Do's
- Take your prenatal vitamins regularly. Folic acid is a prerequisite during the first trimester and iron is very, very essential. Eat healthy, fiber-rich foods with lots of vegetables and fruits.
- Attend your prenatal check-ups regularly and visit your dentist too.
- Wear your seatbelt whenever in cars, vans or trucks, take sufficient rest and keep stress at bay.
- Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and go easy with juices, namely the commercial variety, because of the high sugar content.
- Get into regular physical activity like walks, swimming to keep you fit after checking with your doctor what is best for you.
- Get your calcium from low fat milk, yogurt, and low ice-cream.
- Massages and showers are a good idea to keep relaxed and relax those muscles.
Dont's
- Avoid raw, uncooked or undercooked meat and eggs. Eat cooked meals only.
- Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, colas are not good. Avoid!
- Check with you doctor before taking cough and cold medications and all other over-the-counter drugs. X-rays should be avoided unless your doctor has Okayed it.
- Forget alcoholic drinks including wine. You will not know the safe amounts you can consume so why not avoid them altogether.
- Toxic chemicals such as paints and pesticides are harmful.
- Smoking and secondhand smoke are an absolute no no.
- High temperatures are risky for your baby so stay clear of hot environments like saunas or hot baths.
- High fat and sugary foods should be avoided over healthier snacks like fruits.
- Go for sugar instead of Saccharin. Eat sodium in moderation to control the incidence of edema
- Stress less!! Create a positive environment through with good books, soothing music etc anything to keep your mind off tension.