There are a lot of myths and old wives tales about what pregnant women should and shouldn't do. It can be hard to separate fact from fiction, but it's important to remember that every pregnancy is different. What works for one woman may not work for another. Here are some general guidelines to help you stay healthy and comfortable during your pregnancy:
1. Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which can cause birth defects and developmental problems in your child. If you're trying to get pregnant, avoid drinking alcohol altogether.
2. Don't smoke cigarettes or use drugs. Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of miscarrying, having a low-birthweight baby, or delivering prematurely. Cigarette smoke also contains harmful chemicals that can pass through the placenta and damage your baby's developing lungs. If you use recreational drugs, they can also harm your baby's development and increase the risk of premature labor or stillbirth.
3. Get enough rest. Pregnancy is exhausting! Make sure to get plenty of rest whenever possible so that your body has the energy it needs to support a growing fetus.
4 . Eat healthy foods . nutritious diet will help you have a healthy pregnancy and decrease the chances of certain complications, like gestational diabetes . Choose foods from all the food groups , including whole grains , fruits , vegetables , lean protein , dairy , and folic - rich foods . Limit unhealthy fats , sugary drinks , caffeine , artificial sweeteners , deli meats ( lunch meats ), fish high in mercury ( swordfish ), raw sprouts , unpasteurized dairy products & juices . Also avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish as these fish contain high levels of mercury which can be harmful to both you & your baby . Lastly limit sodium intake as too much sodium could lead to fluid retention & swelling ( edema ).