Pregnancy Do's and Do Not's
Pregnant women are swamped with things to Do and Not to Do during pregnancy. Because it is sometimes hard to keep it all straight, below is some help.
Pregnant women are swamped with things to Do and Not to Do during pregnancy. Because it is sometimes hard to keep it all straight, below is some help.
The following Healthy Pregnancy Tips has been adapted from the Womens Health website.
Pregnancy Dos
Get all essential vitamins and minerals every day. You will need a lot more iron and other vitamins when pregnant and it is hard to get enough by eating alone. Your health care provider should discuss with you taking daily prenatal vitamins or a multivitamin.
Do consume 400 micrograms (or 0.4 mg) of folic acid each day since folic acid (or folate) reduces the chances of some birth defects.
Do eat a healthy diet as Eating and nutrition during your pregnancy are critical. Consume lots of fruit, vegetables, whole-grains such as whole-wheat breads or crackers, and calcium-rich foods such as non-fat or low-fat yogurt, milk, and broccoli. Avoid eating fatty foods like butter and fatty meats and eat leaner foods when you can such as skim milk, chicken and turkey without the skin, and fish.
Do gain a healthy but not excessive amount of weight. On average, 25-30 pounds is a healthy weight gain but since every woman and every pregnancy is different, you should always check with your health care provider to find out how much weight you should gain during pregnancy.
Get approximately 7-9 hours of sleep each night. It will help if you eat any large meals at least three hours before going to bed, get regular exercise and avoid long naps during the day. It may also help if you sleep on your left side and use pillows between your legs and under your belly.
Low-impact exercise is good for you and your baby. Talk to your health care provider about guidelines on exercising while pregnant.
Get any health problems and dental issues under control. Talk to your health care provider and dentist about any existing problems. See your health care provider regularly and do not forget to get regular dental check-ups. Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy, spot problems if they occur and prevent difficulties during delivery.
Ask your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines and herbal medicines. Get more facts on taking medicine during pregnancy.
Consider getting a flu shot since the flu can be dangerous especially for a pregnant woman. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests vaccinations for all women who are at least 14 weeks pregnant during the flu season.
Control the stressful areas of your life that you can. When it comes to work and family, figure out what you can really do, set limits for yourself and others, and do not hesitate to say "no" to demands on your time and energy.
If possible. reduce the aches and pains of pregnancy and do not just accept discomforts like hemorrhoids, heartburn, fatigue, and leg cramps, all of which can be helped.
Pregnancy Do Not's
Do not eat fish that may contain mercury. Watch out for food borne illness and make sure to cook and clean food properly. For additional help with food related issues please click on the links Common Concerns of Pregnancy and Eating and Nutrition During Pregnancy.
Do not use chemicals including herbicides, pesticides, paint, stains, and some cleaning solutions and if you do use them wear gloves, a mask, and keep the room well-ventilated.
Do not clean or change a cat's litter box.
Do not take very hot baths, hot tubs, or saunas.
Do not douche, use scented feminine hygiene products, scented sprays, sanitary napkins, and bubble bath since these can irritate the vagina and increase the increase the risk of infection.
Do not have optional x-rays and always make sure to inform any x-ray technician or health care provider that you are pregnant.
Do not smoke, Do not drink alcohol, and Do not use illegal drugs. Tell your health care provider if you have smoked or have consumed alcohol or drugs during your pregnancy.
