Mothers Health
Motherhood is a time that can be very exciting but can also be exhausting and can even affect health without the right steps being taken. Whether you are having your first child or your fifth, it is vital to ensure that you maintain good health both during and after your pregnancy, as these periods are when you could find yourself at your most vulnerable when it comes to ill health.
During pregnancy
It is just as important to ensure that you look after yourself during pregnancy as it is after you have given birth – and remember, the way you look after yourself during pregnancy could have an effect on the unborn baby. Pregnant women can be very restricted when it comes to maintaining health because there are so many medications that they are unable to take during the pregnancy, yet this is a time when many women may find themselves feeling under the weather.
The first thing to remember is that whilst you are pregnant you should never take any medication without first checking with your doctor. A healthcare professional can provide proper advice on what you can safely take and what you should steer clear of, and this can help to maintain both yours and your baby’s health during pregnancy. It is also important to ensure that you regularly attend check ups and antenatal classes, as this will also help you to keep on top of any health issues. Also, make sure that you maintain a balanced and healthy diet, and are getting plenty of vitamins and nutrients.
After giving birth
Once you have had your baby you may find yourself feeling quite run down, and in some cases even depressed, with many women suffering from postnatal depression. Again, it is vital that you seek medical advice before you take any medication, and this is especially important if you are breastfeeding and there is a risk that the baby could therefore ingest any medication that you may be taking through your breast milk.
Although it’s easier said than done, it is important to get plenty of rest after you have had your baby. Not only may you find yourself feeling run down, but you will also have a lot of late nights and early mornings ahead of you. If you have a partner, you should make sure that he does his fair share when it comes to looking after baby. If not, see if family members can help out, at least for the first few weeks after baby comes home.