Do’s and Don’ts During Pregnancy

The nine months of pregnancy is always filled with excitement and anxiousness. The health of your child now depends on you. You are now responsible in providing your little bundle of joy a healthy and nurturing environment.

Of course, there’s the usual common sense taboos during your pregnancy: no drinking alcohol, no smoking, and definitely no strenuous exercise. However, this list aims to broaden your knowledge outside these common sense taboos, and help you in deciding what you should— and shouldn’t do— during those nine months.

Do Take Vaccinations

There is a list of vaccines that you should take before, after, and during pregnancy. These vaccines are made available to help you have a better health during those nine months. Vaccines help protect you and your baby against serious diseases. Getting vaccinated should be one of your priorities so that you and your child will be safe during and after your pregnancy.

Do Take A Multivitamin

Eating right is the best way for you and your baby to become healthy, however, a healthy diet alone may not be enough to sustain you and your baby’s nutritional needs during your pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins contain the needed nutrients expecting mothers need, since they require a higher dose than the usual. Ask your doctor for help on what multivitamin would be best for you and your baby.

Do Go To Sleep On Your Side In The Third Trimester

There has been various researches relating stillbirth and sleep position. It has been found that sleeping on your side is safer for pregnant women, most especially during their third trimester. Sleeping on your left side increases the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and your baby. Ideally, you should keep your knees bent and put a pillow in between your legs for optimum comfort.

Do Eat Cooked Seafood

Seafood is loaded with vitamins and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and iron. One thing to look out for however, is the preparation of seafood. Eating them raw or undercooked can lead you to food poisoning like Salmonella or Vibrio vulnificus. Aside from this, make sure to avoid fish with high levels of mercury to avoid mercury poisoning. When preparing your meals or eating outside, make sure to pay close attention to the preparation and only buy your seafood from trusted markets.

Do Have Sex

Although it isn’t necessarily required, sex is perfectly safe during pregnancy. Most women who have a normal pregnancy may continue to have sex right until their water breaks or until they go into labor. There are some instances though where having sex is not allowed, and your doctor or midwife will be sure to inform you if ever this happens. To be safe, feel free to ask your medical practitioner regarding this.

Don’t Eat For Two

There’s a common misconception that you should eat for two when you are pregnant. And naturally, people find no fault in it because you do have another life growing inside of you. However, this mentality is the reason why people become overweight during their pregnancy. Remember that fad or unprescribed diets are not recommended during pregnancy, your weight and health is of utmost importance during pregnancy. There is no need for extra calories in the first and second trimester. For the third trimester however, an extra 200 calories is recommended if you are active.

Don’t Eat Deli Meat

Deli meat is cooked meats that have been sliced, prepared for light dining. A lot of people prefer deli meats because of their low price and accessibility, however, it is not advised for pregnant women to consume them. This is because during their term, pregnant women are more susceptible to Listeria, a type of bacteria found in contaminated food or deli meat. As a precaution, wait until after your pregnancy to consume deli meats once more.

Don’t Sit In A Hot Tub Or Sauna

Taking a hot bath or going to the sauna is undeniably relaxing and refreshing, however, you might want to double think your decision if you are pregnant. There has even been a research conducted saying that going to the sauna or taking a hot bath can lead to miscarriage, especially if done in the first trimester. So instead of going to the sauna for pregnancy aches and pains, you might want to consider other activities such as getting a prenatal massage, doing prenatal yoga, and exercising in a swimming pool instead to help get the weight off your joints.

Don’t Eat Unpasteurized Dairy

Raw milk can come from cows, sheeps, or goats. Raw milk contains harmful microorganisms that can pose a serious health risk for anyone who drinks it. To remove any harmful bacteria, raw milk is pasteurized. When in doubt of whether or not a particular product is pasteurized, make sure to read the label of the package and ask your grocer or store clerk. If you are unsure of whether or not it is pasteurized, it is best to play safe and not buy the product instead.

Don’t Wear Stilettos

As your belly grows, your center of gravity will shift forward, which causes pregnant women to lean back. Adding high stilettos to this will only ensure pain and maybe even an accident. You’ll also be experiencing swollen ankles during your pregnancy, so stickin with shoes that are at least three inches or less would be best for your comfort.

These are just some of the things that you have to note if you are pregnant or planning to. For more, make sure to visit your obstetrician-gynecologist for their professional opinion. Book your appointments online with SeeYouDoc to save yourself the time and effort in calling or visiting your doctor to schedule your appointment.

References: Healthline, Tommy’s