Dos and Donts for a pregnant woman

The first three months as a pregnant woman is the most crucial stage in your baby's development as all organs are forming. Throughout your pregnancy, but especially during the first three months, be particularly careful about using any alcohol, drugs or medication. The information below outlines substances that require special precautions during pregnancy. Instructions are also given on how to keep track of fetal movements, an important sign of how healthy a baby is.

Sleep

Try to go to bed a little earlier a few nights before and if you can, take a nap on an afternoon. Believe it or not, this loss of one hour’s sleep can be very disruptive to children and adults alike. It is not always possible to avoid the top 10 pregnancy problems but there are some things you can do to help.

If you are a pregnant woman, you are most likely cherishing every minute of sleep you can get. During pregnancy, sleep is extremely important for you and baby. The problem is, as your pregnancy progresses, getting a good night’s sleep is often difficult; there’s indigestion, heartburn, our backs ache, we can’t find a comfortable sleeping position and we’re up running to the washroom a few times a night (the list of complaints goes on and on)!

So if you find yourself counting sheep in the middle of the night, here are a few suggestions to help you get some valuable sleep. If you really can’t sleep, read some more great tips more on sleeplessness.

  • Try to exercise during the day; if you can’t work out, try to take a walk Exercise will help you to reduce leg cramps and it improves your circulation
  • During the day, drink lots of fluids but cut back on drinking in the evening (this will help you avoid those late night dashes to the washroom)
  • Avoid eating a large heavy meal at night. This can help you to prevent heartburn. See our eating for two advice
  • Wind down the day by taking a warm bath and then practicing some relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises (this is also great practice for labor)
  • When you go to bed, sleep on your left side; this enables good blood flow to your fetus, to your uterus and your kidneys
  • If you are tossing and turning, grab some pillows to support your tummy and legs or get a special pregnancy pillow And if you are exhausted from the strains of pregnancy or are tired because you’re not sleeping well, squeeze in a nap.

Alcohol

No one knows how much alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy The danger of alcohol use during pregnancy is that it may cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Babies born with FAS may:
  • grow more slowly
  • have learning problems
  • have distorted facial features
There is no cure for these problems caused by fetal alcohol syndrome. Alcohol is an ingredient in many medicines you buy. For example, some cough medicines are 25 percent alcohol. Ask your health care provider if you should use the product during pregnancy. Always read the label before taking any medicine.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking may lead to serious health problems for pregnant women. Women who smoke during pregnancy usually have smaller babies than non-smoking women. Low birth weight babies are more likely to have health problems such as:
  • Infections
  • Trouble keeping warm
  • Feeding problems
  • Breathing difficulties.
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

In addition, new research has found significant health problems related to exposure to second hand smoke and a link to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S.).

Pregnant Teens - Health issues more relevant to pregnant teens

Baby-Parenting.com - Pregnancy, Baby & Parenting information

Suggested Products

Put an end to all the Frustration, Stress and Annoyance of family members telling you how to get pregnant!! ... And learn all the little known secrets, hints and tricks of how to conceive Baby Dreamers online pregnancy guide

Links

Baby Name Tool - Search for a baby name, or suggest your own
Baby Message Board - Talk to other people in a similar situation on our message boards
Baby Information - What to expect when your baby arrives
Pregnant Women Do's and Dont's
Pregnancy software
All contents copyright © 2007-2008 Baby-Parenting.com. All rights reserved.
The information in Baby-Parenting.com is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Click here to see our full
disclaimer.
Home | Contact Us | Advertise | About Us | Link To Us | Archive of Articles | Links | Links Directory | Terms & Conditions / Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Copyright Baby-Parenting.com © 2007-2008 Baby-Parenting.com

What to during while pregnant


Information for pregnant women during pregnancy.
<!-- ALT -->
HomeTryingPregnancyBirthBaby nameHealthFamilyMessage BoardsShopping
   Home  |  Shopping  |  Baby Names  |  Latest Articles  |  Archived Articles  |  Todays News  |  Todays Horoscopes