Precautions and Care during Pregnancy:

Pregnancy is a phase in woman's life during which multiple hormonal changes take place. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can generate a wide range of changes. Mood swings, food cravings, heartburn, swollen feet, morning sickness, sleeping a lot , weight gain, spotting and constipation are just a few of the changes. During pregnancy, you'll probably get advice from everybody. But staying healthy depends on you.

Tips for special care during pregnancy

• For morning sickness, nibble on a few plain crackers when you wake up. Rest in bed for 20 to 30 minutes before getting up.
• Taking a warm shower during labour may help you to relax or just feel better. Avoid hot water, it can raise your body temperature.
• Eat several small meals each day. Avoid rich, spicy, acidic and fried foods. Keep healthy snacks available.
• To prevent dehydration during labour, on the hour have something to drink and on the half hour go to the bathroom.
• Low lighting and soft music may help you relax during labour.
• Take your prenatal vitamin with dinner, or the biggest meal of your day, to minimize nausea.
• Keep track of situations that trigger nausea so that you can avoid those things. Odors, sudden motion, etc.
• A healthy diet and exercise program during pregnancy can help a woman maintain her self-esteem. Women, who stayed active throughout their pregnancy, have an easier time regaining muscle tone and losing weight after childbirth.
• To help avoid high blood pressure during pregnancy you should lay on your left side, drink lots of water and avoid salt.
• Are your feet and legs swelling? Walk often and sit with your feet up. Also sleep on your left side.
• Keep a diary of what you are eating to ensure that you are keeping up with your daily requirements.
• If you exercise when pregnant (within limits of course), you could have a shorter labour and recover faster.
• Be sure to drink 8 - 10 glasses of water each day. Be especially careful on hot summer days, you may need to increase your water intake.
• When traveling by car, be sure to wear your seat belt. The bottom strap should go across your hips, not over your abdomen.
• When having nausea and vomiting, if it lasts longer than 24 hours and you have the inability to keep any food or fluids down, call your doctor. Also call your doctor about severe pain in any part of your body.
• On principle, unnecessary medication is avoided during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester because organogenesis is taking place.
• To prevent any complications of pregnancy, such as that of gestational diabetes, premature delivery and birth defects, the pregnant mother must quit drinking and smoking.

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