Pregnancy is a very confusing (and sometimes amusing) part of a woman’s life. Confusing because there are hundreds of different pregnancy theories that are thrown at you by your family, friends and even the workplace! Amusing because some of these stories are beyond absurd. Hence, pregnant mothers, especially those who are pregnant with their first child, tend to be in quite the fix as to what is allowed during pregnancy and what’s not! Here is a list of the pregnancy do’s and don’ts which will help guide you throughout your pregnancy.
Amongst the pregnancy do’s and don’ts, this is most definitely a DO! Even if nothing is going wrong, make monthly appointments with your doctor and attend them regularly. This will ensure that you and your baby are healthy and identify any problems as soon as they occur.
This is one of the most controversial topics amongst pregnant mothers right now. One side argues that the fats in fish called omega-3 fats are essential for brain and vision development in the baby and those children whose mothers consumed sea food are known to score higher on IQ tests in life. However, the other argument is stronger as it states that every single piece of sea food contains mercury which can completely destroy your baby’s nervous system. Therefore, it is best to avoid sea food completely or to consume it in very small amounts. However, don’t forget to take your omega 3 supplements because the baby needs those.
Ask your doctor about which iron rich foods to consume or an iron supplement that you can take. Getting enough iron is essential for preventing anemia in your baby, as this is a very common problem.
Alcohol during pregnancy is an absolute no no. there has been no clear limit established on how much the safe amount is so experts say that mothers should avoid it all together during their pregnancy. This is due to the fact that alcohol causes miscarriages and a multiple number of birth defects which is everything you want to stay away from as a pregnant mother.
An average of 7 to 9 hours of sleep at night is essential for every pregnant woman. Carrying a baby is no easy task and you need to rest adequately. Sleeping on your left side helps to increase blood flow to you and your baby.
Your calorie demands don’t change much but your body needs to be a store house of vitamins and minerals so that the new baby gets all the nutrition that is required for his body to develop healthily. Make sure that you fill your diet with lots of protein rich dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Apart from that, take a basic multivitamin that your doctor will prescribe so that yours and the baby’s needs of folic acid and vitamins are met.
No, just no. doctors have deemed this completely unquestionable as smoking can lead to the baby having respiratory problems, low birth weight, being miscarried and a number of other defects. This aspect is not up for any argument.
Try your best to keep the stress in your life minimum. If things get overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Too much stress is neither good for you nor your baby.
Try not to indulge in hot baths during your pregnancy. Excessively warm water can cause the fetus to be irritated and may also lead to you feeling faint and disoriented.
Getting ample amounts of fluids, primarily water is essential during pregnancy. This not only prevents the ever present constipation and it helps make up the increased blood flow which has to carry nutrients to both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, every pregnant lady should carry around a bottle of water, take 8 to 9 sips every time she sees a water cooler and drink water between meals and snacks. Fresh juices and milk can also be consumed to meet fluid needs.
X-rays and MRI scans need to be avoided while you are pregnant. This is due to the fact that they make use of harmful rays which are dangerous for the baby. If an x-ray is absolutely necessary, for a diagnostic test for instance, let your physician know that you are pregnant so that he is careful.
