Pregnancy Do’s
Do take a multivitamin
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is the best way to provide with all the healthy nutrients that your body and your growing baby requires. However, besides a healthy diet during pregnancy, it is important to take prenatal supplements containing vitamins and minerals that expectant mothers need in high amounts, including:
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Iron
These vitamins help the fetus develop properly and help prevent birth defects. However, these should be taken with proper medical advice by the doctor.
Do get lots of sleep
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Changing hormone levels, anticipation and anxiety can make sleep elusive during your pregnancy. Take a quick nap if you feel fatigued and try to schedule naps whenever you can. Set bedtimes and stick to them. Get 7-9 hours of shut-eye every night.
Do work out
Regular exercise can help combat many problems that arise during pregnancy, including:
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain
- Excessive weight gain
- Mood problems
Talk to your doctor before starting exercise so they can guide you on a program that is safe and comfortable for you and your growing baby.
Do get a flu shot
Pregnant women can and should receive the flu vaccine as long as they have no contraindications as specified by the manufacturer. If you get the flu during your pregnancy, your risk of serious side effects is higher than for women of the same age who are not pregnant. The vaccine protects you and your developing fetus.
Do gain weight smartly
Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can do more harm than good to your baby. During your first trimester, you require only about 100 extra calories each day to support your growing fetus. In your third trimester, that extra calorie count will be 300 to 500 per day.
Do monitor your baby’s movements
Your baby’s movement is a sign that your baby is well. Get to know your baby’s movement patterns and contact your maternity unit immediately if you think these have slowed, stopped or changed.
Do go to all your appointments
Pregnancy appointments are there to check your health and the baby’s health and development. There are some pregnancy complications that have no symptoms and can only be diagnosed by the physician during your appointment.
Pregnancy Don’ts
Don’t smoke
Babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to be born with low birth weight and have a higher risk of learning disabilities than babies born to non-smoking mothers.
Don’t drink alcohol
Alcohol can greatly affect your child’s development. People who drink alcohol while pregnant can give birth to a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, can be harmful during pregnancy.
Don’t eat raw meat
Meat and eggs that are raw and undercooked can carry the risk of foodborne illness. These conditions can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses that can lead to severe birth defects and even miscarriage. Make sure all eggs and meat you eat while pregnant are well-cooked.
Don’t eat unpasteurized milk products
Raw or unpasteurized milk isn’t recommended for expecting mothers, as it may contain the bacteria Listeria which can lead to illness, miscarriage, or life-threatening consequences.
Don’t drink a lot of caffeine
Caffeine crosses the placenta and increases your baby’s heart rate. Research suggests that women can safely consume a cup or two of coffee each day, but don’t down a triple shot latte while you’re pregnant.
Don’t diet during pregnancy
Cutting out food groups in an attempt to lose weight can stop your baby from getting the nutrients it needs to grow. Instead of restricting your diet, it’s best to manage your weight by eating a healthy and balanced diet.
