What should you do?
What should you avoid?
How can you have a healthypregnancyand birth?
We went to the experts to find out.
Here are seven things you should do when you’re pregnant, and seven you should avoid.
Sherry Ross, OB/GYN, toldThe Listthat it’s especially important to avoid raw or undercooked foods.
“Cooking properly and thoroughly kills bacteria in the majority of foods.”
Also be careful about eating fish, whether raw orcooked.
Mercury is very toxic and can cause problems to the fetus and to the newborn nursing infant."
But you don’t have to stop eating fish.
That’s good advice for any pregnant woman!
Taylor also added that “parents often regret not being there for the early milestones.”
One of the best ways to keep yourself healthy is to get a flu shot.
you might also take care of yourself by dressing safely.
Caitlin Hoff, a health investigator atConsumerSafety.orgtoldThe List, “Ditch the heels, and stick to sneakers.
I also recommend choosing which hospital you will deliver at and confirm your provider goes there.”
It is not only incredibly beneficial for a pregnant woman but also for her growing baby.
Ross has some ideas for you.
Need another reason to keep exercising?
Don’t expect to do everything right
Are you a perfectionist?
As I discovered quickly, the goal of maternity leave is truly survival, not accomplishment.
Don’t plan to clean the garage, undertake craft projects, or make photo albums."
She suggested, “Do not have a fixed idea in mind of how life will look after baby.
… A child care option you thought was going to work might not work out.
… Plan on being a learner and not an expert, you won’t want that pressure.”
But it’s essential you make plans when pregnant so you’ll be prepared.
Lori Mihalich-Levin, JD, founder and author ofMindful Return,suggested, “Check in with HR.
Don’t forget to ask about benefits, too.
Will any retirement match you receive continue when you’re on FMLA?
How do you add your baby to your insurance?”
Mihalich-Levin suggested, “Develop your maternity leave transition plan.
The more prepared you are now, the less stressed you will feel later on.
Most couples start upsizing when they’re expecting extra bedroom, bigger car, lots of stuff, etc.
This can help them feel prepared, but there are more important things to get ready for.”
In fact, buying new stuff can add to your stress.
So plan to downsize (or at least not upsize) instead.
The bigger things can wait until you’ve all settled into being a new family.
Besides, all your baby really needs at first is your loving arms."
Mindful Returnauthor Lori Mihalich-Levinsuggested you also think about ways to make your life easier once your baby arrives.
She said, “Think about ways that you might delegate and automate processes.
Buy a slow cooker.
Explore food delivery options.
Research baby nurses and postpartum doulas in your area.
Stay away from cigarettes (and cigarette smoke) and alcohol while pregnant.”
One way to minimize that stress is to take care of yourself.
Parenting expertElly TaylortoldThe List, “Start to build self-care into your days and weeks.
She added, “Look at your nutrition how much energy does it provide you with?
Cook and freeze healthy meals, so you have them to hand for at least your first month.
What do you do for stress relief?
What about your partner’s stress relief activities?
ConsumerSafety.orghealth investigator Caitlin Hoff also stressed the importance of self-care when pregnant.
It’s very important to watch your weight, both for your health and for your baby’s.Dr.
It will also be harder to get the weight off after delivery.”
Sherry Rossshared the parameters for how much weight is healthy to gain during pregnancy.
A woman of average weight before getting pregnant should gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.
Underweight women should gain 28 to 40 pounds during pregnancy.
Overweight women may need to gain only 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy.
Do take prenatal screenings while pregnant
When you’re pregnant, you should take prenatal screenings.
That could lead todepression.
Parenthood expertElly TaylortoldThe List, “Include your partner every step of the way.
Feeling isolated and alone can contribute to postpartum depression.
It really does take a village.”
Think about both in-person and online communities, too.”
Jill HechtmantoldThe List, “Pregnancy is a magical time and I ask you to embrace it!”
And who wouldn’t want that?
After all, before you know it, you’ll be welcoming a brand new member into your family!
