Women who have conceived for the first time should take special care for the first three months of their pregnancy, because this is time for organogenesis. In this phase, the foetus starts growing and all body parts start developing. Hence, what the expecting mother is eating is important for the baby’s growth. Most important in early pregnancy is to have a proper sleep schedule, have a nutritious diet, and undertake light exercise, in order to feel relaxed both physically & mentally. To know about Dos and Don'ts during pregnancy OnlyMyHealth talked to Dr Sushma Tomar, Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan.
Food To Be Consumed And Avoided
Because of hormonal changes, one might experience morning sickness and loss of appetite. So, one should opt for a light diet wherein food is consumed at regular intervals and the portions are small, this will help digest the food easily and early. Fruits like Banana, Apple, Oranges, and Mango can be consumed. But raw Papaya and Pineapple should be avoided as it causes pain in the uterus, and they have a tendency to cause abortion.
Whole grains are always good to have. Green leafy vegetables and coloured vegetables like carrot, tomatoes are good, and should be included in the diet
- Milk products in small quantities are beneficial
- Adequate hydration with water, fruit juice, soups is helpful
- One should avoid consumption of fried food, outside meals and restrict coffee intake.
Medication
According to Dr Tomar, many medicines are teratogenic, and can cause birth defects, missed abortion, premature delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, etc. So always consult your gynaecologist before taking such medicines. Sharing details with your doctor about your family history, personal medical history, menstrual history, obstetric history, is always important. Based on these details and your current medical condition, your doctor will advise you on taking multivitamins, folic acid, iron, and protein.
Also read: Home Remedies For Cough During Pregnancy
Exercise
During pregnancy, heavy weightlifting, high intense exercises, and abdominal exercises should be avoided. One can opt for light exercises like walking, jogging, basic yoga, among others. In complicated pregnancies, the doctor might advise complete bed rest. While travelling, one should make sure to avoid sudden abdominal jerks.
Other Important Things To Keep In Mind
Smoking and alcohol consumption both are very risky, so should be avoided. One should go for a routine blood test and undergo ultrasonography on intervals advised by the doctor, this will help keep a tab on the baby’s growth and will indicate if there is any problem. If things are normal then expecting mothers will have to go for a monthly check - up to 8 months, post which they will have to go for routine check-up every 15 days or and once a week till delivery.
Also read: 8 Tips To Prevent Anaemia During Pregnancy
Any time if you experience pain in the lower abdomen, or there is white discharge or vaginal bleeding, immediately consult your Gynaecologist. If above dos and don’ts are followed a woman can experience a smooth and risk-free pregnancy.
