10 Pregnancy Facts All Moms Must Know |
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CONGRATULATIONS!
You are about to have a baby. It’s going to be an eventful nine months. Here are the ten most important things that you need to keep in mind during this wonderful period of your life. |
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YOUR DIET
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It’s time to take special care of your diet. Here your list of ‘must have’ nutrients. |
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Calcium |
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You will get these from dairy and soya products.
*Milk* Dahi* Paneer * Cheese * Soya Milk * Tofu * other Soya products
Calcium assists in developing your baby’s bones and teeth and if your diet
lacks calcium then the body draws it from your bones.
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Vitamin C |
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Opt for Vitamin C rich vegetables.
*Oranges * Grape fruit * Sweet Lime * Raw Broccoli* Cabbage * Berries
*Amla
*Intake of Vitamin C in generous amounts is necessary for a healthy
pregnancy, bone growth and various metabolic processes. |
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Folic Acid |
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Your doctor will probably recommend a Folic acid supplement but you
should look for this essential nutrient by going in for a green diet! |
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Vitamin B6 |
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Snack on those nuts and don’t forget your rotis.
*Whole grain products* Nuts *Vegetables*Meats |
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Vitamin B12 |
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Look for B6 in
*Milk* Eggs*Milk products* Fish |
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Vitamin D |
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This sunny vitamin is produced by your body when it is exposed to direct sunlight. So remember to take that regular walk in the garden. Fish eaters can also include oil rich fishes in their diets.
*Salmon *Sardines |
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Green and yellow leafy vegetables |
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Make these your best friends during your pregnancy. They are an absolute essential!
*Beans*Spinach*Cabbage*Broccoli*Fenugreek*Pumpkin*Carrots*Tomato* Peas* Mint |
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Avoid excessive amounts of fat as it will only add extra pounds to your body. |
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2. |
YOUR EXCERCISE |
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It is important to regularly exercise when pregnant as it promotes toning of the muscles, building up your strength and endurance levels. It also helps in alleviating backache and swelling. |
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Low impact exercises like walking, yoga and swimming are the best kinds. Avoid exercises such as tennis, cycling, as you could injure yourself.
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| Remember to choose an exercise based on your fitness level prior to the pregnancy. |
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Avoid over exerting yourself.
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| Alter your exercise plan every trimester. |
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3. |
MAINTAIN YOUR PREGNANCY DIARY |
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Keeping a diary during your pregnancy is a good idea. It helps you keep on track. You should note down any questions that you may have and ask your doctor during your next visit. Maintain all emergency contacts like your hospital and doctor phone numbers here as well. |
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4. |
SEX |
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| It is safe to have sex throughout the 9 month term of a normal pregnancy. |
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The baby is protected in the womb. It has been noted that during and after the pregnancy your sex drive generally decreases. |
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5. |
EXPAND YOUR SOCIAL CIRCLE |
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It’s advisable to keep in touch with friends and family and also meet with other women who are going through the same wonderful yet slightly daunting journey of pregnancy.
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Join an online forum to discuss things if you can’t travel.
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Visit the appleofmyi blog in the Chit-Chat section of our site. |
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6. |
EDUCATE YOURSELF |
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You and your partner are about to embark on a new phase in life. Being prepared with knowledge is a good idea. Enroll your partner and yourself in a class about childbirth.
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These classes allow you to discuss all your apprehensions about the delivery and labour with a qualified instructor. |
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7. |
YOUR TRAVEL |
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It is generally safe to travel during your pregnancy.
Here are some things to keep in mind. |
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Always wear a seatbelt while driving or being driven around. |
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While using public transport the thumb rule is to be seated at all times. |
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If you are flying out somewhere then it is important to walk and stretch your legs so that the blood flow is not affected. |
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Check with your doctor in case of any doubt. |
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8. |
WORKING DURING PREGNANCY |
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With a healthy pregnancy then you may continue working until your delivery date. You may be required to make certain modifications especially if your job requires you to stand for long periods of time. If you have irregular or excessive working hours you might need to cut back just a little.
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9. |
YOUR SLEEP CYCLE |
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It is a common complaint by pregnant women that they feel sleep deprived.
Here are some of the things that might help you in getting that elusive good night’s sleep |
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Avoid caffeinated drinks which include colas |
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Keep the food and drink a little light before bedtime. |
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Relax before sleep time and avoid strenuous activity |
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10. |
THINGS TO AVOID |
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Avoid consuming alcohol |
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Do not take any over the counter medicines without consulting your doctor |
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If you have a pet cat please avoid cleaning the litter box |
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MOST IMPORTANT: KEEP SMILING & HAVE A HEALTHY HAPPY PREGNANCY! |
