Do’s and Don’ts of Pregnancy
Do Eat a Healthy, Well-balanced Diet
Include foods with adequate amounts of folate, iron, calcium and other important vitamins and minerals. Also consider taking a prenatal vitamin to help ensure you are getting the required nutrients if diet alone is not enough.
Do Get Adequate Exercise
About 30 minutes a day, as long as your provider agrees it is safe to do so. Activities that are safe during pregnancy include walking, swimming, low impact aerobics and prenatal yoga. Avoid activities that could risk a fall or injury to your abdomen.
Do Feel Free to Travel During Pregnancy
Travel by air is considered safe for women while they are pregnant, and most airlines allow pregnant women to travel into their eighth month. Please talk to your provider about the safety of travelling overseas while pregnant, as there may be certain risks or considerations depending on where in the world you are going.
Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco Products
Smoking during pregnancy has been associated with miscarriage, placental abruption, preterm birth, low birth weight and stillbirth. Women are urged to quit smoking or cut back drastically when pregnant.
Don’t Change the Litterbox
Or else wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands after handling cat litter. Cat feces can contain bacteria that may cause toxoplasmosis infection, which can be very harmful to your baby, causing serious birth defects or even death. The bacteria may also be present in garden soil, so it is best to wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands after gardening.