There are 3 stages in pregnancy, the first trimester which is from week 1 up to week 12, second trimester which covers week 13 till week 28 and the last trimester from week 29 to week 40.
Having been pregnant twice, I became fully aware of the important practices during pregnancy. I became knowledgeable of the do’s and don’ts for a pregnant woman. Carrying a developing child inside the womb is no joke. In my case, I really had a hard time conceiving a child. In my two pregnancies, the first trimester is the hardest stage I experienced. I always have the morning sickness. I throw up in the morning and even in mid-day, sudden episodes of dizziness also occur anytime of the day. I frequently suffered from heartburn and fatigue though I am not doing much house chores. I always felt very sleepy, the reason why I was called sleeping beauty by my husband then lol. I also had distaste on certain foods and at the same time craving for different foods too.
On the second trimester, I begun to have leg cramps and back aches. The last trimester is the stage where I felt that I am very heavy that I easily get tired during walks and usually experience shortness of breath. My breasts began to swell and start aching every now and then. More backaches and troubles in sleeping for I felt like drowning so I need to find the best sleeping position. Contractions began on the last week of the eighth month.
Though not every pregnant woman experiences the same thing I did, there is still a need to know the do’s and don’ts for the benefit of our unborn child and our health as well.
Listed below are the Do’s and Don’ts during Pregnancy.
Do’s
- It is very important to have a regular pre-natal care, have yourself be checked-up by an obstetrician-gynecologist and see to it that you come on your next check up appointments, which is usually every month on the first and second trimester.Twice a month doctor’s visit on the seventh till the mid of eighth month and weekly until the projected time of birth-giving.
- Take prescribed vitamins and supplements religiously.
- Get enough sleep and try to reduce stress
- The center of your gravity changes throughout pregnancy, so it is very important to be aware of good posture and proper exercises.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables, focus on your proper diet, remember that you are eating for two
- Drink lots of water
- As experienced, you will find sleeping comfort if you turn to a side. either on your left or right side position.
- Do some stretching, basic exercises to increase flexibility and strength, it is necessary to lessen or avoid leg cramps.
- Practice the proper breathing which is very essential during giving birth, you may ask your obstetrician about the breathing techniques.
- On the fourth or fifth month, our baby starts to frequently change his/her position inside our womb, you can feel and see your tummy bulge on one side, it is advisable to hold it and talk to your baby, as it is the beginning of your strong bonding, you may let him listen to good music too.
- Start preparing your hospital bag two weeks before your expected time of giving birth, make a list of the things needed to bring, such as baby’s clothes,diapers, and your clothes and things as well.
Don’ts
- Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or inhale hazardous fumes like paint or secondhand-smoke.
- In case you contract fever, don’t take other over the counter medications unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Limit caffeine consumption, opt for healthy drinks
- As much as possible, avoid climbing high ladders, use the elevator or escalator.
- Do not bend down with straight legs, observe for the proper positions when bending and getting up from your bed
- Never carry heavy weights
- Don’t wear tight clothes
- Don’t wear high heels
- Avoid long distance travels especially during the last trimester, if in case you need to travel, consult your doctor for your travel clearance.
- Do not over exert effort or tire yourself
- Eat but try not to gain too much weight. Ask your obstetrician-gynecologist regardingyour optimal weight gain to prevent pregnancy complications, like gestationaldiabetes, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, very-preterm birth and caesarean delivery.
While pregnant, you may not be able to do your regular tasks and routines. Do not be ashamed to ask and tell your doctor on what you feel and experience on this stage of your life. Before, I also ask and collect opinions from my mother and friends who had been once an expectant mother. I also do a lot of reading and researching to know more about my pregnant condition.