DOS AND DON’TS DURING PREGNANCY

Pregnancy can come on as the most exciting as well as the most stressful moment at the same time, especially for women at the onset of their first pregnancy. There are a number of myths that are often misleading when it comes to dos and don’ts during pregnancy and our specialists here at Yashoda Hospital are keen to provide you with scientifically-proven guidelines that will reduce your risk of pregnancy complications or any kind of loss while you are expecting. There are of course no written rules to follow when it comes to diet since pregnancy is only natural and experiences and the needs that come with them differ from one person to another.
Below are some of the tips that based on research evidence put out for you as some dos and don’ts during pregnancy

Diet

It is very common for pregnant women to experience morning sickness and episodes of nausea in the first trimester. This may occur occasionally in some women, rather consistently in others, as often as daily while some may not experience it at all. However, you need not worry about the unprecedented changes in your system or body functions because this is a natural phase of pregnancy. In most cases, by the time you enter your second trimester, you will no longer refrain from looking at food and in fact, start gaining back your appetite and perhaps crave certain kinds of food for which you might want to seek advice for a balanced diet during your pregnancy.

• A balanced diet with the right amount of calories is a must.
• Avoid excessive intake of fried foods which will lead to weight gain that may complicate labour
• For a healthier alternative in your daily diet, switch to a whole wheat base
• Homemade foods must always be preferred over ready-made or factory-processed foods
• Follow the pregnancy diet chart planned by your doctor based on your medical history
• Check your weight and BMI regularly
• Include folic acid in your diet such as okra, spinach, peas, and pulses like masoor, urad, and arhar dal
• Take antioxidant-rich fruits. Include as many coloured fruits as possible such as apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, and watermelon
• Have smaller meals frequently to satiate mid-meal hunger pangs which will regulate your calorie intake
• Do not skip meals because your body needs more nutrients than just for yourself since your baby receives all the nutrients needed for development and growth from you
• Stay hydrated at all times. Take at least 13 cups of fluids daily to avoid dehydration and overheating
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol or drugs likes cocaine, skunk and ecstasy will cause the foetus to be vulnerable to serious abnormalities
• Avoid uncooked foods like raw fish, raw eggs, raw milk, etc. which may contain bacteria that can be harmful to the developing foetus.

Activity

You are advised to stay away from physical activities that strain your joints and muscles such as heavy weightlifting and hot yoga. However, being physically active during pregnancy gives you various health benefits that lower the risk of excessive weight gain. Moderate physical activity will keep your body and your mind fit while optimising smooth pregnancy and delivery. Here are some of the dos and don’ts of activities during pregnancy-

• Exercise moderately daily and stay active. This may include walking, swimming, cycling on a stationary bike, and engaging in low-impact aerobic training
• In case of complicated pregnancy, let your doctor know about every unusual development or discomfort in performing your daily routine
• Travelling by bus, train, or air and taking the stairs or driving is safe provided you do not have any morning sickness
• Stay away from activities that involve straining such as heavy weightlifting, hiking in high altitudes, skating, horse or bike riding, and hot yoga

Immediately inform your doctor if you experience any dizziness, chest pain, breathing problem, contractions, or vaginal bleeding while doing any of these physical activities

Prenatal care

Maintaining a balanced personal diet and moderate physical activity is vital for a healthy pregnancy. However, prenatal care is absolutely necessary to ensure a safe and successful pregnancy. Here are some of the most significant dos and don’ts of prenatal care-

• Do not skip any antenatal check-ups
• Do not miss your level-2 ultrasound in the second trimester
• Do not stress over the absence or presence of baby movements as long as your pregnancy is smooth
• Do not delay any tests such as for anaemia, diabetes, and others during the first trimester
• Get the 12-week ultrasound and double-maker test done to avoid the chance so Down’s Syndrome in the baby

Other personal care

Being caught up in your normal routine or activities can be very common and this tends to happen in case of smooth or uncomplicated pregnancies. However, at the onset of your pregnancy, you need to review your daily routine right away. This includes household chores, work routine, sleep cycle, and all other personal commitments. Some of the dos and don’ts that may sound simple yet go a long way to determine the outcome of your pregnancy are as follows-

• Set a regular sleep cycle at all costs. You must sleep at least eight hours every day
• Continue with your household chores and avoid taking unnecessary pregnancy precautions in the final trimester since little exercise may complicate the pregnancy in reverse
• Stay away from things that stress you out. Mental health and stress management are absolutely essential for your overall health
• If your everyday or work life involves vigorous aerobic activity or intense physical activity, talk thoroughly with your doctor and constantly check on your activity level

Whom to consult?

To ensure a safe and successful pregnancy, it is vital to begin your prenatal journey with the necessary knowledge and basic dos and don’ts. The care has to begin right from the first trimester in order to prepare and take essential precautions while your doctor guides you throughout your pregnancy until the delivery. Our specialists in the Department of Gynaecology at Yashoda Hospital who are highly trained and experienced in prenatal care are ready to usher you through your pregnancy right from its onset with the best service.

For any query on Personal care and Pregnancy, please reach out to us on our official website www.yashodahealthcare.com, or book an appointment with our Gynaecology/Obstetrics specialists Dr. Sashi Arora and Dr. Gauri Agarwal by calling us on 09810922042.