Things to Do and Not to Do During Pregnancy

There are so many things that you can do to keep yourself and your baby healthy during the stage of pregnancy. There might be some risks associated with this stage but you can always avoid them as long as you know the things that you should do and should not do during pregnancy. Ignorance is one of the biggest and unacceptable mistakes one can make so to help you go through this special moment in your life, below are some of the most important things that you should do and should not do during pregnancy:

Things to Do During Pregnancy

• Get Regular Medical Check-ups

This is one of the best and surest ways to avoid the complications and problems that may arise during pregnancy.

• Ask Your Doctor for RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for Prenatal Supplements

By getting the right amount of prenatal supplements like vitamins, minerals and folic acid, you are significantly reducing your baby's risk for health complications.

• Get German Measles Vaccination

German measles is very dangerous especially if it is caught by a pregnant woman. This may lead to fetal deformities and miscarriages.

• Eat Protein-rich Foods

Pregnant women are often advised to have at least 100 grams of protein intake each day. This is essential for the proper growth and development of the baby's brain. Protein is also the mother's protection against preeclampsia.

• Eat Healthy Foods and Exercise

Your diet should include plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals and other nutrients that are necessary to keep yourself and your baby healthy. It is also recommended that you follow some pregnancy exercise programs to watch your weight.

• Consult your Doctor for Preexisting Medical Conditions

Preexisting medical conditions are one of the common causes of high risk pregnancy. If you have history of chronic health problems, open it up to your doctor so that he can come up with the medical recommendations.

• Get Enough Fat

Non-pregnant women normally avoid foods rich in cholesterol and fat but these are necessary for pregnant women because fats and cholesterol are necessary to absorb the fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.

• Learn the Kegal Exercise

Labor and child delivery can be very painful especially when the Kegal muscles are very weak. To avoid experiencing too much pain, it is very important that you do Kegal exercises.

• Focus on your Baby and Think Positively

Prenatal bonding is necessary for the healthy well being of your baby. To do this, you should always think of your baby along with the positive thoughts of having him in your womb.

• Avoid traveling but if you really have to travel, take extra care!

There are special considerations required for pregnant women who are traveling. As much as possible, pregnant women should avoid traveling especially to foreign countries but if there is really a need to travel, you have to get complete immunity vaccination.

Things Not to Do during Pregnancy

• Smoking, Drinking Alcohol and Taking Illegal Drugs

These three are known as health hazards even when you are pregnant or not. Thus, these three are even more hazardous when done or taken by a pregnant woman because of the baby inside her womb.

• Taking Over-the-Counter or Prescription Drugs

Prescription or over-the-counter drugs may be safe for non-pregnant women but may be devastating when taken by pregnant women especially during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy.

• Avoid Raising Your Temperature

Temperature above 102 degrees may pose danger to the fetus that is developing and growing in your womb.

• Avoid Drinking Too Much Coffee

Too much coffee or other drinks with caffeine may cause diabetes to develop.

• Avoid Eating Salmon and Sardines

Salmon and sardines contain high level of mercury and this may affect the development of the child's brain.

• Avoid Eating Junk Foods

Junk foods do not have vitamins and protein and junk foods may easily fill you up and may prevent you from eating other healthy foods.

• Avoid Too Much Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for pregnant women but excessive intake of Vitamin A may cause birth defects and other problems.

• Avoid X-Rays

Exposure to X-rays may cause birth defects and fetal deformities.

• Avoid Exposure to Pesticides

Exposure to pesticides has a variety of devastating effects on the fetus depending on the type of chemical, intensity and length of exposure.

• Avoid Stress

Stress and emotional problems may cause high risk pregnancy and miscarriages.

There are a lot more things to do and to avoid during the stage of pregnancy and becoming aware of these things is the best way to keep yourself and your baby in good condition during this special moment of your life!