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
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.