The early stages of pregnancy can be tricky as your body adjusts to its new role as not only an incubator, but preserver, nourisher and protector of your new baby. This journey is fraught with changes as your body undergoes unprecedented spikes in hormone levels along with an exponential rise in blood volume. These changes make it necessary to take some basic precautions during pregnancy.
1. Give up harmful habits
Consuming alcohol and cigarette smoking must be avoided during pregnancy even if it is only second hand smoke that you are exposed to. This may be a great excuse to get your husband to quit by explaining the harmful effects it can have on the baby even at this early stage! Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to foetal alcohol syndrome and smoking can cause sudden infant death syndrome. If that isn’t enough, premature delivery or even a miscarriage is a distinct possibility with either.
2. Take Prenatal Vitamins
At least 400mg of folic acid must be included in a pregnant woman’s day as folic acid prevents neural tube defects in the developing foetus. A multi-vitamin that has calcium and iron must be taken in addition to a diet that is rich in whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Limit your Caffeine Intake
While your mother-in-law may insist that her generation or the ones before never cut down on coffee or tea during pregnancy, keeping your trips to Coffee Day to a minimum can greatly minimize your risk for miscarriage. Take consolation in that chocolate is considered safe although it has caffeine. So there!
4. Stay well-hydrated
In the coming months, your blood volume will increase by a whopping 33% to accommodate your baby’s needs. Drinking plenty of fluids will not only help with this but also enable your body to acclimate to your increasing hormone levels gradually.
is it okey to travel daily by scooter during pregnancy?
not after 4 month..
is bike driving safe in early months of pregnancy.
very informative
is headache is a normal phenomenon in second month of pregnency.
thanks for the information.
Is eno is safe during 1st trimester
thanks so much.
Activities like bike riding should be pursued cautiously although it would probably be best to postpone it to after the birth of your baby. In general, any activity with the potential for hard falls should be avoided during pregnancy. Exercise bikes should be fine but seek medical advice if you are unsure.