5 Pregnancy Do's and Don'ts to Make Your Journey Easier

Congratulations! Being pregnant is one of the greatest things that can happen to any woman. It’s also one of the most life-changing moments any woman could experience, and when I say life-changing, I mean THAT.

Pregnancy takes a toll on all aspects of your life – physical, mental, emotional, financial, you name it. This is exactly why you have to be prepared for what’s about to hit you (pardon my French), especially if you’re a first-time mom. This article has curated the best of pregnancy do’s and don’ts to make the journey easier. So, grab a notepad, and let’s get cracking!

DISCLAIMER: Make sure to consult your doctor before taking ANY decision concerning your body while pregnant. Any information consumed in this article and otherwise should be subject to the approval of your medical professional.

1. DO take your prenatal vitamins

If there’s anything you’re not expected to joke with, it’s your prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid. These vitamins are very instrumental to the proper development of your baby. I understand that in the first trimester, taking medicine may be an absolute chore. But for the sake of the mini-you lying pretty in the womb, find a way to take them. And yeah, be pretty religious about them as well. A lot of health conditions could have been prevented in babies if only mothers took the right meds.

2. DON’T eat for two

You might have heard people say things like “Oh, I’m pregnant, I’m eating for two.” This is just heartbreaking. Of course, during pregnancy, your appetite perks and you might gobble much more food than usual would, but that doesn’t mean you have to indulge and let yourself go, all in the name of ‘eating for two.’ You can be pregnant and maintain a reasonable weight, the extra pounds from your baby considered. No, you do not need to gain a great deal of weight for you to have a healthy baby. If anything, gaining too much weight during pregnancy puts you at risk for gestational diabetes and hypertension. It can also cause you to have a large baby, which could make the delivery process difficult. There’s also the depression that comes from gaining too much weight during pregnancy, especially when it becomes difficult to shed after childbirth. For all the right reasons, eat often, but in adequate portions. Don’t force food in because someone said you’ve not put on enough pounds for a pregnant woman. If your gynecologist doesn’t raise an alarm, don’t let self-appointed bump watchers make you raise one. Ensure your little one gets all the vitamins they need through your diet, and that’s it. Mother’s fine, baby’s great!

3. DO pay attention to your baby’s movements

Right from when you begin to feel your baby’s movements, begin to pay attention. You may not feel so much between weeks 17 and 23, but by week 24, you should be able to feel them strongly. It’s only a matter of time before you notice a sleeping and waking pattern from your baby. Do well to monitor these movements, and should you notice a reduction in movements or a complete absence of movement, seek help from your midwife or gynecologist immediately.

4. DON’T consume too much caffeine

If you happen to, like me, be a coffee junkie and an advocate for ‘stay alive and bright all day long,’ I’ve got news for you. Your caffeine intake needs to take a dip. And I’m not referring to coffee alone, but every single thing that contains caffeine – coffee, energy drinks, cola drinks, specific teas, and whatnot. I’m not saying you have to completely stop taking caffeine, not at all. But you have to be moderate with your caffeine consumption. Medically, it is advised that you limit your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams a day, which is about what you'll find in a 12-ounce cup of brewed coffee or cappuccino. Please do not disregard this. You increase the risks of miscarriage when you consume more than 200 grams of caffeine daily. Remember, it’s better safe than sorry. If you can avoid caffeine altogether, please do. This baby of yours is worth the sacrifice, and much more.

5. DO consult your doctor before consuming any drug

Pregnancy comes with tons of symptoms that may be discomforting: nausea, body pains, headaches, and a whole lot more. All of these symptoms may drive you to the nearest pharmacy to purchase an over-the-counter medication for some relief. In pregnancy, however, not every drug is safe. For the safety of your developing fetus, it is important that you reach out to your doctor or midwife before getting any medication. They can advise accordingly, and help you get the right treatment per time.

I know you can’t wait for this to be over. Just hang in there, mama. Your little one will soon come with all the giggles!