The Dos and Donts of Pregnancy

With so many people giving their opinion on what to do and what not to do during pregnancy, it becomes hard to determine what is fact and what is fiction. Below is a list of some of the more important factors to consider in regards to pregnancy do's and dont's.

Food during pregnancy

Certain foods need to be avoided during pregnancy. Listeria, which is caused by uncooked meats, some seafood, unpasterized milk and soft cheeses, can cause birth defects, miscarriages and stillbirth. Here is an interesting article on diet during pregnancy: http://www.namestobe.com/pregnancydiet.html.

Cat litter

Toxoplasmosis, is a disease which is contracted by contact with cat feces. It is spread by a parasite which can lead to miscarriages, stillbirth and birth defects.

Smoking

Smoking during pregnancy is definetely a no no. It has been linked to a low birth weight, miscarriage and premature birth in many different studies. Second hand smoke poses the same dangers during pregnancy, and should be avoided at all costs.

Caffeine

Some studies on caffeine during pregnancy have led to the conclusion that the two do not mix well together, as caffeine may increase the possibility of miscarriage and low birth weight. On the other hand, other studies have shown no link between the two. Obviously an excessive amount of caffeine is a bad idea regardless of pregnancy. An excessive amount of caffeine is generally regarded as over 300 milligrams per day. If you stay well clear of this figure, caffeine during pregnancy is less likely to cause problems.

Safety around the house

There are many hazards around the house for pregnant women, but almost all can be easily avoided. If you still insist on doing all the house work yourself, try to stay clear of aerosol cans, industrial strength cleaners and fumes from paint, solvents and strippers. All of the above have been linked to birth defects and other pregnancy complications. It also pays to take it a little easier around certain parts of the house such as stair cases.

Body temperature

Keeping a moderate body temperature during pregnancy (especially during first trimester) is important as it may lead to birth defects. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your temperature during exercise and keep your fluids up. Things such as saunas and hot baths are not recommended during pregnancy.

Alcohol and drugs

To be safe with alcohol during pregnancy it is probably best to avoid it altogether, as there is no safe level of consumption. It can have detremental affects on an unborn child. In comparison to a fully grown woman, a baby is very small, so you could imagine the potential damage to the baby if the mother was drunk or even tipsy. Drugs during pregnancy have been shown to have a negative effect. Drugs such as cocaine have been shown to hinder the development of a babys vital oxygen and nourishment, leading to complications such as birth defects and even an addiction in the child itself.

Exercise

Exercise during pregnancy is recommended for most women, but only at a moderate pace. Women who participated in high impact exersice, weight lifting, contact sports, high altitude training or scuba diving before pregnancy, will have to readjust their routines. Walking is highly recommended for at least the first two trimesters, as it can help your body withstand the rigors of labor and delivery more easily.

The do's and dont's of pregnancy are different for each woman and each pregnancy. The above information is not a medical opinion and should not substitute a professional medical opinion. Always consult your doctor or care provider before making any major decisions before, during and even after pregnancy.

Article written by Sarah Mitchell of NamesToBe.com; http://www.namestobe.com

Browse over 10,000 baby names and meanings, hundreds of articles, recommmended baby gifts and much more! http://www.namestobe.com/pregnancydodont.html

Article free for reprint so long as this author bio is present and all hyperlinks remain active.

In The News:

---

Common Sense Approach To Weight Loss After A Pregnancy

Every woman gains weight while she is pregnant. This is... Read More

Glutathione for a Healthier Pregnancy

All parents-to-be nurture the dream of a healthy pregnancy and... Read More

After Birth Weight Control

After having given birth; weight becomes a lasting issue for... Read More

Pregnancy And Celiac Disease

If you have celiac disease and are well controlled because... Read More

Pregnancy and Exercise, How to Stay Fit While Being Pregnant

EXERCISE SAFELYThe first thing to understand when you exercise during... Read More

Baby Essentials - A Guide For First Time Mums

Are you a first time expectant mum wandering around the... Read More

Pregnancy Exercise

One of the best things you can do to prepare... Read More

Pregnancy and Tanning Bed - Think Before You Tan

With summer coming near, you would love to put on... Read More

Am I Pregnant?

Am I pregnant? This is often one of the most... Read More

How Do I Date My Pregnancy?

Accurate dating of pregnancy is one of the most important... Read More

Mommy Is Having A Baby!

Preparing for a new arrival from the beginning of your... Read More

Things You Should Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time where you have to be careful... Read More

Expressing Breast Milk: Pumping for Your Preemie

The shock and stress of having a baby born prematurely... Read More

Piece of Mind During Pregnancy - It is Possible with Babysheart

After four years of marriage my husband and I started... Read More

Finding Time To Exercise After Pregnancy

If exercise is so obviously the answer to losing weight... Read More

Calcium and Pregnancy

Studies show that most women do not get enough daily... Read More

Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk: Why Women Do It

Exclusively pumping breast milk is best thought of as an... Read More

Common Sense Approach To Pregnancy Weight Loss

Ok so everyone gains weight while they are pregnant. This... Read More

Delight in Pregnancy Bedrest

My first experience with bedrest was at 30 weeks into... Read More

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Selecting a present for a new mom or dad can... Read More

Pregnancy Symptoms

There are many early signs that you may be pregnant.... Read More

Infertility and Pregnancy

When a couple is unable to conceive a child, it... Read More

Pregnancy and Pre-natal Vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are important to the health of a growing... Read More

Keeping Cool When Pregnant

Chill Out: how to keep your cool this summerWhen the... Read More

Dealing With Common Pregnancy Complaints

Pregnancy is not without its side effects. During pregnancy your... Read More

Weight Loss After Pregnancy - The Final Word

One point can't be emphasized enough. Weight loss takes time... Read More

Avoiding Episiotomy During Childbirth

I coached as my wife was delivering our third child.... Read More

Pregnancy Preparation: Who is a Baby Whisperer?

A baby whisper is a Dr. Mommy who inspires and... Read More

The Developing Child

We know the fetus is experiencing whatever is going on... Read More

Pregnancy Planner - A Quick Guide

Weeks 1 to 3 are the first weeks of pregnancy.... Read More

How To Eat A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

Perhaps the number one complaint of women trying to watch... Read More

Chill Out, Mama! Four Tips on Managing Stress in Pregnancy

One of the best gifts you can give your baby... Read More

Problems Associated With Teen Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the pivotal moments of a woman's... Read More