5 Habits to Boost Your Baby's Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting journey. But did you know that alongside decorating the nursery and picking out baby clothes comes an abundance of opportunities to nurture your baby’s growth and development?

In fact, some simple, healthy habits during pregnancy can help set the foundation for your baby’s growth and development as well as their overall well-being in the future. Devyani Chowdhury, MD, MHA, and our team at Cardiology Care for Children in Mifflinburg and Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and Topeka, Indiana, work with families to help them set their children up for their best possible health.

Here are five essential habits to adopt during pregnancy to support your baby’s development.

1. Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet

What you eat directly affects your baby’s growth, and eating a nutrient-rich diet during pregnancy is one of the best ways to set your baby up for a healthy start.

Eat a variety of foods and focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These options provide your baby with essential nutrients, like folic acid, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for fetal heart and brain development.

2. Take a prenatal vitamin

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that all pregnant women take a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins contain essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your diet may be lacking, particularly folic acid, iron, calcium, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are vital for your baby’s brain, heart, and overall development.

Even if you eat a balanced diet, taking a prenatal vitamin ensures you’re meeting your daily nutritional needs for both you and your baby. Always consult your provider to choose the right prenatal vitamin for you.

3. Stay physically active

For most women, moderate exercise during pregnancy is safe, and staying active can help improve circulation, regulate weight gain, manage pregnancy aches, and even reduce stress. Activities like walking, prenatal yoga, and swimming can all boost your heart health and promote healthy oxygen flow to your baby.

Remember to always consult your provider before starting a new exercise routine to make sure it’s safe for you and your baby.

4. Avoid harmful substances

Another important way you can boost your baby’s health while you’re pregnant is by steering clear of harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs.

These substances can increase your risk of complications, including low birth weight, congenital heart defects, and developmental delays. You should also take steps to minimize exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides and heavy metals during pregnancy.

5. Go to all your prenatal checkups

Last, but not least, make sure you get regular prenatal care. Your healthcare team monitors your baby’s development and your health at each appointment throughout your pregnancy, and these routine check-ins give them the opportunity to identify potential issues early.

And if you have concerns about your baby’s heart health or if you have a family history of congenital heart defects, our team at Cardiology Care for Children is here to help.

We offer prenatal consultations and comprehensive pediatric cardiology services, and our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcomes for your child. We’re dedicated to supporting families through every stage of their journey, and we can recommend prenatal ultrasounds or other screenings to provide important insights.

Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is one of the best ways to nurture your baby’s health. Contact our team at 717-925-8300 to learn more about creating a strong foundation for your baby’s growth, and about how we can support your family’s health during pregnancy and beyond.