General Precautions To Take During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an unmatched feeling. No other thing could be as amazing as carrying a little living being inside the body. Women are truly blessed by the Almighty to have got the opportunity to bear a little being inside her womb. She has got the power bring a new generation in this world. But, as they say, ” with great power comes great responsibility”, she to carries a responsibility to take care of her child, not only after its birth, but from the time it is in her womb to the time it is out in the world and beyond. When a child is inside the womb, the mother needs to take a particular care of herself. A little negligence can cause her a great damage. Let’s take a look at the general precautions a woman should take during pregnancy:

Taking Certain Tests During Pregnancy

It is a must for women to monitor her overall health during the course of pregnancy. She should undergo regular gynaecological examination. She should take certain tests during her pregnancy period to keep a check at her body system and should take the below mentioned tests:

  • Gestational Diabetes
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • HIV Test
  • Syphilis Screening
  • Group B Streptococcus
  • Hepatitis Screen
  • Urine Screen for UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
  • Rubella Screen
  • Pap Smear
  • Antibody Screen, Blood Type and Rh Status

Keep A Strict Check On The Diet

A mother not only eats for herself, but also for her child. So, she should choose her diet wisely. She should take a healthy diet, full of essential nutrients. Take a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, calcium and other essential nutrients. Do not keep yourself hungry for a longer duration. Keep eating something once in a while. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

What Not To Eat

There are certain food products that hamper the health of child. These food products must be avoided during the course of pregnancy. The food products are-

  • Cheese prepared from unpasteurized milk.
  • Sea food like tilefish, swordfish, shark, sashimi, king mackerel and raw seafood.
  • Beverages and aerated drinks should be strictly avoided. Caffeine cause birth defects in the child and also premature delivery or abortion.
  • Avoid food that contains sodium nitrate.
  • Avoid processed food. Consume freshly and neatly prepared food.

Exercise Regularly

It is a common norm that a mother should not exercise during pregnancy, on the contrary, exercising is essential. Ofcourse, heavy exercises are a strict no-no, but a women can do light exercises under supervision. Also, try yoga under expert guidance.

Alcohol Consumption And Smoking

Alcohol consumption should strictly say no to alcohol as excessive alcohol consumption leads to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Smoking is also very injurious during pregnancy.

Drugs

Drugs like tetracycline, isotretinoin, etc. should be avoided during pregnancy.

Other Precautions

  • Do not lift heavy objects.
  • Avoid pets during the course of pregnancy.
  • Do not sauna or steam baths.
  • Avoid exposure to x- rays.

Women's Health Info