The Do's and Don'ts during Pregnancy

The Do's of Pregnancy

Do Get Your Screenings Regularly

 First- and second-trimester tests can analyze hormone levels in your blood, and an ultrasound can look for markers that may suggest a fetus with a chromosomal abnormality. The odds of having a baby with Down Syndrome (DS) increase as you age, and by 35, the risk of having a baby with DS is about equal to losing the fetus as a result of the procedure: 1 in 400. However, in 2007, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) began recommending that women be offered screenings to assess a baby's Down syndrome risk

Do Gain Weight the Smart Way

Obese moms are at greater risk for gestational diabetes and hypertension, which can lead to serious problems. Their babies also tend to be larger, which can cause difficulties during delivery. Plus, gaining too much in pregnancy sets you and your baby up for weight problems later on in life.

Check  out what you should put on:

Prepregnancy BMI	Category	Recommended Gestational Weight Gain Singleton	Recommended Gestational Weight Gain Twins
= <18.5	Underweight	12.5 - 18 kg 28 - 40 pounds
= 18.5-24.9	Normal weight	11.5 - 16  kg 25 - 35  pounds	17 - 25 kg 37 - 54 pounds
= 25-29.9	Overweight	7 - 11.5 kg 15 - 25 pounds	14 - 23 kg 31 - 50 pounds
30 -34.9	Obese- Class I	5 - 9 kg 11 - 20 pounds	11 - 19 kg 25 - 42 pounds
35 - 39.9	Obese- Class II
40 and above	Obese- Class III

Reference : Rasmussen KM ed et al. Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Reexamining the Guidelines Institute of Medicine; National Research Council 2009. p 252, 254
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12584.html

Do Visit Your Dentist

Fluctuating hormone levels can cause expecting moms to develop pregnancy gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums). Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which raises your risk for low birth weight and premature delivery seven fold, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.

Do Work Out Wisely

When you work out, blood flow shifts to send more oxygen to your muscles, lungs, and heart. Too-strenuous activity can restrict oxygen from the uterus.

Low-impact exercise, such as walking or stationary cycling, at least five days a week for 30 min is recommended. This helps in keeping your weight in check, it can ease constipation, insomnia, lower back pain, and other pregnancy discomforts while building stamina for labor and delivery.

Do Stop Smoking

Babies born to puffers have up to three times the risk for SIDS. Smoking leads to a whole host of complications, such as low birth weight, premature delivery, miscarriage, birth defects, and still birth

Do Abstain From Alcohol

Alcohol crosses the placenta and can cause birth defects.

Do Take Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal Vitamins are essential for the proper development of the foetus and a healthy baby.

Do Avoid Hot Bathe

They can raise your body temperature as high as 102°, which may disrupt fetal development and can double the risk for miscarriage

Do Get a Flu Vaccine

When you're pregnant, the flu can be especially severe, even deadly. Moreover by vaccination will protect your baby from influenza for up to six months.

Do Avoid People With Infectious Diseases

Your immune system is lower when pregnant so you will tend to pick up every cold and bug doing the rounds.

The Don'ts of Pregnancy

Don’t Consume Raw, Unpasteurized or Processed Foods

Raw, unpasteurized, or processed foods may contain Listeria bacteria, which can be fatal for your fetus. However, pasteurized juices and dairy items are safe.

Don't Drink Too Much Coffee

In moderation, caffeine doesn't appear to cause miscarriage or preterm birth. But having more than 200 mg of caffeine daily doubles the risk for miscarriage, according to a study from Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, in Oakland, California. If you've miscarried previously, stick to the old advice: "Don't consume anything caffeinated."

Don't Choose to Deliver Early

There are bona fide reasons to deliver early: having twins, the baby's in distress, or your health is at risk. Infants that are large due to Mom's blood sugar levels are especially at risk for health issues related to prematurity.

Don’t Consume Seafood

Some seafood is loaded with mercury and other contaminants which can cause serious abnormalities in the fetus.

Don’t Take Drugs

Cannabis, ecstasy, ketamine, cocaine or other illegal drugs cross the placenta. This increases the risk of pregnancy complications and foetal abnormalities.

Don’t Change Cat’s Litter Tray

Cat faeces can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that is serious for your baby.