CONDITIONS
What to be careful about in pregnancy
All parents strive to provide their child with the best possible beginning in life, a goal that can be pursued even prior to birth. It is essential for a woman to prioritize her own well-being and the health of her developing baby, which may involve making necessary adjustments to certain behaviours or avoiding harmful activities. Here are some recommendations to safeguard the well-being of both the growing baby and the mother.
Nutrition and diet
During pregnancy, the body requires certain nutrients in larger quantities. It is important to ensure an adequate intake of the following nutrients:
- Iron: The need for iron doubles during pregnancy. Insufficient iron can lead to anaemia, characterized by symptoms like tiredness and depression. Good sources of iron include green leafy vegetables, lentils and legumes, whole wheat and millets, beetroot, fish etc.
- Folate: This B vitamin plays a crucial role in protecting the baby from neural tube defects and abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord. Dark leafy greens, dried beans, peanuts, sunflower seeds, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals are all rich in folate.
- Calcium: Insufficient calcium intake during pregnancy can result in the body extracting calcium from the mother’s bones to meet the baby’s needs. Calcium is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth in the baby and for the proper functioning of the circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems in both the mother and the baby. Dairy products are the best sources of calcium, and it is recommended that you aim for at least four or more servings per day. Other sources of calcium include milk products, millets like ragi, almonds, flax seeds, walnuts, peanuts, drumsticks or moringa etc.
- Protein: Protein is essential during the second and third trimesters as it supports the baby’s growth. Aim for approximately 71 grams of protein daily from lean meat, fish, eggs, dried beans, sprouted grains, tofu, and nuts.
In addition to these nutrients, it is advisable to consume a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation, which is common among pregnant women, especially as the baby grows. Staying well hydrated can also help avoid Braxton-Hick’s contractions, which are mild, irregular contractions during pregnancy. They typically last less than 30 seconds and are uncomfortable but rarely painful. Moreover, as the due date approaches, they tend to occur more frequently and intensify. Braxton Hicks contractions play a role in strengthening the muscles of the uterus and preparing the cervix for childbirth.
The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women should add around 300 calories to their daily intake during the second and third trimesters. It is important to ensure that these additional calories come from healthy foods rather than unhealthy choices like junk food. Making poor dietary decisions can lead to problems such as excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, and an increased risk of complications. Aim for a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support the baby’s growth and maintain health.
Prenatal care
- Avoid skipping prenatal visits: These visits allow an OG-GYN doctor to monitor health and the baby’s progress. Skipping them could mean missing out on essential tests and screenings that check for potential complications or health issues.
- Avoid forgetting to take prenatal vitamins: During pregnancy, higher amounts of essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium are needed, and these can be found in prenatal vitamins. Folic acid is essential as it is vital in decreasing the chances of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in the developing foetus.
Lifestyle choices
It is essential to avoid alcohol and cigarettes during pregnancy as these substances can cause significant developmental problems for the baby, such as congenital disabilities and long-term learning or behavioural issues.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to foetal alcohol syndrome, which is linked to severe physical and developmental challenges in infants. Smoking cigarettes raises the chances of premature birth, low birth weight, and respiratory complications. It is also important to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
Physical activity
Maintaining a regular exercise routine during pregnancy is recommended to benefit both pregnant women and their babies. Engaging in prenatal physical activity can help improve posture and decrease fatigue. However, avoiding high-impact exercises that could lead to dehydration, overheating, or contractions is crucial. Instead, choose moderate, pregnancy-safe activities such as walking and listen to the body’s signals for when to rest. Consulting with an OB-GYN is advised to ensure that the exercise plan one chooses is appropriate. It is also advised to avoid lifting heavy objects.
Rest and stress management
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help manage pregnancy’s increased physical and emotional demands.
During pregnancy, it is normal to experience a certain level of stress. However, it is crucial to effectively manage excessive stress for the sake of one’s own well-being and the development of the baby. High levels of stress can result in sleep issues and elevated blood pressure and even affect the baby’s birth weight and overall growth.
in activities like prenatal yoga and meditation or seeking support from a therapist or a support group can be beneficial. Remember, taking care of mental health is just as important as taking care of physical health during this special time.
Medical and environmental precautions
- Medications and supplements: Only take medications and supplements approved by a doctor.
- Avoid harmful chemical exposure: It is advisable to be cautious of paint fumes that may be present during home renovations. These fumes can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances. It is recommended to opt for low-VOC or VOC-free paints and ensure proper ventilation in areas that have been freshly painted. In addition, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides used in gardening and agriculture can also pose risks. So, it is essential to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Household cleaners are another potential source of dangerous chemicals. When pregnant, choosing natural or non-toxic cleaning products is advisable and always ensure proper ventilation while cleaning.
Personal hygiene
- Hand hygiene: Practice good hand hygiene to avoid infections.
- Dental care: Maintain good dental hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups, as gum disease can impact pregnancy.
Vaccinations
Three vaccinations are generally recommended for pregnant women in India. These vaccines comprise of Tetanus Toxoid (TT), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis), and the Influenza vaccine.
- Tetanus Toxoid (TT): It is advised to receive a minimum of two doses of TT injection during pregnancy, with a gap of at least 28 days between doses. Suppose the woman’s immunization status is unknown, or she has not been previously vaccinated. In that case, two doses should be administered before delivery, with the second dose completed four weeks before delivery.
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis): The ideal time to administer the TDAP vaccine is between 27-36 weeks of pregnancy, as this ensures higher levels of antibodies in the foetus. This vaccine plays a vital role in preventing pertussis and its potential complications for both the mother and the newborn.
- Influenza Vaccine: The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend Influenza vaccination during pregnancy. All pregnant women should receive the inactivated influenza vaccine. It is primarily recommended during the second and third trimesters but can also be given in the first trimester.
Warning symptoms and signs in pregnancy
If any of the following signs or symptoms occur, the woman should be immediately taken to the hospital or OB-GYN doctor.
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Generalized weakness, easy fatigability, and breathlessness
- Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy
- Excessive swelling in the legs
- Excessive nausea and vomiting
- Convulsions
- High fever
- Burning in the urination
- Severe headaches with blurred vision
References
- All about women’s Obstetrics and Gynecology. What to eat (…and not to eat) when pregnant. The doctors and midwives at North Florida’s All About Women discuss safe and healthy eating during pregnancy. Available from: https://www.allaboutwomenmd.com/knowledge-center/nutrition-during-pregnancy.html. Accessed on 21st May 2024
- All about women Obstetrics and Gynecology. What to eat (…and not to eat) when pregnant. The doctors and midwives at North Florida’s All About Women discuss safe and healthy eating during pregnancy. Available from: https://www.allaboutwomenmd.com/knowledge-center/things-to-avoid-during-pregnancy.html. Accessed on 21st May 2024
- Mayo Clinic Health System. 5 common questions about Braxton Hicks contractions. Available from: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/5-common-questions-about-braxton-hicks-contractions. Accessed on 21st May 2024
- Maternal Health Division Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India. My Safe Motherhood, booklet for expecting mothers. Available from: https://nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/maternal-health/guidelines/my_safe_motherhood_booklet_english.pdf. Accessed on 21th May 2024
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccines During Pregnancy FAQs. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/vaccines-during-pregnancy.html#Which. Accessed on 17th May 2024
