Congratulations! We are so happy you are pregnant. We want your pregnancy to be as beautiful and as healthy as possible. The first thing to remember is that every pregnancy is different so it is crucial that you become your own best advocate and communicate any health concerns with your doctor. Aside from eating healthfully, getting enough exercise and rest, and taking requisite prenatal vitamins, you must also keep in mind that if you feel any discomfort or pain get checked out instead of thinking they are simply caused by the rigors of pregnancy. Here are five concerns to check out when you are pregnant. 

Anemia

Iron deficiency is one of the primary deficiencies experienced by pregnant women. According to health data, anemia can affect up to 25% of pregnancies in North America. When you are pregnant the number of blood increases so you need more vitamins and minerals to compensate. Typically folic acid prenatal vitamins do the trick to prevent anemia, but some moms might need iron drips in the hospital. If you are experiencing dizziness, headaches, weakness, and tiredness discuss possible anemia with your doctor. 

Hypertension 

High blood pressure is problematic when you’re not pregnant and it can be devastating when you are. Hypertension must be carefully monitored and regulated when you are expecting as it can cause severe problems while delivering your baby and post delivery. Gestational hypertension can be a cause of decreased blood flow to the placenta resulting in your baby not getting enough oxygen. Gestational hypertension can also cause severe bleeding post delivery. If you are diagnosed with gestational hypertension, your doctor will prescribe medicine to get hypertension under control. If you are experiencing swelling, headaches, vision changes, and weight gain you might be experiencing gestational hypertension. 

Obesity 

Even though you are eating for two you must keep your weight at a level that is comfortable for you, and most importantly your baby. Foods can be a cornucopia of health. If you aren’t doing so already, introduce more vegetables to your diet including dark leafy greens and salad greens. There are so many colorful vegetables that you can quite literally have a rainbow on your plate every day. Even consider vegetables that you have never tried before.  You can find them at international grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Be careful about eating too many carb-heavy vegetables, though,  like potatoes, and make sure to also get lean protein in your diet even if you have a restricted diet like being vegetarian or vegan. Balanced diets with carbs (not too many) and fruits and beans will ensure you are at a healthy weight. Foods are healing tools. You can even eat foods to heal subchorionic hemorrhage, for example. A subchorionic hemorrhage is simply a blood clot between your uterus and a bag of water. 

Also, do not forget to move! Exercise plus a healthy diet are key during a healthy pregnancy. 

Mental Health

During pregnancy, it is important to take control of your mental health. If this is your first baby or even your last, taking care of your mental health is essential. Do the things that make you happy like being around friends and family or treating yourself to a spa and massage. It is important to keep your mental health intact for you, your family, and for your baby. Feelings like depression and anxiety can rear their ugly heads when there is a mix of emotions and hormones during pregnancy. Be sure to talk to someone if you are experiencing these symptoms. 

Gestational Diabetes

Most of us have heard about gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It is typically diagnosed in the first trimester and is a common concern that your doctor will help you with during your prenatal visits. Having gestational diabetes affects the way your body uses sugar. If you didn't have diabetes before your pregnancy your insulin will likely return to normal levels after you have given birth. Symptoms of gestational diabetes typically are thirst and increased urination. When you visit your health provider they will do routine blood tests and if you have gestational diabetes you will be prescribed medication to keep it under control. 

While most pregnancies are fully healthy some women experience some hiccups along the way and that’s perfectly fine. It is important to eat well, often exercise and attend all of your prenatal visits. 

Want more pregnancy advice? Read Bizzie Mommy, a well-reviewed mom blog.