Dos and Don'ts During Pregnancy

 The pregnancy test kit results gave you a positive confirmation but what’s next? Pregnancy is a crucial stage of your life. If it’s your first time, you might go through a rollercoaster of emotions. You are excited but also worried as several things goes through your mind. You have to make certain changes to your lifestyle to ensure safe and healthy pregnancy. Here are some “dos and don’ts” that will aid in your pregnancy planning. Moreover, you should consult your doctor as they are the experts and will be able to guide you better.

Do’s -

1. Take Multivitamins — Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you need to start taking folic acid. Folic acid is a type of vitamin B that reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the baby. It is recommended to take 400 mg of folic acid daily during the first trimester of your pregnancy. These multivitamins help in proper development of fetus and reduces the risk of birth defects.

2. Exercise — You can continue exercising but make sure it is in moderation. You can take up walking or swimming but avoid any strenuous workout. Regular exercise will help you sleep better, control your mood swings and reduces muscle pain. Talk with your doctor as they will be able to recommend you exercises suiting your condition.

3. Eat a balanced diet — Your diet should include all the variety such as fruits, vegetables, beans, pulses, cheese, meat and all other things. Eating a variety of food will help you gain all the nutrients required by you and your baby. If you have any doubts or if you are struggling to keep up with your diet, you can always ask your doctor. They will make a diet plan for you.

4. Get your flu shot — Just as you took home pregnancy kit test to confirm your pregnancy, the same way you need to take vaccine shots against certain diseases. It is safe to take vaccination during your pregnancy. Certain vaccinations such as vaccine against whooping cough, measles, rubella, mumps, influenza are advised to pregnant women. Taking these vaccines will reduce the risk of birth defects.

Don’ts -

1. Avoid certain food — Avoid raw, undercooked meat and eggs as it may cause infection such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. Also avoid unpasteurized milk and any food products from unpasteurized milk as it contains the bacteria ‘listeria’ and can cause illness, miscarriage or any further serious complications.

2. Don’t smoke, drink or use any drugs — If you drink alcohol or have a habit of smoking then you need to quit it right away. Smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs increases the risk of health problems and can cause complications. It may also result in stillbirth, birth defects or miscarriages. So, quit smoking, drinking or use of any drugs.

3. Avoid caffeine — if you are pregnant you have to limit your caffeine consumption. High levels of caffeine can lead to pregnancy complication. Caffeine traveling through placenta can increase baby’s heart rate. Limit your consumption to 2 cups of coffee. You can further ask your doctor for any help or advice.

4. Avoid losing weight during pregnancy — Do not cut back on food to lose weight. This will deprive your baby from getting proper nutrients for their growth. Maintain a healthy diet and manage weight by including variety of food from all the food group.

While this article covered only some of these dos and don’ts, there are many other things you need to follow to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Talk to your doctor and follow their advice as they will be able to help you out. The pregnancy due date calendar will let you know your estimate due date. I hope your pregnancy goes well and you deliver a healthy baby.