well taken care of, you’ve GOT to take care of yourself by replacing unhealthy habits with better ones. Don’t worry, we at Van Every Family Chiropractic are here for you! These are our top 7 bad habits to quit NOW for a healthy pregnancy.
“I’m Already Pregnant. Can I Really Start Getting Healthier Now?”
It doesn’t matter where you are now. Changing your mindset and making the decision to get healthier for your baby is the first step in living a healthier lifestyle! If you’re not sure where to start in getting healthier, schedule an appointment with one of the providers at Van Every Family Chiropractic Center. We’re happy to have a consultation with you and talk about your options.
To give you an idea of what you should (and shouldn’t) be doing during pregnancy, we’ve listed out 7 unhealthy habits to change while you’re pregnant:
1. Smoking.
Smoking during pregnancy can be dangerous for your growing baby. It increases risks like preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects of the lips and mouth. Smoking during and after pregnancy have also been shown to increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
What you can do: Work with a health care provider who empowers you. If you need help to quit smoking, make an appointment with one of our skilled chiropractors. Our prenatal specialists can help you curb your cravings with a holistic touch.
2. Super fatty foods (We’re looking at you, double chili cheeseburger!).
Even if pregnancy cravings have you like the Top 40’s countdown have hits, you’ve got to do your best to stick to foods that will nourish your body.
What you can do: Try to give your eating habits a boost with these healthy options: fruit, leafy veggies, legumes, whole wheat bread, yogurt, and lean meats. (The occasional baked or fried treat is fine, just try not to overdo it.)
3. Caffeine.
Coffee is lifeblood for many moms (trust us, we get it!). Coffee, soda, and other caffeinated beverages may get you through low energy slumps, but a high consumption of caffeine during pregnancy poses health risks to your baby. Drinking a lot of caffeine during the day increases the risk of low birth weight and even miscarriage.
What you can do: If you must have caffeine, try to stick to no more than 200 mg per day. This is about the size of one 12 oz. cup of coffee.
4. Stress.
Stress is a given throughout your day and can range in severity. For instance, when you hear the alarm clock go off in the morning, you instantly snap awake to get your day started. This stress is natural and doesn’t impede upon your health as you can get over it quickly.
However, if you experience high levels of stress that continue for a long time can cause you (and your baby) serious health problems. You are put at risk for things like high blood pressure and heart disease. When you’re pregnant you can increase the chances of having a low birth-weight baby or a premature birth.
What you can do: Schedule an appointment with us! Regular chiropractic adjustments with our prenatal chiropractors may be just the thing to help you release some unnecessary tension and reduce stress. Our chiropractors are skilled in prenatal care and will help you feel better in no time.
5. Sugar.
Sugar is hidden away in almost every food type these days, so you have to be vigilant! Sweets are fine every now and then, but you don’t want to consume too much throughout your pregnancy. Too much sugar while pregnant puts you at risk for developing conditions like gestational diabetes. Research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that babies can experience poorer childhood cognition, including non-verbal abilities to solve problems and poorer verbal memory.
What you can do: Cut out the sweets, Mama. Try to find replacements for sugary drinks, baked treats, and sugary snacks. Healthy options include iced tea, fruit, or yogurt. If you need help coming up with a nutrition plan you can stick with, let us know! We’re happy to help.
6. Sleeplessness.
This one is a tough one to curb. As you progress in your pregnancy, you’ll have a harder time finding comfortable positions that help you rest. Poor sleep during pregnancy has been shown to adversely affect pregnant women’s health. Sleeplessness in pregnancy can lead to hypertension and gestational diabetes.
What you can do: Take cat naps. Even if you can’t get away from work, try to find a place in the break room or empty office to close your eyes for 20 minutes. If you feel like you are getting a lot of sleep but still feel unrested, please make an appointment with us at Van Every Family Chiropractic Center. One of our providers will be happy to assist you.
7. Alcohol.
Quitting alcohol while pregnant is crucial in preventing lifelong problems for your child. Research has shown time and again that drinking alcohol while can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities.
What you can do: If you’re struggling to quit alcohol, please give us a call. One of our providers can help you come up with a plan to ensure your best health, and your baby’s safety.
Chiropractic Care and Healthier Pregnancies Go Hand in Hand — Book An Appointment With Us Today
Getting on a healthier path for your pregnancy is an admirable feat to achieve for the health of yourself and your baby. It may feel overwhelming in the beginning, and we don’t want you to feel that way.
Van Every Family Chiropractic Center is home to dedicated prenatal chiropractors who are here to help you feel well.
If you’re stuck on how to get started with healthier lifestyle choices that you can stick to, get in touch! Schedule an appointment with us online or call
(248) 616-0900.
We’re here for you!