Pregnancy is a heavenly feeling and is always associated with mixed emotions and discomforts. Trouble, anxiety and uneasiness grapple you for nine months. Once you become pregnant you will be flooded with information about what you should do and what you should not. These advices are showered on you from various quarters which may include both familiar and unfamiliar people, books and the internet. But the main decision lies on you. Maintaining a balance is the most important factor that you need to keep in mind. You are the one who can make the right choice after taking advice from your doctor. Read on to know some do’s and don’ts for pregnancy.
Important areas for consideration
1. Food
There are certain foods which need to be avoided because they can cause infections in pregnant women or can be the reason behind miscarriage. Food items, mainly raw meat like sushi, uncooked meat or poultry, liver and products made of liver, fishes rich in mercury content like sharks, king mackerels, sword fish etc. should always be avoided. Again raw eggs, unpasteurized cheeses like camembert, brie, gorgonzola, roquefort, feta etc. should also not be eaten. Alcohol and food items containing caffeine (like coffee) are a strict no no. Always try to eat healthy foods rich in fiber content along with lots and lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. Calcium rich foods like low-fat milk and yoghurt are a must during pregnancy. Always try to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and other fluids like healthy soups, fruit and vegetable juices etc.
2. Exercise
Exercising is a very healthy practice. But during pregnancy it should always be done after taking your doctor’s advice and that too at a very slow pace. Swimming and walking are good for you. On the other hand, high altitude or heavy weight exercises, scuba diving etc. should be completely avoided.
3. Body temperature
During pregnancy, maintaining a moderate body temperature is considered to be good both for the mother and the child. Extreme temperatures like saunas, steam baths, and other spa treatments related to temperature should be avoided. These may have adverse affects on your child.
4. In-house safety
Doing all your household work yourself is a good form of exercise which will help you in staying fit. But you need to keep certain things in mind like avoiding pesticides which is available as aerosol sprays, strong cleaners, paints and various other solvents. They can cause birth defects in the child and lead to many other severe complications.
5. Pets
Stay away from cats because they can be the cause of a dangerous disease called Toxoplasmosis. This is a parasitic disease which can infect you after coming in contact with the faeces of cats. It can also lead to birth defects or miscarriages.
6. Smoking
Smoking (both active and passive) should be totally avoided. Various studies have proved that low birth weight, birth defects and premature births are caused by smoking.
7. Drugs
Drugs in any form are extremely dangerous for the growing baby. Cocaine, a form of drug can prevent the flow of oxygen and other essential nutrients to the baby which in turn can cause very serious birth defects. It can also cause addiction in the child in certain cases.
8. Driving
While driving, always put on your seat belt and drive cautiously. Avoid driving yourself if you feel tired, nauseous or weak.
9. Pre-natal checks
They are very essential. Go for your check-ups regularly and if you miss any, immediately take a new appointment with your gynecologist. This will keep conditions like blood pressure, diabetes and asthma on check.
10. Avoid tension
Try to stay away from tension, stress and anxiety and always be positive. You can try reading some good books, or you can listen to some soothing music to keep your mind refreshed.
Every pregnancy is unique with its own set of difficulties. The most important thing is that you need to cope with these problems on your own with the help of your family and friends and most importantly your doctor. It is the most lovely phase in your life. So, stop worrying and keep going.