first time Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, especially if it is your first pregnancy, it seems like everybody around you have their opinion and advice on the matter. There are so many things that are supposedly recommended or not to keep in mind during pregnancy week by week.

So, we did a quick research on the topic and made a list that includes the 10 dos and don’t. So, read carefully and remember – pregnancy is such a wonderful experience! We hope that with our advice, we will help you to get the most out of those nine wonderful months with your baby growing and developing in your body.

To-do-list

  1. Do choose from the variety of foods which will provide a high level of calcium, iron, folate, zinc, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Your diet is one of the most important things that require extra attention. During pregnancy, all the levels of needed nutrients increase. A healthy diet will provide a healthy way to gain weight and maintain good health for you and your baby.
  2. Do remember to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
  3. Do say yes to prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are considered as insurance during pregnancy. Even if your diet consists of all the needed nutrients, there is nothing wrong to assure yourself you are getting the needed nutrients. Prenatal vitamins are especially recommended for women who are vegans and vegetarians, smokers, have a certain chronic disease or blood disease, are lactose intolerant, or women who are expecting twins!
  4. Do exercise. By exercising, you may decrease many of the uncomfortable symptoms – e.g. insomnia, weight gain, muscle pain, and mood problems. The exercise is good for you and your baby. However, you need to consult with your practitioner to find out how to properly dose each exercise. Yoga is especially recommended during pregnancy. It helps to calm the body and the mind. Do avoid any poses on the back after the first trimester. There is a risk of reducing blood flow to the uterus.
  5. Do limit caffeine – There is no need to cut off caffeine completely during the pregnancy, but it sure is recommended to be limited. Do not consume more than 200 mg caffeine a day. Caffeine increases the risk of miscarriage and having a baby with low birth weight.
  6. Do take care of your oral hygiene. By taking care of your oral hygiene, you decrease the risk of gingivitis, and an untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which increases the risk of premature birth and a baby with low birth weight. Avoid whitening your teeth, but do not avoid the dentist completely. Also, do not forget to brush your teeth at least twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste and floss in between meals.
  7. Do get a flu shot. Pregnant women are recommended to get a flu vaccine that will protect you and your baby. If you get the flu, while you are pregnant, there is an increased risk of serious complications, e.g., pneumonia to occur, compared with women who are not pregnant.
  8. Do keep away from the paint, cleaning supplies, refinishing your furniture, or refurnishing your house. These are all chores that you need to stay away from during pregnancy. If you must, use toxins-free cleaning supplies. Stay away from any activities that could cause exaction.
  9. Do have sex. Having sex during pregnancy is highly recommended. It will help you relax, and it is even used as a natural way to induce labor, because of the oxytocin which is released during orgasms. However, get consulted by your doctor in the proper position that will not harm the baby.
  10. Do get informed about the potential risks. It is important to get informed about the possible risks and complications that could occur, that way nothing could surprise you, also you will be able to notice any changes that need to be reported to the doctor right away.

Don’t list

  1. Do not eat for two. We all have heard the popular “advice” – “you need to eat for two now”, but the fact is that is all wrong. Although you will need to increase your daily intake of calories, there is no need to eat too much. Half of the women during pregnancy, increase their weight too much. Overweight women have increased the risk of hypertension and gestational diabetes.
  2. Do not eat raw meat and deli food (hot dogs, smoked salmon, sausages). Eating raw and rarely done meat increase the risk of food-borne illness and food poisoning. They could cause miscarriage, pregnancy, and birth complications.
  3. Do not drink alcohol. Drinking as little as one glass a day increases the risk of a baby with low birth weight, problems with speech, attention, learning, and hyperactivity. The most common problem is that most women are not aware that they are pregnant in the first trimester, while they are still using alcohol.
  4. Do not smoke. By smoking, you are increasing the risk of having a baby with a low birth weight, premature birth, respiratory problems, and miscarriage.
  5. Do not take drugs. If you are using cannabis, ecstasy, ketamine, cocaine or other illegal drugs, you need to be aware that they will cross through the placenta and affect your baby. By this, you will increase the risk of pregnancy complications and fetal abnormalities. Also, consult your doctor before you start taking any over-the-counter drugs.
  6. Do not use a hot tub or sauna. Although we all known how hot tubs and saunas increase the level of relaxation, they are recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. Research shows that using a hot tub, Jacuzzi, and saunas during pregnancy, increases the risk of miscarriage.
  7. Do not clean your cat’s litter box. If you own a cat, leave the job to clean its litter box to someone else. Cat feces can transmit toxoplasmosis; that is a parasitic infection which increases the risk of pregnancy and birth complications.
  8. Do not stay too much in the sun. Due to the hormonal change, your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy. Remember to use a protective factor of 50 when exposed to the sun.
  1. Do not hesitate to visit your doctor. Your doctor is here to answer all of your questions.
  2. Do not stress out! Stress is bad for you and your baby. Breathe and relax. Although this is your first pregnancy and you must feel scared, there is no need to stress out. Your body is prepared for this; it just needs your help along the way.

Conclusion :

Although we all know that phrase – listen to the older, they are wiser, sometimes that creates an overwhelming feeling, especially when you are expecting your first baby and everyone seem to know better than you.

Listen to your doctor, relax and just count the days until your loved one shows. Until then, we hope we can help you with this advice to maintain good health for you and your baby in the next nine months.

Author Bio:

Sophie Addison is a popular blogger and skincare expert. She is very passionate about writing on skincare and beauty. She has posted articles on tips for fine lines under eyes, best eye creams, weight loss and  fitness news. In recent years, she had an opportunity to review murad resurgence skin care. Apart from work she likes gardening and listening music.