Important Do's and Don'ts for Pregnant Women

DO Gain Weight the Smart Way

MYTH: Eat up! You've got a little one to feed! FACT: Packing on the pounds causes health complications for you and your baby such as gestational diabetes, hypertension etc.

DO Visit Your Dentist

MYTH: Drilling could spread bacteria, which might harm your baby. FACT: Routine care helps prevent serious issues like preterm labor, unbearable tooth pain during pregnancy etc.  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 sevenfold, according to . If you decrease the bacteria in the mouth, you decrease the low-level infections that could cause preterm labor."

DO Work Out Wisely

MYTH: Keep your heart rate below 140 beats a minute. You don't want Baby to overheat! FACT: Focus on your breathing to make sure your bambino is getting enough oxygen.

DO Get Lots of Sleep

Changing hormone levels, anticipation, and anxiety can make sleep elusive during your nine months of pregnancy. Aim for seven to nine hours of undisturbed sleep.   Take a quick snooze if you feel tired and schedule naps whenever you can.

DON’T Drink Alcohol

MYTH: Small amounts of alcohol will not cause any harm   FACT: Alcohol in any quantity can greatly impact your baby’s development

DON’T Smoke:

Babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a lower birth weight and are at a greater risk for learning disabilities than children born to nonsmoking mothers. Avoid smoking at all costs.

DON’T Eat Raw Meat

Raw and undercooked meat and eggs carry the risk of foodborne illness, such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. Food poisoning is also a possibility. These conditions can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses that could lead to severe birth defects and even miscarriage. Make sure all eggs and meat that you eat while pregnant are well-cooked.

DON’T Drink A Lot of Caffeine

Caffeine can travel through the placenta and increase your baby’s heart rate. One or two cups of coffee won’t do you any harm, avoid increasing the intake to more than that.