Pregnancy Do's and Don'ts

Do take prenatal vitamins with folic acid. Medical studies have

demonstrated that folic acid can help to prevent birth defects. Many women may

have a deficiency of folic acid. Your doctor will recommend that you take a

prenatal vitamin with folic acid and you will want to be sure to follow that

advice. There are many brands of prenatal vitamins available at most grocery stores or health food stores.

Don't smoke tobacco. Tobacco has been found to be harmful to

pregnant women and their babies. Do avoid second hand smoke as much

as possible.

Do learn about pregnancy information, and what to expect in your

pregnancy each week, month, and trimester. Look these topics up online, read books and talk to your doctor about any

pregnancy related questions you may have.

Don't lift heavy objects or do strenuous labor. While it is a great

idea to do mild exercise like walking, this is not a time for seeing how much

weight you can lift at the gym. Read Fit Pregnancy magazine for ideas on

maintaining your ideal pregnancy weight.

Do eat health foods. Everything you eat has a positive or negative

effect upon the growing baby in your womb. Feed your baby health foods,

fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, brown rice, whole grain breads, lean chicken, milk, yogurt, etc.

Don't drink alcohol. It is best to abstain and not have any. Although

some doctors say it is okay to have one glass of wine with dinner on the

weekend, be sure to ask your own doctor about your particular body and

individual health situation.

Do enjoy being a mom. This is a magical and special time in your

life. Rather than stress out about the outcome, be sure to enjoy the journey.

Your baby will feel happy and healthy if you are feeling happy and healthy.

Watch some funny shows on television and have a good laugh. Read some

entertaining books, and listen to some pleasant music and sing along.

Smile and rub your belly, while you talk to you baby and say "I love you."

Monica Nelson writes about health topics, about womens health issues, and about specific topics such as early pregnancy symptoms and what to expect in your pregnancy week by week. These health articles are provided as a helpful news service and are not to be considered medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about health issues such as pregnancy.

Diet And Lifestyle Changes While Planning A Pregnancy

Planning a pregnancy makes it imperative that you adopt certain dietary and lifestyle changes if you want a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. A body that is fit mentally and physically will find it easy to handle the strain of pregnancy and childbirth. You may benefit by planning a pregnancy as you are prepared for it, and can get your body in shape before conception.

Changes During The Pre Pregnancy Period

While planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to visit your doctor. A check up will establish if it is safe for you to have a baby, and it will shed light on issues that may need attention. Issues like male fertility problems or female infertility can be dealt with.

Lifestyle changes are extremely important as they play a major role in influencing pregnancy. An ideal body weight that is correct for a person of your height is recommended. Weight plays an important role, as underweight as well as obese women are susceptible to fertility problems. Obese women have more chances of developing complications such as hypertension and diabetes. So, if you are considering pregnancy planning, it is time you got fit. Walking, yoga, and light exercise that do not tire you too much may be taken up. Yoga and meditation are good as they help you relax reducing stress.

You have to give up smoking, alcohol; drugs etc. as they influence fertility as well as have a harmful effect on your health as well as that of the child's. If your work exposes you to teratogens such as heavy metals, solvents, radiation, anesthesia, paint fumes, dry cleaning liquids etc., you may require to change your job, as they are harmful during pregnancy. If your work requires that you stand for long periods of time, or if you have to work in shifts, you may also consider a change of job.

Saunas and hot tubs are better avoided as these have been said to increase the chances of neural tube defect in babies.

Diet also plays a very important role. You may start to eat healthy during the pre conception phase itself. Eating regular meals that are balanced and nutritious is important. Green leafy vegetables, orange juice, fortified cereals, bread, cereals, noodles, potatoes, rice are good. Multi-vitamin and folic acid supplements are also encouraged to be consumed as they greatly reduce the chances of babies with birth defects and neural tube defects etc. Dry fruits, greens, nuts, green leafy vegetables etc. are also good sources of iron, which is important too. Milk and milk products such as yoghurt are good.

Certain foods are best avoided during pre pregnancy such as raw or undercooked meat, soft cheese, raw fish etc., as they may cause severe pregnancy complications. Mercury rich fish such as shark, marlin, and sword fish are a no no while planning a pregnancy. Coffee is best taken in moderation, if possible better avoided completely. Foods that are rich in vitamin A may be taken in moderation as vitamin A in excess is not good, either.

Do not take medication. without consulting your physician and finding out if it is safe. If you have a disease condition, do find out if it is safe to take the necessary medication. Do ask your doctor before trying a new product such as a hair fall prevention formula. This applies for the fathers too. Generally, have fun planning a pregnancy.

Apurva is an expert on pregnancy related subjects such as early pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy diet and lifestyle issues. She writes on subjects such as planning a pregnancy, male fertility problems and female infertility and other aspects of pregnancy and childbirth.

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