Do’s And Don’ts in Pregnancy

Pregnancy Do’s :

1. See your doctor regularly.
2. Continue taking folic acid throughout your pregnancy. All women capable of pregnancy should get 400 to 800 micro-grams (400 to 800 mcg or 0.4 to 0.8 mg) of folic acid every day. Getting enough folic acid lowers the risk of some birth defects.
3. Eat a variety of healthy foods. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium rich foods, lean meats, and a variety of cooked seafood.
4. Drink extra fluids, especially water.
5. Get moving, unless your doctor tells you otherwise, physical activity is good for you and your baby.
6. Gain a healthy amount of weight. Gaining more than the recommended amount during pregnancy increases a woman’s risk for pregnancy complications.
7. Wash hands, especially after handling raw meat or using the bathroom.
8. Get enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours every night. Resting on your left side helps blood flow to you and your baby and prevents swelling. Using pillows between your legs and under your belly will help you get comfortable.
9. Consult your doctor before stopping any medicines you take or taking any new medicines. Prescription, over-the counter, and herbal medicine all can harm your baby.

Pregnancy Don’ts:

1. Don’t smoke tobacco. Quitting is hard, but you can do it! Ask your doctor for help. Smoking during pregnancy passes nicotine and cancer-causing drugs to your baby. Smoking also keeps your baby from getting needed nourishment and raises the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and infant death.
2. Avoid exposure to toxic substances and chemicals, such as cleaning solvents, lead and mercury, some insecticides, and paint. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to paint fumes.
3. Protect yourself and your baby from food borne illness, which can cause serious health problems and even death. Handle, clean, cook, eat, and store food properly.
4. Don’t drink alcohol. There is no known safe amount of alcohol a woman can drink while pregnant. Both drinking every day and drinking a lot of alcohol once in a while during pregnancy can harm the baby.
5. Don’t use illegal drugs. Tell your doctor if you are using drugs. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, speed (amphetamines), barbiturates, and LSD are very dangerous for you and your baby.
6. Don’t clean or change a cat’s litter box. This could put you at risk for toxo-plasmosis, an infection that can be very harmful to the fetus.
7. Don’t eat swordfish, king mackerel, shark, and tile fish, which are high in mercury.
8. Avoid contact with rodents and with their urine, droppings, or nesting material. This includes household pests and pet rodents, such as guinea pigs and hamsters. Rodents can carry a virus that can be harmful or even deadly to your unborn baby.
9. Don’t take very hot baths or use hot tubs or saunas. High temperatures can be harmful to the fetus, or cause you to faint.
10. Don’t use scented feminine hygiene products. Pregnant women should avoid scented sprays, sanitary napkins, and bubble bath. These products might irritate your vaginal area, and increase your risk of a urinary tract infection or yeast infection.
11. Don’t douche. Douching can irritate the vagina, force air into the birth canal and increase the increase the risk of infection.
12. Avoid x-rays. If you must have dental work or diagnostic tests, tell your dentist or physician that you are pregnant so that extra care can be taken.

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