Being pregnant can take quite a toll on your body even when you’re in good health—so imagine what it can do to if you’re already struggling to stay in shape. If you’re not ready, the 40-weeks before childbirth can feel like a lot longer, while also possibly putting your baby’s health at risk too.
In most cases, you’ll have the opportunity to make adjustments to allow for an ideal pregnancy ahead of time. Here are six ways to optimize your health to get ready to welcome a 10-month hotel stay in your body…
1. Review your Medications
If you’re on medications for any reason, you should review them with your doctor ahead of time to determine if they’re safe to take during pregnancy. In some cases, the doctor can lower the dosage to safer levels if it’s a medication you really benefit from.
According to an article from Parents magazine, it’s best to avoid any over-the-counter remedies for common ailments early in your pregnancy. However, a handful of prescription drugs, including erythromycin estolate (an antibiotic), can affect your liver function during pregnancy. Tetracycline, another antibiotic, can actually stain your baby’s teeth if used past the fourth month of pregnancy.
