Pregnancy is an exciting journey for every woman. Everyone wishes to have a healthy pregnancy. Your lifestyle, food, exercise, etc., can significantly impact your pregnancy and your baby's health. So, it is essential to follow certain things to make your pregnancy healthy and enjoyable. You may have certain misconceptions about dos and don'ts for a safer pregnancy. Check out the things you must follow and avoid during your pregnancy journey.
There are certain dos and don'ts during the first trimester of pregnancy. First, let's discuss the dos during pregnancy.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet alone cannot provide all the essential nutrients for you and your baby. So, it is highly recommended that you take multivitamins during pregnancy. Never skip your prenatal vitamins, as they are packed with essential nutrients for the growing baby. Expectant mothers require higher doses of folic acid, iron and calcium. Intake of multivitamins can help avoid congenital disabilities. Make sure you consult your doctor for the appropriate dose of multivitamins.
Sleep is important during pregnancy, as it can be demanding at times. Normally, you feel exhausted during pregnancy. Give your mind and body ample rest during pregnancy. Doctors insist on about 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep for pregnant women. Create a sleep routine and take power naps whenever you feel tired. Sleep on your sides during pregnancy. This position is safe for your baby.
The need for fluid increases during pregnancy plays a crucial role in fetal development. So, drink a lot of fluids throughout your pregnancy. Eat fruits and vegetables that contain a higher amount of water. Make sure you sip water throughout the day. This keeps your body hydrated and avoids the risk of pre-term labour. Increase your water intake if you're feeling dizzy and suffering from constipation.
Stay active throughout your pregnancy. This is beneficial for you and your baby. Exercise keeps your body active and flexible and reduces anxiety. Gentle walking is highly recommended during pregnancy. Start to exercise slowly at your own pace based on your comfort.
Seafoods are rich sources of zinc, proteins and other minerals. Consuming seafood regularly during pregnancy aids in the growth of your baby. One of the unique things about consuming seafood is that it contains omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, which are responsible for your baby's brain development.
Gaining weight during pregnancy is essential as your baby grows. However, gaining too much weight can be dangerous at times. So, be mindful of the things you eat during pregnancy. Focus on the quality of the food and not on its quantity. You may only need 100-500 extra calories to support your baby's growth.
Prenatal yoga is highly beneficial during pregnancy and labour. Meditation can help to relieve your stress during your pregnancy journey. Safe yoga poses and breathing exercises can help to ease pain during labour.
Sex during pregnancy is completely safe. It elevates the production of oxytocin hormone that rejuvenates your mind, relieves body aches and offers better sleep. Sex helps you to connect with your partner emotionally. If there are no complications in your pregnancy, then you can very well continue with your regular sex life. Always have a word with your doctor if you wish to have sex during pregnancy.
Here is a list of things to avoid during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should avoid smoking and drinking as it is likely to affect their baby's growth. Smoking can result in low birth weight and congenital disabilities in the newborn. You may also experience other complications during pregnancy and after a child's birth. It is said that smoking during pregnancy can increase the chance of learning disabilities in your child.
Alcohol consumption can cause serious complications during and after pregnancy. It causes issues in the development of the nervous system of the fetus. It can also result in abnormal growth of the baby. There are chances of miscarriage, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and stillbirth.
It is said that pregnant women must limit their caffeine intake. Make sure you limit caffeine to 200 mg daily. Never exceed more than 2 cups of coffee in a day. Caffeine alters your baby's heart rate and increases the chance of miscarriage.
It is good to stay active during pregnancy, but performing high-intensity exercises can harm your baby inside the womb. So, it is better to avoid high-impact exercises during pregnancy. Never participate in competitive sports or activities with a chance of tripping or falling. Do not participate in scuba diving, snow skiing, weight lifting, or other intense activities.
Eating raw meat and eggs is unsafe during pregnancy. There is a higher risk of contracting diseases like toxoplasmosis and listeriosis. Eating undercooked meat or eggs can also result in congenital disabilities and miscarriage.
Avoid standing for long hours when you're pregnant. This can put too much pressure on your legs. If the situation demands to stand for long hours, place one of your legs on a low step stool. Lifting heavy weights must also be avoided. Never hold your breath when lifting heavy weights during pregnancy. This can result in serious complications.
It is not safe to go for beauty treatments during pregnancy. The use of hair dye during pregnancy can be dangerous. Do not go for hair treatments during pregnancy, as the synthetic chemicals used can harm the baby inside your womb.
Pregnant women must limit their exposure to toxic and harmful chemicals. When using household cleaning products, make sure your home is ventilated. Too much exposure to naphthalene can be dangerous and can result in nausea, vomiting, fatigue and loss of appetite during pregnancy.
Exposing your body to radiation is not advisable during pregnancy. It is better to postpone your X-ray assessment after your pregnancy, as the radiation from the X-ray can affect the growth of your baby. Exposure to X-ray radiation of the unborn baby increases the chance of cancer.
Cleaning your pet cat's litter box during pregnancy must be avoided. Toxoplasma gondi, a dangerous parasite in cat litter, can cause serious complications during pregnancy and can result in miscarriage and stillbirth.
Hope you're now aware of the dos and don'ts during pregnancy. Follow the same and make your pregnancy journey healthy and enjoyable.
