Congratulations! You are pregnant. You must be thrilled to hear these words. However, it comes with a huge responsibility. Before your little angel comes into your life, you have to nurture it and look after its health by providing a healthy environment for growth. There are a lot of myths about pregnancy and would-be mothers especially first-time moms get confused about what to do and what not to do.

Whatever your mom or grandma did might not be safe for you. So read through and find out what is medically good for you and your baby’s health. But before we discuss any further, finding a good and trustworthy OB-GYN to help you through with your pregnancy is very important. Maryam Memorial Hospital has the best and well-reputed OB-GYN in the twin cities. Visit our website to learn more.

The Dos of pregnancy:

Eat Healthy and drink lots of water:

You must eat healthy food during pregnancy. Take small meals 4-5 times a day, don’t overeat as it can make you uncomfortable or even sick. Also, eat a variety of foods instead of sticking to one or two. This way you can get all the minerals and vitamins. During the first trimester, it can be a bit difficult as the morning sickness is starting and you might not want to eat certain types of foods. Eat fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, nuts, and fish, all in appropriate portions. This is also known as eating the rainbow; meaning you should eat different colored fruits and vegetables.

You should also drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. It will help you in the prevention of headaches, constipation, urine infections, etc. It also helps in maintaining your overall health. You should also include fresh juice of seasonal fruits to boost immunity and keep yourself hydrated.

Sleep well and do the exercise:

As your pregnancy advances, you will get more tired. Don’t worry, it’s normal as huge changes are taking place inside your body. With the growth of your baby and the placenta, you can feel low on energy. Take it easy and relax, try to take frequent naps throughout the day. Get a good night’s sleep to avoid any extra tiredness or body aches.

When we say exercise, we don’t mean anything rigorous. Just a daily walk or yoga should be enough. Regular exercise helps you deal with mood swings and hormonal changes. If you want to start a different exercise, discuss it with your OB to be sure that it is safe for you.

Take your supplements regularly:

Some many minerals and vitamins are vital for your pregnancy. Folic acid is vital for the maintenance of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. It is so important that sometimes it is advised even before the pregnancy. It also prevents serious birth defects from forming in your baby. Floate is very important and you should be very particular about taking it daily.

Similarly, daily intake of iron, calcium, zinc, and omega-3, are vital for the development of your baby and your well-being. 

Get regular check-ups:

During pregnancy, you will visit your OB-GYN regularly, however, you must not overlook your overall health. If you have any conditions like diabetes or thyroid, then visit your health practitioner regularly to monitor them. Visit your dentist for oral health as well. Sometimes changes during pregnancy can offset oral problems.

You can browse through the list of our doctors and book appointments here. 

The Don’ts of Pregnancy:

• Don’t smoke during pregnancy.

• Don’t drink alcohol.

• Avoid stressful situations.

• Don’t eat raw meat of any kind.

• Don’t use the hot tub or sauna bath or any other place that can increase your body temperature.

• Don’t drink too much caffeine.

• Don’t over-eat by following the myth of eating for two.

• Avoid doing anything like cleaning the litter box or sandbox. They have certain parasites that can be very dangerous for your pregnancy.

Follow these Do’s and Don’ts in this list to maintain your health and your baby’s growth. Just stay happy and enjoy this magical and overwhelming time of your life. Have a happy and healthy Pregnancy! .