Prenatal Care Tips For Older Moms-To-Be
If you are an older mom-to-be, you may be more concerned about your health and the health of your baby. The good news is that most older moms have healthy pregnancies and give birth to thriving little ones. But it does not hurt to be a little extra cautious with your prenatal care. Here are some prenatal care tips you will likely find beneficial as an older mom-to-be.
See a Dietitian
Taking prenatal vitamins is a good way to cover your bases and make sure all of your nutritional needs are met. But that does not mean your diet is not important, too. As an older mom-to-be, you may have a greater need for certain nutrients than other moms. Meeting with a dietitian is a good way to make sure you are eating properly and in accordance with those needs. Look for a dietitian who specializes in prenatal care. Your OBGYN should be able to recommend one.
Schedule Monthly Ultrasounds
Some OBGYNs recommend that older moms have monthly ultrasounds by default. Others leave it up to the mother. If your OBGYN does not require you to have monthly ultrasounds, ask to schedule monthly appointments anyway. This will give you greater peace of mind that your baby is developing normally. It will also ensure that if anything does start to go wrong with your pregnancy, your doctor will detect it as soon as possible when more can be done.
Avoid Over-Exercising
Moms-to-be often wonder how much they should be exercising. Some start exercising more because they feel they need to compensate for their age and boost their health. But exercising too much during pregnancy can be just as bad as not exercising enough, especially when you are a little older than average. The best course of action is usually to remain about as active as you were prior to pregnancy and then slowly decrease your activity level as you progress through pregnancy. If it feels like you are doing too much, you probably are.
Get Chiropractic Adjustments
Giving birth is harder on your body when you are older. But one way to make it easier is to have chiropractic adjustments throughout your pregnancy. This will help ensure that your pelvic region stays strong and flexible in preparation for labor.
Talk to your OBGYN about these and other prenatal care steps that can help you have a healthier pregnancy as an older woman.
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