۱۰ Pregnancy Do’s and Don’ts That May Surprise You

There can be misconceptions about what is ok to do during pregnancy, but other things may surprise you.
Before your little bundle of joy arrives, you’re responsible for helping them grow in a nurturing, healthy environment.
This list of pregnancy do’s, and don’ts can illuminate what you should worry about — and what you shouldn’t fret over.

Pregnancy Do’s

۱. Do take a multivitamin
Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals is the best way to provide your body with all of the healthy nutrients it needs to support a growing baby. A healthy diet alone, however, may not be enough for pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins contain higher levels of certain nutrients that expectant mothers require at higher doses, such as:

• folic acid
• calcium
• iron

۲. Do get lots of sleep

Changing hormone levels, anticipation, and anxiety can make sleep elusive during your 9 months of pregnancy. Pregnancy is demanding, especially in the final trimester, and you’ll need your sleep.
Take a quick snooze if you feel tired and schedule naps whenever you can. Set bedtimes and stick to them.

۳. Do work out

Gone are the days of pregnant women avoiding lifting a finger during their pregnancies: We now know that exercise is good for mama and baby.
In fact, regular exercise may help you combat many of the issues that arise during pregnancy, including:
• insomnia
• muscle pain
• excessive weight gain
• mood problems

۴. Do eat seafood

Seafood is loaded with vitamins and minerals, such as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and iron. These are all important for both mom and baby. But undercooked or raw seafood can cause some problems.
Seafood may carry harmful bacteria and viruses, which are eliminated when thoroughly cooked. Also, pregnant women should avoid raw fish and fish that may contain high levels of mercury.

۵. Do have sex

Sex during pregnancy is fine, as long as you don’t have a complicating factor such as placenta previa or another type of high-risk pregnancy.
Pregnancy Don’ts

۶. Don’t smoke

Babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy are more likelyTrusted Source to have a lower birth weight and are at a greater risk for learning disabilities than children born to nonsmoking mothers.
Additionally, children born to women who smoke are more likely to try smoking at a younger age and become regular smokers earlier, due to physiologic nicotine addiction.

۷. 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.

۸. Don’t eat unpasteurized milk products

Calcium is very important for growing babies, but moms have to be careful how they get their calcium from dairy.
Raw milk isn’t recommendedTrusted Source for expecting mothers since it’s unpasteurized.

۹. Don’t sit in a hot tub or sauna

Though relaxing, the high-heat environment of hot tubs, Jacuzzis, and saunas may be too dangerous for expecting mothers.
In fact, research suggests that using one of these during your first trimester may double your risk of miscarriage.

۱۰. Don’t drink a lot of caffeine

Caffeine can travel through the placenta and increase your baby’s heart rate.
Current research suggests that women can safely consume a cup or two of coffee each day, but forego downing a triple-shot latte while you’re carrying.