Pregnancy 101: What Are the Dos and Don’ts?

Before your young one is born, it’s your responsibility to ensure that they are nurtured in a healthy environment. During your pregnancy, there are plenty of psychological and physiological changes that will occur. This is why it’s important to be cautious about what to do and not to do.

There will be plenty of unforeseen circumstances, but getting the right information makes the difference in ensuring that you get a healthy baby.

Learn more about the dos and don’ts during pregnancy in this guide.

4 Pregnancy Dos

Take Folic Acids

Folic acid is a crucial vitamin B that comes highly recommended for pregnant women, especially within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. One of the key benefits of this vitamin is that it plays a critical role in preventing neural tube defects. Doctors and nutritionists recommend that women should consume at least 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid a day.

This type of acid is commonly found in citrus fruits and leafy vegetables. The other alternative that can provide you with the required daily intake is taking folic acid tablets. Most women that are on medication for seizures, diabetes, or have higher body mass index may need to get large doses of folic acid. If you aren’t sure of the right dosage to take, it’s best to consult with your doctor.

Exercise Moderately

Working out is healthy for you and your baby, but the exercises you undertake should be done moderately (at least thirty minutes a day). Regular moderate exercises are effective in combating regular hormonal and mood changes common in your first trimester. Exercising while pregnant is also effective at battling insomnia and preventing weight gain.

Get Enough Rest

When you are pregnant, you will constantly find yourself tired. This happens because your body is going through drastic changes as it tries to develop a new life-providing system. During pregnancy, mothers are also going through different emotional and hormonal changes.

This is the reason why you should get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night. It’s also advisable that you sleep on your left side since it prevents swelling and helps blood flow through you and your baby. Using a pillow under your tummy and between your legs can also help you get more comfortable throughout the night.

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

As you are planning your meals, you should incorporate some colored fruits and vegetables. A few that should be top of your list include blueberries, yellow bananas, red apples, carrots, oranges, and green spinach. The brightly colored fruits are full of nutrients and antioxidants, and this is what your baby feeds through the amniotic fluid.

3 Pregnancy Don’ts

Never Smoke

If you were smoking before getting pregnant, the results could be catastrophic if you carry on with the same habit while pregnant. According to Jessica Carlson from Healthline, women who regularly smoke are at risk of getting a miscarriage. Smoking while pregnant is also associated with different congenital disabilities such as infant death, low birth weight, premature birth, and cleft lip. Even after a successful conception, the babies of such women are at high risk of learning disabilities.

E-cigarettes may have less toxic substances, but they still have large amounts of nicotine, which is a health danger to both the mother and baby. In fact, nicotine can damage your developing baby’s lung and brain.

Don’t Consume Alcohol

There isn’t any amount of alcohol that is considered safe for pregnant women. Drinking alcohol can have severe health effects on your developing baby at all stages. Drinking alcohol regularly during the first few weeks of your pregnancy in particular can have harmful effects while alcohol during pregnancy can sometimes lead to issues with the baby’s nervous system.

Skip the Sauna

When pregnant, it’s best if you avoid the hot tub and sauna. This is because you are at high risk of dehydration, overheating, and fainting whenever you use the steam room, hot tub, and whirlpool. Your body’s core temperature will rise significantly, and your body can’t lose heat effectively.

If you are in the first trimester of your pregnancy, the rise in your core temperature can profoundly affect your baby’s development. Several studies indicate that women have a higher chance of miscarriage when they visit the sauna during their first trimester.

Final Thoughts

When you are pregnant and soon expecting a new family member, you’ll definitely try to get your home ready for a new baby. Start to think about your nursery and all the things you will need around the house and have it ready prior to any arrival. You’ll have plenty to keep you busy when the baby does arrive – trust us 🙂

If you’re looking for ways to announce your pregnancy news to family and friends, check out these memorable gender reveal ideas.

Thanks for reading.

Helen, Nial and Lewis.