Ten Not TO DO Pregnancy Tips

What Not To Do During Pregnancy: 

1. Understand The Term eat' For Two': 

It is a common saying that a pregnant woman must eat a meal for two. But that is not really true. Your baby gets nutrients from what you eat; hence, your focus should be on eating healthy and nutritious food, NOT eat twice the amount you'd normally eat pre-pregnancy! In most cases, all you need is to each an extra 300 calories every day, which translates to an extra helping of that rice or salad. Consult your doctor for more information on the ideal pregnancy diet for your body.

2. Give Up On Seafood: 

This is the major concern for pregnant women. Pregnant women are advised to restrict their seafood consumption is that studies show that more consumption of seafood leads to higher levels of mercury. However, fish is also a great source of DHA, which is important for the brain development of your baby. So, in case you decide to do away with seafood from your diet completely for the next nine months, make sure you consume DHA from other sources like a DHA supplement.

3. Ban Alcohol, Colas, And Caffeine: 

Alcohol is a complete no-no during pregnancy as it can put your baby at a risk of irreversible birth defects. Though no safe limit has been prescribed, it's best to avoid alcohol during pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding your baby. As far as consumption of caffeine and tea goes, there is no clear guideline. However, there are links found between caffeine consumption and miscarriage, low birth weight and growth retardation. So do try to minimize caffeine from your diet.

4. Do Not Gain Too Much Weight: 

Some will tell you that the more weight you gain, the healthier your baby would be. That is certainly not true. Sure, weight gain in the mother lets the doctors know that the baby is growing, but that doesn't give you a green signal to put on weight unreasonably! Most women find it difficult to lose that excess weight after delivery. If you eat more and your baby gets too big, then a normal delivery would become impossible. Excess weight during pregnancy can also cause complications like gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, preterm birth and asthma for the mother.

5. Do Not Follow Fad Diets & Low-Carb Diets: 

It's natural to put on some weight during pregnancy, so there is absolutely no need for slimming or fad diet at this time. Instead, opt for healthy workouts that your body allows, walking being the best form of exercise during pregnancy. Stick to healthy eating; think high quality and small quantities. Remember, your baby depends on you to get his nutrients in proper proportion for his healthy growth and that means that you as a mother cannot experiment with unbalanced diets now!

6. No Strain At Work: 

Working women find pregnancy poses great challenges for them. True to a certain extent considering the present work culture; however, some care and ease can help you overcome this feeling. Since it was you who decided to get pregnant, nurturing this pregnancy should be your top priority. Don't exert yourself at work. Take breaks; walk around your seat at regular intervals to ensure you don't strain your back and eyes. As the pregnancy grows, you may experience your body slowing down. Listen to your body and go for your maternity leave the moment you feel that you are pushing yourself beyond what your body is actually permitting.

7. No Sauna, Jacuzzi Or Steam Bath: 

Pregnant women must avoid the extreme high temperatures, as subjected to in saunas, Jacuzzi's, steam and hot baths. This is because extreme high temperatures are known to cause stress to your growing baby and can also cause birth defects. No hot baths either at your home!

8. No Unsupervised Workout Routine:

It may sound casual to have a workout routine, but remember exercising without proper guidance from an instructor can pose high risks such as a fall, muscular catch and throwing you off balance. Hence always choose an exercise program after consulting your gynecologist and ensure that you exercise under a proper instructor.

9. Do Not Miss Pregnancy Screenings: 

It's the most exciting part of pregnancy, watching your baby and listening to his heartbeat. These screenings and routine blood tests are timed at regular intervals to monitor the health of the mother and growth of the baby; they help deduct any anomaly and prevent any risk to the baby. Hence, ensure you do it as per schedule so that you can be at peace that your baby is safe and sound.

10. Do Not Eat Processed Foods: 

Processed foods are loaded with salts and preservatives which are not good when consumed during pregnancy. High intake of salt can lead to high blood pressure, which leads to various pregnancy complications such as: decreased blood flow to the placenta, premature delivery, placental abruption etc. Processed foods can also lead to constipation during pregnancy as it is full of starch and unhealthy fats. They contain no nutritional value and hence are best avoided during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a Natural Journey & MUST be Treated that way!

We always say, For certain doubts like: whether it is safe to have sex during pregnancy, the best workout options, how much weight should you target to gain and so on. Feel free to discuss with your gynecologist as she is the best judge of that considering your physical condition.

Also, avoid incessant discussions about your pregnancy with family or friends, as too much analysis will only stress you out more. Don't fuss over it too and everything will be smooth and fine. So take it easy and enjoy a relaxed and happy pregnancy!

Source: Mom Junction

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