Pregnancy Dos and Pregnancy Don’ts
Pregnancy is a wonderful experience for any woman, and yours is no exemption. Your body is undergoing several changes as you accommodate the baby inside your womb. Naturally, you will have to go through several alterations in your lifestyle and your life will be temporarily governed by the dos and don’ts of pregnancy. Here are techniques, tips and advice from women who had been there before you. You are not the first woman to get pregnant in the world, nor will you be the last. With this, it is not surprising if you get all sorts of recommendations and advice from other women that you may be confused.
Don’ts of pregnancy
Smoking
Smoking is a definite no-no and must be avoided when you are pregnant. Even if you don’t smoke, but your partner or other members of your family does, you should make way to avoid it because second hand smoke poses more risk for you and the baby. Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects and may even cause stillbirth for babies.
Caffeine
Pregnancy and caffeine do not work hand in hand for a pregnant woman. Studies have shown that caffeine, like smoking has increased the possibility of miscarriage and low birth weight in babies. Caffeine intake in excess of 300 milligrams a day can be regarded as excessive and can be a risk for the baby.
Food
When you are pregnant, there are certain foods you need to avoid. Some examples of this are some seafood, uncooked meats, milk that is not unpasteurized and soft cheeses. These are believed to be contributing factors that can cause miscarriages, birth defects and even stillbirth.
Alcohol and drugs
It goes without saying that when you are pregnant, you should stay clear of alcohol and drugs. There is no safe level of consumption recommended for both and these two pose as grave risks for your baby. Drugs and alcohol prove detrimental for you and may hinder the development of your baby inside your womb. This could also lead to birth defects so if you want to give your baby the best chance at having a good health, avoid drugs and alcohol altogether.
Dos of pregnancy
Eat a Healthy diet
A well balanced diet is one of the most important things you should pay attention to when you are pregnant. You must remember you are eating for two, not just for yourself so you need to see to it that you set a pregnancy diet to fit you and your baby’s needs. You are also advised to take prenatal vitamins regularly.
Body temperature
It is important for you to keep a moderate body temperature when you are pregnant, most especially during your first trimester because this can help prevent birth defects in your developing baby. You may have to forgo pampering yourself with saunas and hot baths during this time. You can go for this in the future, when you are no longer pregnant.
Exercise
Exercise is recommended when you are pregnant but there are limitations to it. If you are a woman who is into strenuous activities like weight lifting, mountain climbing, scuba diving or other sports before, you should have to set this aside during your pregnancy. You can opt for walking instead because this is recommended to prepare your body for the rigors of labor and delivery.
Safety in the house
Practicing safety in your house is important during your pregnancy. You should avoid hazards in the house and stay away from harmful substances like aerosol cans, fumes from paint, solvents and others. These are believed to link with possible birth defects and other complications. Take extreme care when you go up or down staircases in your house. A fall could prove fatal for your pregnancy.
Following certain do’s and don’ts of pregnancy is important because your safety and the safety of your baby is the top priority during this time.