We grew up in desi households where everyone tells a pregnant woman some kinds of myths, superstitious stories, assumptions and a huge number of desi totkas. This article talks about the do’s and the don’ts that a pregnant woman should take care of. Give it a reading. However, make sure you do consult your gynae before following them.

Take folic acid and Vitamin D supplements regularly

By a large margin, folic acid lowers your baby’s risk of neural tube problems including spina bifida. Start taking folic acid as a supplement as soon as you find out you’re expecting until the end of the first trimester (week 12 of your pregnancy).If you have diabetes or epilepsy, for example, you might require a greater dose of folic acid. This can only be obtained with a prescription. Learn more folic acid information.

Moreover, taking a vitamin D supplement while expecting or nursing is advised. This promotes the growth of strong bones, teeth, and muscles in your infant. You only need these two nutrients throughout pregnancy, coupled with a healthy, balanced diet.

Eat healthy foods

A healthy pregnancy diet should include a broad range of foods including fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese, potatoes, beans, and pulses. This will make sure you receive the nutrients and energy you need during pregnancy for both you and the baby.

Be active.

Being active while pregnant is beneficial to both you and your unborn child. It can improve your quality of sleep, lessen your anxiety, and keep you healthy throughout your pregnancy. If you were active before getting pregnant, you can keep doing so. But if you start to feel uncomfortable, pay attention to your body and slow down. If you weren’t an active person before getting pregnant, start out slowly and aim for 30 minutes per day. Exercise doesn’t have to be difficult to be effective. Even slow strolls are beneficial.

Watch your infant’s movements.

Your baby is healthy if you can feel them moving. Usually, between the ages of 18 and 24 weeks, you begin to feel the movement of your unborn child. You might not begin to feel movements until beyond 20 weeks if this is your first child. The motions may appear to be a light whirling or fluttering. You can experience jerky sensations and kicks as your pregnancy advances. Learn your baby’s typical movement pattern and alert your maternity unit right away if you believe it has slowed down, halted, or changed.

Try sleeping on your side.

Throughout the third trimester, it is advised you to sleep on your side since studies have shown that your unborn child is safer when you do. This includes naps throughout the day and sleep at night. Try not to panic if you wake up on your back; simply turn over and go back to sleep on your side.

Maintain your mental wellness.

During pregnancy, your emotional and physical wellness are equally vital. Being pregnant is a very emotional experience, therefore it’s common to occasionally feel down or have mood swings. But, if these emotions become overwhelming or persist for more than a few weeks, it’s crucial that you seek assistance. You won’t face criticism for your emotions. As many as 1 in 5 women experience mental health problems during pregnancy and for up to a year following delivery. Your prenatal care team is aware that anyone can develop a mental illness at any moment.

Consider getting the recommended vaccines.

During your pregnancy, vaccines will be suggested. To safeguard their unborn child until they are old enough to receive their first vaccines, it is advised that pregnant women get the vaccine. The optimal time to get immunized to safeguard your unborn child is between weeks 16 and 32 of pregnancy.

Try to avoid eating for two.

There is no need for extra calories in the first or second trimester because your kid will get what they need from you as they grow. If you are active throughout the third trimester, you may require an additional 200 calories. This is around the same as half a sandwich.

Avoid losing weight while expecting.

Eliminating food types in an effort to lose weight could prevent your baby from acquiring the nutrients required for growth. The best way to maintain your weight is to consume a healthy, balanced diet that includes a range of foods from each of the major food groups, as opposed to restricting your diet.

Avoid using a hot tub or sauna.

Even though they are soothing, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, and saunas can be too hot for pregnant women to be in. According to research, utilizing one of these during your first trimester may increase your risk of miscarriage by twofold. By raising body temperature while soaking in hot water, bathing a newborn can lead to health issues, including a higher risk of birth abnormalities.

 Limit your caffeine consumption.

The pulse rate of your unborn child may be raised by caffeine as it crosses the placenta. According to recent studies, women can safely drink one or two cups of coffee each day, however you ought to avoid drinking a triple-shot latte while you’re pregnant.