Healthy Pregnancy Tips – Safe Motherhood
Healthy Pregnancy Tips
Femelife Fertility
Food In Pregnancy
Eat balanced diet with high protein content
Add extra calories as you have to eat for two
Plan your meals – small and frequent diet
Avoid food causing vomiting like high sugar diet
Dietary fibres are essential in pregnancy – Take everyday
Avoid – raw, uncooked food, processed and stale food.
Food In Pregnancy
Vaccines during Pregnancy
Vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and chickenpox (varicella) vaccine should be given a month or more before pregnancy.
Tdap vaccine is recommended during each pregnancy to protect your newborn from whooping cough (pertussis)
Vaccines, like the flu shot, can be given before or during pregnancy
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines can be given if you are travelling to risky areas.
Vitamins In Pregnancy
Vitamins and minerals support maternal and fetal growth at every stage of pregnancy
Pregnant women take 600 ug of folate or folic acid per day in order to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and congenital abnormalities
Iron supplement – 30 mg iron per day is critical for oxygen transport and healthy growth and development of the fetus and placenta.
Recommended intake of vitamin D during pregnancy is 600 IU per day
DHA and EPA two essential fatty acids that are important for fetal brain development.- pregnant women are encouraged to consume two to three servings of low-mercury fish like salmon, sardines
Hygiene for Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnant women sweat more and have more vaginal discharge than non-pregnant women – this may lead to infection by germs in the environment.
Drinking lot of water and frequent urination prevents UTI ( urinary tract infections) in pregnancy
Practice good oral hygiene, drink lot of water and a well-balanced diet
Apply lotions or creams immediately after bathing to prevent dry and scaly skin
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, wash your breasts daily with warm water. If you aren’t breastfeeding, a gentle cleanser is usually safe to use daily.
Travel During Healthy Pregnancy
The safest time to travel is during pregnancy is second trimester.
Long journey should be avoided during pregnancy as long-distance travel, can increase the risk of DVT( deep vein thrombosis) and urinary tract infections.
Travel is not recommended if you have certain pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, prelabor rupture of membranes, and preterm labor.
Travel is not recommended for pregnant women in areas where outbreaks are ongoing of zika virus or malaria.
Travelling should be done with preparations for health care facilities, over the counter medications and proper vaccinations.
Cosmetics In Pregnancy
Oral and topical retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy as they can be harmful to the unborn child and may cause birth defects
Products containing Salicylic acid are to be avoided in pregnancy. Many chemical products such as face creams and moisturisers contain it.
Practice of hair removing through waxing , laser treatment or hair removing cream should be avoided as skin during pregnancy becomes extra sensitive.
Lipsticks containing lead may prove toxic in pregnancy.
Use of hair dye in pregnancy should be done with caution.
Natural based products can be used safely in pregnancy and are preferred over chemical cosmetics.
Follow Ups For Healthy Pregnancy
Regular follow up with local obstetrician is mandatory.
Checking for blood pressure, weight gain and sugar levels can prevent certain complications in pregnancy.
Regular follow up can monitor your vitamin supplements, and extra minerals.
Any minor ailments can be treated early.
Complications in pregnancy can be diagnosed and treated early.
Follow Ups In Pregnancy
Sleep Recommendation For Healthy Pregnancy
Sleep is a naturally relaxing state of mind and body.
There is more chances of pregnancy related mishap in women working in shifts.
Repeated miscarriages, lower birth weights are some of the related complications of sleep disturbances.
Pregnant women should have 8 to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep for the wellbeing of baby and healthy pregnancy.
Several sleep disorders can be caused or worsened by pregnancy.
Changing hormone levels in pregnancy can cause fatigue and sleep problems
Many women experience insomnia due to emotions and anxiety about labor and delivery
Work In Pregnancy
Women having a normal, healthy pregnancy can work upto late pregnancy.
However they should avoid strenuous work.
Pregnant women should avoid working for long hours, frequent bending, standing at a stretch for more than 4-5 hours.
They also should avoid lifting heavy objects and working near fire, chemicals or radiation.
It is advisable to avoid night shifts during pregnancy.
Medicines In Pregnancy
First trimester is a crucial time of development for baby and it is not recommended to take any over-the-counter medication unless it is necessary.
Around 90% of the medications approved by the FDA have insufficient data to determine safety in pregnancy.
All women of childbearing age should discuss the risks of any medications in pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits of the newly prescribed or already continuing medications with your doctor before taking.
Certain medications like thyroid need to be continued and dose may have to be altered during pregnancy.
What To Avoid During Pregnancy
Food high in sugar content, uncooked meat or poultry.
Long distance travel during first and last trimester.
Having sex during early weeks during pregnancy
Use of chemical cosmetics and synthetic clothing.
Travel to areas of endemic infections or during epidemic outbreaks.
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