Written By: Naz Haider | Updated : November 25, 2015 2:49 PM IST
So you are expecting? Congratulations! You must have received truckloads of suggestions on what to do, what to eat, what kind of movies to watch...everything in the pursuit of a healthy pregnancy. As important as it is to follow all the suggestions, it is vital to keep away from certain things that might pose harm.
I learnt a few things during my pregnancy, and here are my two cents on things you should ABSOLUTELY not do.
Binge eat: When I say binge eating, I do not necessarily mean junk food or fast food. Most women take 'eating for two' to heart and actually double their portions. However, most women need about 1800-2000 calories per day, and when you are pregnant, you need only an extra 300 calories, click here to know more about how much you really need to eat. When you eat more than what you require, it's only you, and not your baby, who is gaining all the extra weight. To know about a healthy diet during pregnancy, click here. On the other hand, many women are so worried about gaining weight during pregnancy that they plan to start exercising, which brings me to my next point.
Exercising during pregnancy: If up till now the only stretching you indulged in was to pick a bag of chips from a high shelf, pregnancy is not the time to hunt for your exercising gear. When your gynaecologist advises you to be active, what she means is that you keep walking and be up and about. Those who made the sensible choice of leading an active lifestyle, can still do a few safe exercises, but only after consulting your doctor and under expert supervision. Here are the exercises you should avoid during pregnancy.
Risk exposure to harsh chemicals and pollutants: Here s the good news you should not be cleaning your bathroom and sinks, as commercial cleaners and bathroom bleaches contain toxic chemicals that can harm you and your baby. Tell this to your partner as you hand him the scrub. To know more about this, and other things you should keep away from, click here.
Pop an over-the-counter pill: Don t we all self-prescribe medicines all the time? Paracetamol for body pain, ibuprofen for back pain, acne creams when that zit appears -- stop that right now. Your body is undergoing major changes, and you never know which chemical might harm you and your baby in what way. Do not take any medication without consulting your gynaecologist. No, not even paracetamol. Here s why you should avoid over-the-counter-pills, and other common mistakes pregnant women make.
Get a massage: Just say the words back massage to a pregnant woman and see her face light up. A close second is a foot massage (nothing feels better than a soothing massage for those swollen, achy feet). However, before you book an appointment with a masseuse, remember that certain massages such as foot reflexology are harmful during pregnancy, and hence not recommended. The most logical thing to do would be to A. Discuss with your plans with your gynaecologist and take her advice on what kind of massage is safe for you. B. Go to a certified, trained professional, who knows beforehand that they are dealing with a pregnant woman. Read this before you get a pedicure.
Have a microwave dinner: Many women believe that it is wise to stay away from electronic items especially a microwave. Some even keep their smartphone away from the bed at night and do not talk extensively on the phone. Most electronic items emit radiations known to cause intrauterine growth retardation and interfere with the brain development of the fetus. However, the exposure levels have to be really high to cause any noticeable damage in your baby, says Sonali Shivlani, an Internationally Certified Pregnancy, Lactation and Child Nutrition Counsellor.
Don t let these pointers scare you. I know you want the best for your baby and these are a few things to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. So here, I have done my good deed for the day, you do yours by sharing this with your expecting friends.
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