Congratulations on entering the exciting, and sometimes confusing world of pregnancy and parenthood! Whether you're a first-timer or already experienced, each pregnancy is unique and comes with its own set of challenges.

We spoke with Dr Kim Thompson and experienced private Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Northpark Private Hospital in Bundoora to get her top 6 tips on how to care for yourself during pregnancy.
 

1. Look after yourself

The most important thing to remember during pregnancy is to look after yourself. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is important, so is lots of rest. Pregnancy means your body is working 50% more than usual, 24/7, so you need to look after it. By looking after yourself, your baby will have the best chance of growing and developing to its full potential.
 

2. Eat a healthy and balanced diet

Eating a healthy and balanced diet, with nutritional supplementation of folate and iodine is important for pregnancy. Most pregnancy supplements are adjusted to cover all the bases, however, your personal dietary and health circumstances may mean you need extra supplements. Your body has increased nutritional requirements in pregnancy – multivitamins are a good way to account for this, if you have concerns that your diet is insufficient.

Eating fresh foods from a variety of sources, including protein, fibre and carbohydrates is important. Small, frequent snacks are a great way to keep up your energy levels and minimise nausea. Remember, you don’t need to eat for two!

Minimise the risk of food-poisoning by washing fresh fruit and vegetables properly, avoiding unpasteurised food and not eating undercooked meat. A freshly cooked ham and cheese toasted sandwich or a pizza with soft cheese is a great way to eat the foods you love in pregnancy.
 

3. Stay hydrated and keep up your fluids

You’ll be going to the toilet regardless in pregnancy, so ensure you keep yourself topped up! Our bodies are more than 50% water, and maintaining your fluid balance is important to minimise nausea and dizziness. Electrolyte drinks and icy poles are a good idea when you are unable to tolerate much oral intake. If you feel you are unable to manage, please speak to your obstetrician about being admitted for hydration management, as a few litres of IV fluids can make you feel like a completely new person.
 

4. Gentle daily exercise and mobilisation is key 

Your body is already working hard, so you don’t need to do a strenuous workout. Daily walking or low intensity exercise are adequate for your mental and physical fitness. Your centre of gravity and posture will change in pregnancy, so keeping mobile is important to maintain your fitness and comfort.
 

5. Mindfulness and mental awareness are vital

By becoming a parent, you take on one of the greatest responsibilities imaginable. By maintaining your mental wellbeing, you will have the reserve to adapt to the changes of pregnancy and parenthood. Parenthood means that you need to be able to embrace change and recognise that you are unable to control every aspect of your life - inevitably your baby will soak through a nappy just as you are about to leave the house on time, requiring a complete bath and delaying you by at least half an hour!
 

6. The benefits of a private obstetrician

By having continuity of care with a private obstetrician who knows you, your circumstances and your preferences, you can be proactive in your care and make carefully informed choices.

For some women, pregnancy can be a daunting experience. Some of the benefits of private care with an obstetrician is that they’ll advocate for you and your baby to help guide you in making the decisions that are right for you. The peace of mind and support that you get with your own private obstetrician results in a caring and meaningful relationship well into the future.
 

Experience the Northpark Private Maternity difference

We invite you to experience the Northpark Private Maternity difference and discover why so many families choose us for their childbirth journey.

Enter your details above to receive your Welcome Guide and learn more about the benefits of birthing at Northpark Private Hospital.

At Northpark Private Hospital, we're honoured to be part of your pregnancy and parenthood journey. Our goal is to provide exceptional care, support, and guidance, so you can embrace this special time with confidence and joy. Join us in celebrating the miracle of new life and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.