Top 10 Pregnancy Dos and Don’ts

Pregnancy is an exciting – albeit sometimes challenging – time in a woman’s life. Because our number one priority is keeping you and your baby healthy during this nine-month trip, we have a few tidbits of advice to share. Talk to your OBGYN for specific guidelines that apply to your unique situation, but here are a few general dos and don’ts to start you off:

DO:

• Get enough folic acid and other prenatal vitamins. Folic acid is essential for your health and your baby’s health and can prevent serious birth defects. In addition, prenatal vitamins provide all the nutrients your baby needs to develop properly.
• Stay active. The better shape you’re in, the easier your delivery will be. Stay active with power walks, yoga and other forms of exercise that get your body in motion.
• Get plenty of sleep. We all know sleep won’t happen once the baby comes, so take advantage of it now! Plus, all the changes your body is going through can be exhausting, so you need more sleep than usual.
• Get the flu shot. If you’re pregnant during flu season, it is recommended to get the flu shot to keep you and your baby extra healthy.
• Visit the dentist. In the past, some have believed that dental cleanings are unsafe for pregnant women, but that isn’t the case. Keep those gums healthy and free of infection during pregnancy and visit the dentist!

DON’T:

• Eat raw meats and seafood. Undercooked meats and seafoods (as well as eggs) could carry dangerous types of bacteria that lead to birth defects and miscarriage. Be sure everything is cooked thoroughly.
• Smoke or drink. This might seem like a no-brainer, but smoking and drinking during pregnancy causes birth defects and poses dangers to your baby. Talk to your doctor about what is considered safe for alcohol consumption.
• Hang out in a hot tub. Saunas and hot tubs can cause you to overheat and get dehydrated. Plus, the rising of your core temperature is unhealthy for your baby and could lead to miscarriage or birth defects.
• Eat for two (but also don’t diet). Unfortunately, being pregnant doesn’t give you a free pass to eat anything and everything. Still be conscientious of what’s going in your body, but don’t feel the need to diet either. Get your doctor’s opinion on a healthy weight to gain during pregnancy.
• Clean the litter box. Cat poo is known for having millions of parasites, particularly ones that are harmful to expecting mothers. Avoid cleaning the litter box while pregnant for the safety of your little one.

 Talk to our team of doctors if you have any further questions so you can have a happy and safe pregnancy!