As the pregnancy progresses and your belly grows, the large and monumental responsibility of parenting begins to sink in. As a mother, you are responsible for helping the baby grow in a nurturing and healthy environment. But this beautiful phase of life comes with many questions. So, you may wonder what you can do and what you shouldn't do. Well, panic not! We have a few do's and don'ts to help you guide through your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Dos:

(Image credit: https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/dos_and_donts_during_second_trimester_of_pregnancy)

1. Take vitamins and minerals:

During pregnancy, the diet may alone not provide essential nutrients. Hence, the doctor may recommend additional nutrient supplements. Some of the common nutrient supplements include:

• Iron,
• Calcium,
• Folic Acid,
• Vitamin C,
• Riboflavin,
• DHA, etc.


2. Exercise regularly:

Staying physically active during pregnancy can ease back pain, reduce blood pressure and boost your mood. Walking, low-impact exercises, and light yoga are some of the easy ways to stay physically active during pregnancy. However, before starting any exercise, consult your doctor and check if it's safe and comfortable for you and your baby.

3. Eat healthy food:

Eating a well-balanced diet can be a challenge when you are pregnant. The food aversions and morning sickness can make it difficult to keep anything down. However, munching on fresh fruits or eating healthy snacks can help you prevent nausea and also provide essential nutrients.

4. Gain weight smartly:

The advice "You should eat for two" is a myth. Pregnancy isn't a license to eat junk and unhealthy food. Instead, be strategic about what you eat and how much you eat. During the first trimester, you only need 100 extra calories per day to support the baby's development. Moreover, gaining too much weight during pregnancy can do you more harm than good.

5. Flu vaccine:

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends pregnant women get a flu vaccine during the flu season. The vaccine is safe for both mother and baby and offers protection from severe illness. The flu vaccine contains antibodies instead of a live virus. If you have any questions regarding the vaccine, it's best to consult your doctor.

Pregnancy Don'ts:


(Image credit: https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/dos_and_donts_during_second_trimester_of_pregnancy)

6. Avoid certain foods:

During pregnancy, it's vital to eat healthy food. However, avoid certain foods such as raw eggs, undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, and dairy products. They can be contaminated with certain bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella. Hence, consuming these foods without proper cooking can lead to bacterial infection.

7. Avoid wearing high heels:

During pregnancy, opt for flat shoes or stick to heels below 3 inches. Because as your pregnancy progresses and your belly grows, your center of gravity will change. Hence, you might feel a little unsteady, and this can increase the risk of falls.

8. Avoid hot tub and saunas:

The constant aches and soreness during pregnancy can make relaxing in a hot tub seem tempting. But exposure to high temperatures during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to birth defects in the baby. Hence, stick to a warm relaxing bath instead of a hot tub and sauna.

9. Avoid Smoking:

Smoking is dangerous for both you and the baby. Passive smoking or secondhand smoking is equally bad for the baby. The smoke contains several harmful chemicals, which can even lead to cancer. Passive smoking can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth weight, etc.

10. Avoid Alcohol:

Stay away from beer, wine, and liquor during pregnancy. Alcohol can enter the placenta and umbilical cord from the mother's bloodstream and damage the baby's brain.

Remember, pregnancy is wellness and not an illness. It's a life-changing and beautiful experience for both parents. If you're pregnant, hang in there. These off-limit foods and activities will soon be available to you again. And the arrival of your little bundle of joy is worth all the trouble.