Eating advice
Drink plenty of water and other fluids at least 3 to 4 litres in a day. Eat green leafy vegetables regularly. Take good amounts of fruits. All fruits can be eaten in pregnancy. Even Papaya and pineapple can be consumed in moderate quantities. Papaya is a good source of vitamin A. You are required to take only 350 extra calories in pregnancy. So don't eat for two. Just eat healthy. Many woman lose 1-2 kg in first 3 months due to nausea and vomiting. Then there will be a steady weight gain upto a total of 11-12 kgs. Eat hygienic food at home or outside to prevent water borne diseases which can be troublesome in pregnancy. You can eat eggs and other non vegetarian foods as you please. They are high in proteins. No foods or pills can make your baby fair, it's the genes. Choose a doctor Choose a doctor you trust and can talk without restrictions. Folic acid Start taking folic acid to prevent brain defects in baby. It is best to take folic acid few months before planning for pregnancy. Exercise You can continue doing moderate exercise if you were doing previously. Don't start any new heavy exercise in pregnancy. Go slow and increase gradually. Swimming is a good exercise in pregnancy provided you are sure of proper maintenance of pool.
Addictions Avoid smoking including passive smoking, alcohol, tobacco in any form completely. Limit caffeine intake.
Travel
For patients with bad obstetric history or high risk pregnancy, it is best to avoid traveling in first 3 months. Otherwise in normal pregnancy u can travel as per comfortable. Train travel is best. Air travel is also safe. For long route travel keep moving at regular intervals. Check airline rules before traveling in late pregnancy. Work Most patients can continue working after pregnancy except patients with occupational hazard exposure at work. It is best to rest at regular intervals and when fatigued. Patients with active bleeding or other high risk conditions may require rest as advised by doctor.
Sleep Have a good sleep at night. Avoid too much screen time after evening. You may rest for 1-2 hours in noon also. Medication Do not take any self medication. Ask your doctor before continuing any previously prescribed medications even if it is non allopathic. Sex Sex during pregnancy is safe unless instructed to be avoided by your doctor Specific symptoms Heartburn or acidity is a common symptom in pregnancy. Avoid spicy food, eat small proportions frequently, sleep a little propped up to control it.
Stretch marks are common pregnancy. Some people have more some less. They lighten in due course after delivery. Constipation also occurs commonly in pregnancy because of hormones. It is best to take some medication or it can cause painful fissures or piles.
Swelling of feet is common in pregnancy. You can keep pillows under your legs while sleeping. Take adequate rest. Your doctor will check your blood pressure at every visit. If it's normal swelling is because of pregnancy. Read about pregnancy, delivery, painless labour, newborn care when pregnant. Disclaimer - these are the views of a qualified doctor and author. These are general suggestions and do not replace actual check up by a doctor. Any resemblance to anybody is coincidental.
Author information - Dr Harita N Kothia, Obstetrician and gynecologist, Mumbai.