A baby is a blessing and this can be an exciting journey for you. But, before your bundle of joy arrives you need to make sure to help him/her nurture in a healthy environment. There are a number of things you should be knowing from the start – a list of do’s and don’ts during pregnancy.
Here is a list of things that can shed light on what you should be doing and not doing:
Do’s
1. Take all important micro nutrients
A healthy diet may not be enough to provide all the nutrients to you. Therefore, you might be recommended to take prenatal vitamin, iron, calcium and protein supplements to achieve a healthier pregnancy. Make sure you do not exceed the recommended dose of these micronutrients as a higher amount may also be harmful to the baby.
2. Get enough of sleep
Changing levels of hormones and anxiety can make sleep elusive during your pregnancy. Take quick naps and schedule them whenever you can. You should aim for a 7-8 hour sleep every night. During pregnancy the hormonal changes might cause fatigue, so give your body more rest to combat it.
3. Stay active
During pregnancy, it is safe to do exercise and in fact, healthy for the mother as well as the baby. If you did exercise before conceiving, keep it up. Talk to your obstetrician about the adjustments to be made to your routine. If you did not exercise before pregnancy, your obstetrician will help you to incorporate a fitness routine and guide you in a program that is safe and comfortable to you.
4. Gain weight smartly
Don’t eat for two! Consuming too many calories is not right but, you can always be strategic about what and how much you eat. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy may do more harm than good to the baby.
5. Look after your mental well-being
It’s just as important to look after your mental as your physical health. You will be in a better position to manage the ups and downs of pregnancy if you are mentally healthy. Seek help from a professional if you’re concerned about your mental health.
Don’ts
1. Don’t smoke and consume alcohol
Expectant mothers who smoke are at a higher risk of having pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery or having a low birth weight baby. Alcohol may also impact your baby’s development greatly. Therefore, it’s important to change your habits for a healthy pregnancy.
2. Don’t take hot baths
A hot bath can be relaxing and calming but the high-heat environment of a hot bath can be harmful especially in the first trimester and may lead to certain birth defects and even a misscarriage. It’s wiser to switch to a warm bath for relaxation.
3. Don’t ignore changes and symptoms in your body
You shouldn’t take few symptoms casually as they could be a sign of some complications.
Some of them are:
Vaginal bleeding
Cramps and pain that don’t subside
Pain while urinating
Blurred vision or persistent headache
Swelling or itching in the limbs and face
Excessive vaginal discharge
4. Avoid unpasteurized, raw or undercooked products
Stick to fresh meat products during your pregnancy. Raw or uncured meat and eggs may increase your risk of infection during pregnancy. Always ensure the milk you consume is pasteurized. Unpasteurized milk may contain bacteria and may lead to various health complications. Read more about what the food you should be consuming and avoiding.
5. Don’t sit or stand for long
Staying in the same position during your pregnancy may lead to swollen ankles and vein problems. Get moving in short breaks and avoid sitting or standing for a long stretch, unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
Always remember, the modifications you do during the short span of pregnancy can bring huge benefits to the health of your baby. These modifications will be temporary and you can jump back to a few of them again
Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your doctor to know what is good for you.
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