Whether you’re pregnant for the first time or sixth, once that pregnancy test is positive, your world will be turned upside down. As you come to terms with your new situation, you’ll probably be a little anxious about what to do or not to do while pregnant.
It is common to have a lot of questions – Do I need to cut out coffee throughout my pregnancy? Is it safe to drink any amount of alcohol? What about cheese—am I allowed to eat cheese? Below you will find a list of ‘Dos’ and a list of ‘Don’ts’. It includes some suggestions for your first trimester of pregnancy. But as always, not all pregnancies are the same. So make sure to consult your doctor before following this list, switching up your diet or beginning a new workout routine. The more information you can gather the better. Here are some of my suggestions to help answer your questions:
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Pregnancy Do’s
Do take vitamins: Taking vitamins, especially vitamin D and folic acid, is essential for pregnant women. Avoid possible birth defects with folic acid, and take vitamin D to avoid preterm labor or possible infections while giving birth.
Do exercise: Moderately, of course. Most may think that pregnant women shouldn’t move much and be careful at all times. But in reality, there are many pregnancy workouts that expecting moms should try!
Do your research about pregnancy: This is applicable if you don’t have anyone to ask about whatever you want to know about pregnancy, especially if you’re a first-time mom. Oh, and make sure that you pick reliable information! You will find a wealth of experience amongst your friends and family – always keep in mind that every pregnancy will be different and not all advice or research will necessarily be accurate for your particular pregnancy.
Do your best not to get stressed: Most expecting moms tend to think about anything and everything. Getting stressed when pregnant should be avoided as much as possible. Try to come up with hobbies that’ll help you relax and have happy thoughts.
Do take the required pregnancy test and vaccinations: When you’re pregnant, regular check-ups with your designated doctor or midwife are highly recommended. This way, you can check your baby’s progress which will increase the chance of avoiding any sort of complications while you’re pregnant.
Do have a pregnancy journal: This is one way to keep track of you and your baby’s condition. It’s also a great way to keep the memories of when your baby’s still inside you. Most moms confess that they remember very little out of the nine months they were carrying their baby, which is understandable. A pregnancy journal is not only a lovely way to remember that special time when it was just you and your baby, but it is also a great stress reliever as you concentrate on filling in all the special details about this time.
Do this first if you have plans on traveling: Check with your doctor first if you have any travel plans. Visiting different places while your baby bump isn’t showing yet may be a nice idea, but did you know that the first three months is the most crucial time during pregnancy?
Be aware of the symptoms that you should look out for: You should know when to contact your doctor or midwife immediately. Some pregnancy symptoms might indicate that something’s wrong with the baby, even if you feel like you’re okay. If something unusual is happening with your baby, do not hesitate to ask for help immediately!
Pregnancy Don’ts
Don’t eat too much: You don’t need extra calories in trimester one or two. In trimester three, you should eat 200 extra calories if you’re active.
Don’t take alcohol: Keep away from alcohol, particularly in trimester one when your baby’s brain is undergoing a period of extensive development.
Don’t smoke: Cigarette smoking can expose your baby to all kinds of health problems. So there’s no better time to quit. Seek support, as this can make you more likely to stay off cigarettes.
Don’t abuse drugs: Cannabis, cocaine, meta-amphetamines, psychoactive substances (also called “legal highs”) can all increase both your risk of health issues and that of the baby.
Don’t go playing rugby or diving: Most exercise is healthy and safe during pregnancy, but some activities may cause injury to your baby. Avoid activities where you may be at risk of injury, such as contact sports.
Don’t take too much caffeine: High caffeine levels can lead to low birth weight babies, potentially increasing the risk of medical conditions later in life. Also, too much caffeine has been shown to cause miscarriage.
Don’t diet while pregnant: Cutting out certain food groups can deprive your baby of nutrients they require for growth. Instead, eat a healthy well-balanced diet throughout your pregnancy.
Don’t even think about going to saunas: Keep away from saunas and hot tubs. Each time you use a hot tub, sauna or steam room, you risk suffering overheating, fainting, and dehydration.
Your body can’t lose heat properly through sweat and your core temperature will rise too. It’s highly likely that a drastic increase in your body’s core temperature might negatively impact your baby’s development, particularly during the first trimester. In fact, some studies suggest that using one of these facilities in the first trimester doubles your chances of having a miscarriage.
Bonus Pregnancy Tip
Avoid using chemicals! Harmful chemicals contained in plastics, home cleaning products, pesticides, and paint can put your unborn baby at risk. Avoid all chemicals if you can, or use them with caution.
And if you can, always go for metal, glass, stainless steel or BPA-free plastic bottle when drinking. BPA contained in plastic is extremely toxic and can increase risks.
Take Care of Yourself While Pregnant
The first trimester is the most important stage for taking precautions. But it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to take care of yourself for the rest of your pregnancy. Get enough nourishment and live as healthily as you can while you’re pregnant. You’ll never know, you might even continue with the healthy routine you came up with when you’re pregnant even after you’ve given birth! ????