How to protect bone health during pregnancy? Tips to prevent osteoporosis (Image credit: iStock)
Pregnancy Pregnancy is a time of significant change, as a woman’s body goes through a variety of changes to support her growing baby. While the primary focus is often on the well-being of both mother and child, it is important to consider potential long-term health effects, such as those related to pregnancy. osteoporosisAccording to research, this condition can affect bone health During and after pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to know how to protect bone health during pregnancy.
We got in touch with Dr Lalit Kumar, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics and Spine Surgery, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, who shares tips to preserve bone health during pregnancy.
Pregnancy-related osteoporosis
Dr. Lalit Kumar explains that pregnancy-related osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become fragile and more prone to fractures during or after pregnancy. This form of osteoporosis can present itself in different ways, including bone pain, fractures, and an overall decrease in bone density. Unlike primary osteoporosis, which is often associated with aging or menopause, pregnancy-related osteoporosis is directly related to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.
“During pregnancy, there is a special type of osteoporosis that affects only the hip joint. It is known as transient osteoporosis of the hip. The good thing about transient osteoporosis is that it is self-limiting and heals on its own, and it must be differentiated from avascular necrosis of the hip,” she said.
Tips to preserve bone health
Dr. Lalit shares tips to preserve bone health, including:
1. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D: Calcium is essential for strong bones, while vitamin D helps with calcium absorption. Pregnant women should include calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and fortified foods in their diet. Vitamin D can be obtained through exposure to sunlight and supplements.
2. Regular physical activity: Participating in low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga, can help strengthen bones and improve overall health. Before beginning any exercise regimen, always check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for both you and your baby.
3. Avoid unhealthy habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Pregnant women should avoid these habits to protect their bone health.
4. Maintain a balanced diet: A diet rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and protein is beneficial for bone health. It is also important to stay hydrated and limit caffeine intake.
5. Regular medical checkups: Regular checkups with health professionals are essential for monitoring bone health during pregnancy. Health professionals can assess individual risk factors, offer guidance on nutrition and supplements, and provide personalized recommendations for preventing osteoporosis.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.