pregnancy dos and donts

There are plenty of restrictions for pregnant women. dont do this, dont do that, eat this, not that!! below is a handy list of the do's and dont's to help you have a healthy and safe journey towards motherhood.

Pregnancy Dos
Make sure to eat all the vitamins and minerals prescribed your doctor, everyday. Iron is important during your pregnancy but sometimes you don't get the necessary amount you need from the foods you eat, so consult your doctor if you should be taking a daily multivitamin or a prenatal vitamin. Also find out how to get your your daily dose of folic acid and other medicines from your doctor.

Eating a healthy diet is so much important. Include a diet of fruits and vegetables with your daily meals. calcium-rich foods (such as non-fat or low-fat yogurt, milk, and broccoli) should be also eaten by you because not only you, but your baby needs it for strong bones and teeth. Avoid eating fatty foods. Choose leaner foods instead such as skim milk, chicken and turkey without the skin, and fish

Focus on your weight gain too. Try to gain a healthy weight, not an excessive weight gain. If you are underweight ask your doctor how much should weight you should gain. If you are overweight do not diet by any chance, just avoid consuming fatty foods!

Try to sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours a night. Sleep deprivation is common for a pregnant women due to the aches, nausea feeling and frequent bathroom visits. Avoid long naps in the afternoons and eat large meals at least three hours before getting into bed. Sleep on your side and use pillows between your legs and under your belly to help you get comfortable.

Take time out to d-stress. Do things that please you and avoid those that give you stress. Your family will surely co-operate with you as they know what you are going through during the pregnancy.

Exercising, swimming, walking are some regular activities important for fitness. low-impact exercises are fine for pregnant women but check up with your doctor before you begin any activity.

Wear your seat-belt correctly. Seat belts used correctly protect you and your unborn baby during a crash.The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that pregnant women use seat belts that have a lap belt and a shoulder strap (3-point restraint). Seat belt straps should never go across your belly. The lap strap should go under the belly, across the hips. The shoulder strap should go off to the side of your belly and between your breasts. If you are not driving, the back seat is the safest place to sit.

Pregnancy Don'ts
Don't eat fish with lots of mercury.

Don't use chemical products including herbicides, pesticides, paint, stains etc as these can be harmful to your baby.

Don't clean or change a cat's litter box. This could put you at risk for an infection called toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that cats can carry in their feces and can harm a fetus.

Don't take very hot baths as high temperatures can be harmful to the fetus, or cause you to faint.

Don't smoke tobacco. If you do, quitting is hard, but you can do it. Smoking during pregnancy passes nicotine and cancer-causing drugs to your baby. Smoke also keeps your baby from getting needed nourishment and raises the risk of stillbirth and premature birth (a small baby born too early).

Don't use drugs and drink alcohol, even if you are addicted to it. you know why? its harmful! You love your tiny baby inside your womb and will do anything to keep your baby's growth healthy and safe. All the best for your delivery!