Whether you’re already pregnant or hoping to become so, 2018 is the perfect time to start building better habits to make a healthy new baby and a healthy new you. It’s more important than ever that your body is strong and flexible enough to handle all the stresses that pregnancy and motherhood bring. And, of course, all of the great things that you do for your body can get passed to your baby through the umbilical cord.
1. Nourish Cells With Superfoods
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight or switch to healthier foods. While chocolate cake may be tempting and taste good, it’s really not building the strong, resilient cells that you and your baby need. Go for superfoods instead, and imagine how much good all of the nutrients you’re eating are doing for your body and for your baby’s body.
Add in greens — everywhere! Kale and spinach are easily incorporated into smoothies and sauces. Pile colorful vegetables and tart fruits like strawberries into your salads. Top every dish with some kind of crisped, sauteed, or minced veggie or herb.
Go for happy, high-quality proteins. Protein helps you burn calories more efficiently and tastes great, too. Whenever possible, choose animal proteins from animals that were treated well for the best protein-fat ratios and minimal chemicals. Experiment with nutrient-dense organ meats to make delicious and nutritious pates. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, be sure the nuts, seeds, and grains you buy are high quality and fresh.
Don’t have time to cook? Look into the latest electronic pressure cookers and all of the websites filled with delicious one-pot meals. Your OBGYN will give you more advice about which foods to emphasize or avoid. And make sure you take your prenatal vitamins every day so your baby gets the folic acid she needs to build healthy neural tubes.
2. Hydrate With Water
Whether filtered or straight from the tap, water is still the healthiest beverage for you and your baby. You should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses per day. If you crave more flavor or fizz, you can choose a carbonated mineral water and add a bit of fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, lemon or lime. Green tea is one of the most hydrating beverages around and is full of anti-oxidants. However, it has caffeine, too, which you should limit once you become pregnant.
3. Stretch and Strengthen
If you exercise regularly, talk to your doctor about how you should modify your routine during each stage of your pregnancy. Be extra aware of aches or pains, and be sure to alert your physician if you experience any discomfort or dizziness during exercise.
If you’ve been avoiding the gym and other activities, now’s the time to start building up and stretching your muscles, toning your core, and maximizing your lung capacity. But don’t rush! Starting with just 5 minutes per day is a super easy way to acclimate yourself to your new routine. Each week, tack on another 5 minutes. Before you know it, you’ll be getting your recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise.
Focus on exercises that are low impact, like swimming, water aerobics, low-impact aerobics, and yoga. Brisk walking is a great way to start the day and get your vitamin D from the sunshine. You can hit the StairMaster and ellipticals at the gym, or try a cycling class. Lightweight training can strengthen your bones and muscles.
Your OBGYN will probably recommend Kegel exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Find movements and activities that are enjoyable, like dancing or bike riding with friends. Always be sure your exercise routine has your doctor's OK.
4. Chill
You may have been toying with the idea of meditating. Now’s the perfect time to try it. Staying stress-free helps you have an easier pregnancy and benefits your baby, too. Set aside time for massages and spa days. If you’re budget is limited, get the massage from your partner and the “spa” by throwing some scented bath salts in the tub. Listen to your favorite music, take walks in nature, and spend time talking to your baby!
5. Think Ahead
Another way to optimize health for your baby and you — and other family members, too — is to bank your baby’s stem-cell-rich umbilical cord lining with GlobalCord. Stem cells can be used to speed the healing of wounds and burns, and slow down skin aging. They’re also being used in research to help treat chronic conditions, such as diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. In 2018, cord blood and cord lining banking is an important strategy for your baby’s long-term health.
Make an informed choice. Select a cord banking service that is licensed to offer complete coverage for all stem cell therapies derived from your stored cord. Umbilical cord lining tissue banked by non-licensed cord blood banks may not provide the stem cell yield or quality that CellResearch Corporation’s proprietary and patented protocols can provide — this may affect its suitability for future therapeutic use. In addition, these blood banks and medical institutions that offer CellResearch Corporation's patented protocols — which include ALL cord lining stem cell therapies — are at risk of patent infringement.
GlobalCord is operated by CellResearch Corporation and its partners. Cords banked through GlobalCord are covered by CellResearch Corporation’s patent licensure, which extends to 41 territories around the world, including the U.S.A.