Pregnancy Dos And Don’ts You Need To Know

Pregnancy is a different feeling for women altogether. It is also something we women are blessed with and proud of – the ability to give birth to a new human.

With pregnancy, your life completely changes. Additional responsibilities and changes in one’s routine practices are also prominent. Before the baby arrives, it is your responsibility for helping them grow in a nurturing, healthy environment with tender care.

Read on to discover a safer and a healthy pregnancy! We’ve listed all the things that you should avoid during pregnancy and all the things that you should not worry about too.

Pregnancy Do’s

Are you a mom to be? Here is the ultimate routine that you need to follow:

1. Intake of multivitamin: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is perhaps the best way to pamper your body at this special stage. However, a healthy diet alone is not enough for pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins contain higher levels of nutrients that are required by expectant mothers. Some of these essential vitamins are –

• Folic acid
• Calcium
• Iron

These vitamins play a crucial role in proper development of the fetus and help prevent birth defects. A multivitamin usually includes EPA,DHA or both. These are omega-3 fats that are vital for the proper brain development of the baby.

However, more than one dose of multivitamin a day is not advisable as vitamins in a higher amount than required can harm the baby.

2. Adequate sleep: Factors like changing hormone levels, anticipation and anxiety can make sleep a distant possibility at times. You can take a quick snooze in case you feel tired. You must set bedtimes and follow them strictly.

You need at least around 7-9 hours of peaceful sleep. When your body feels tired, it’s a sign that your body needs rest and sleep so make sure you rest as much as you can

3. Work out: Regular exercise during pregnancy, especially kegel exercises might help you fight many of the following issues that arise during this crucial time –

• muscle pain
• insomnia
• mood swings
• excessive weight gain

However, it is advisable to check with your doctor regarding pregnancy exercises and how much physical activity would be apt for you.

4. Eat seafood: Seafood is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and iron which are important for both the mother, and the baby. However, undercooked or raw seafood can cause problems. Raw seafood may carry harmful bacteria and viruses which are only eliminated when it is cooked properly.

While eating seafood benefits pregnant women, some seafood like swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel and shark contain high levels of mercury and is not advisable during pregnancy.

5. Have Sex: It is safe to have sex during pregnancy provided you have no pregnancy related complications such as any type of high-risk pregnancy or as placenta previa.

Sometimes you may face discomfort while having sex, in such a case you may need to try new positions. It is also advisable to consult your doctor about the safety of intercourse during pregnancy.

6. Practice Yoga: Seek out prenatal or gentle yoga classes that are designed for expectant mothers. Instructors in these classes will guide you thoroughly.

However hot yoga should be avoided. You should also consult your doctor if you fall under the high-risk pregnancy category.

7. Get a flu vaccine: Expecting mothers should get a flu vaccine as long as you don’t have any allergy or other complications.

If you are under the impression that you will get the flu from the flu vaccine, that’s not true. You will not get the flu from this vaccine as the injection is not a live virus. In fact the risk is more if you contract influenza during pregnancy. Hence it is advisable to take the vaccine.

8. Visit the dentist: During pregnancy, it is advisable to take additional care of your enamels, gums and overall general and oral health. Expectant mothers need to go for a routine oral health assessment and regular dental cleanings.

You need to make sure you mention to the dentist that you are pregnant, as they will treat you and prescribe medicines if accordingly.

Pregnancy Don’ts

What to avoid during pregnancy? The following activities should be avoided during the 9 months of bitter-sweet journey.

1. Smoking and drinking: Studies have shown that women who smoke give birth to babies having a lower birth weight and are at a greater risk for being born with disabilities. Children born to smoking mothers are also more likely to try smoking, and become regular smokers because of physiologic nicotine addiction.

Researchers have also argued that mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy deliver a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). There is no safe amount of consuming alcohol while pregnant, as even the smallest amount could harm your baby.

2. Avoid intake of raw meat and deli meat: It is advisable to avoid the intake of raw and undercooked meat and eggs, as these carry the risk of foodborne illness like listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. It can even cause food poisoning. These conditions can cause life-threatening illnesses which in turn lead to miscarriage or severe birth defects.

Deli meats including hot dogs, sausages and smoked salmon can cause foodborne illness such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis.

3. Do not eat unpasteurized milk products: Raw or unpasteurised milk isn’t recommended for expecting mothers. Since milk that is not heated contains a bacteria called listeria, and could make you ill and sometimes life threatening.

4. Do not sit in a hot tub: Although relaxing, the high-heat environment of hot tubs and jacuzzis can be dangerous for pregnant women. Research suggests that using one of these during your first trimester may increase the risk of miscarriage. The rising body temperature while in a hot tub, increases the risk of birth defects.

5. Limit the intake of caffeine: e a cup or two is said to be safe, expectant mothers should not consume a lot of caffeine. It is best to avoid caffeine if you can but even if you have to have your cuppa hot coffee, make sure you limit it.

6. Do not clean the cat’s litter box: Feline waste is loaded with millions of bacteria and parasites. If you contract it, you can face complications during your pregnancy. Stillbirth or miscarriage can also be a possibility.

While there are some do’s and don’ts to follow during your pregnancy, it is also the best time of your life so cherish it. Cheers to motherhood!