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Pregnancy &
Parenting Home > Pregnancy & Childbirth
Top Ten Dos and Don'ts for
Pregnant Women
  Pregnancy is an exciting time, filled with
anticipation and wonder. But keeping track of all the changes that
are occurring to mind, body, and spirit – not to mention routine –
can be hard, especially with a woman’s first pregnancy. “What you
do (and don’t do) during pregnancy can help you and your baby stay
healthy,” says Janet Whalley, registered nurse and co-author of
The Simple Guide to Having a Baby.
From the Simple Guide, Whalley offers ten dos and
don’ts to help expecting women stay on track for a healthy
pregnancy and birth:
1. Do have regular prenatal care appointments with
a health caregiver who can check on you and your baby.
2. Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or take street
drugs.
3. Do take your prenatal vitamin each day.
4. Do follow your caregiver’s advice about taking
medications.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask your caregiver or
healthcare professional questions you have about your health, your
pregnancy, or your baby.
6. Do try to stay away from toxic chemicals, like
pesticides and some cleaning agents, by washing fruits and
vegetables, wearing protective gear such as gloves or a mask, or
asking someone else to do the task.
7. Do keep a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy
foods, exercising regularly, and wearing a seatbelt.
8. Do get enough sleep and rest and try to reduce
stress.
9. Don't take too much caffeine. Caffeine reduces
calcium and water in your body, raises stress hormones, and can
change your baby’s heart rate. Do limit caffeine consumption to
1-2 cups a day.
10. Do create a birth plan describing your wishes,
concerns, and how you’d like to be cared for during labor and
birth.
Resources:
The Simple Guide to Having a Baby by Janet Whalley
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