Pregnancy Lifestyles

Lifestyle in pregnancy is important for healthy and strong child. Growth of the baby is also depend upon the Environmental factor.

The Lifestyle Chronicles - Before Pregnancy

The development of healthy lifestyle for a society requires starting at the beginning. That point is earlier than many might think The health status of young women in the childbearing years is of crucial importance. And, these young women need to understand healthy lifestyle to assure a healthy pregnancy and care for the child that will be their responsibility.

There is evidence that a child is more likely to be overweight if the mother was overweight before pregnancy. Young women need to be protected from exposure to toxins, especially those that hang around for a long time such as mercury. Physically fit, no smoking, healthy diet and managing stress are important prior to pregnancy.

I wonder if young women in our society realize that they are very special. What do public debates and attitudes teach them? Their lifestyles have far reaching significance and they should have special attention. Each community should examine how that is accomplished. In all cases it should start with the family but the family is only the beginning. In some communities the Girl Scouts address this issue. Schools, churches, clubs, neighborhoods. Let everybody feel the responsibility.


Nutrition in pregnancy and during breastfeeding is very important for the baby. A well-balanced diet includes eating foods from the bread, fruit, vegetable, dairy and meat/protein groups every day. Eat a variety of foods from each food group with emphasis on lots of fresh fruits and vegetables! Your bones and teeth will lose calcium if you don’t get enough in your diet so eat four or five servings of the dairy group (milk, yogurt, cheese) each day. If you are concerned about calories, choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. It is also advisable to avoid caffeine and artificial sweeteners.


To control weight gain, avoid foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients such as candy, cake, cookies, soft drinks, chips, french fries, and most fast foods. A nurse or nutritionist can counsel you about specific dietary needs and help you make good choices from the foods you like. Ask your health care provider about the WIC program if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a young child
Smoking, drinking alcohol or abusing drugs during pregnancy can cause many medical problems including increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage and stillbirths. Some drugs can also cause birth defects and/or mental delays that result in permanent learning difficulties or behavior problems. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a preventable birth defect caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Children exposed to smoke in their environment have more problems with asthma, respiratory and ear infections and are at an increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (crib death). If you smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs, please get help for yourself and your baby.