This is a guest post from Tracey Montford at Cake Maternity.
Pregnancy is an exciting time and for new mums can be a time of uncertainty.
Surround yourself with positive like-minded people who can help you to navigate through your journey.
What you should do during pregnancy
Eat well
Avoid too many processed foods. Eat a variety of foods from the food pyramid to ensure balance.
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables and brightly coloured fruits.
Eat good quality red meats and fish to ensure you get your daily requirement of protein.
Eat low GI carbohydrates such as brown rice, grains and whole meal pasta and breads.
A good balance of all these foods will help to give you the much-needed energy both you and your baby need. They will also help to keep you fuller for longer.
Exercise
Exercise is extremely important and should be maintained throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
Exercise will help to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy without complications or complaints. It will also help to prepare your body for labor.
A fit strong body will handle the endurance of a long labor better than that of an unfit body.
Hydrate
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Always carry a bottle of water around with you so that you can top up when necessary.
Relax
Ensure you get plenty of rest. Listen to your body and take naps if required.
Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it.
8 hours of sleep a night is desirable.
Check ups
Make sure you attend all of your scheduled check ups. Should you feel like you need more or have a problem, make sure you seek medical advice immediately.
Note: don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment, as it could be too late.
Take vitamins
It is a good idea to take vitamins during pregnancy. Vitamins will help to top you up to ensure both you and baby is getting the essential vitamins and minerals required to keep you both healthy.
Always seek medical advice first before starting on a vitamin supplement.
Clothing
Wear appropriate clothing that is non-restrictive and not too tight.
Choose light fabrics that keep you cool. E.g. cotton, bamboo, modals.
Invest in good quality maternity bra to ensure your now larger bust is correctly supported and comfortable.
What you shouldn’t do during pregnancy
Smoke/drugs/alcohol
Should be avoided completely.
Drugs and alcohol are not only harmful to you but are extremely harmful to your unborn child.
Should you be addicted to any of the above, consult a medical expert for advice and guidance to give up.
Prescription drugs
Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any prescription drugs, to ensure they are not harmful to the development of your unborn child.
Deli foods
Avoid foods that are bought in a deli.
E.g. cold meats, olives, salads, unpasteurized dairy etc.
Foods that sit for long periods of time are acceptable to bacteria and other harmful diseases that are very dangerous if consumed by a pregnant woman.
In some cases they can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.
Bacteria called Listeria can live in refrigerated environments.
Raw fish and meat
Avoid uncooked meats and fish e.g. Sushi as they can contain salmonella, which is a potentially harmful disease, which can cause miscarriage related complications!
Raw eggs
Avoid mayonnaise and other egg-based sauces. Raw egg can contain Salmonella.
Tea/Coffee
Avoid too many sugary drinks, cups of tea and coffee. These drinks will work in the reverse and will actually dehydrate you.
Coffee and Tea also contain caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant and if drunk in access (more than 3 cups a day) it can cause both your and baby's heart rate to increase.
Over exerting yourself
When deciding on an exercise routine, take into account your current fitness levels.
Choose a program that encourages fitness and builds a strong body slowly.
Avoid vigorous exercise that can make you feel ill, pass out or overheat.
Hot showers/saunas
Hot environments are a bad idea. The heat is dangerous to a pregnant woman and can very quickly make her feel faint and unwell.
Keep water temperatures to a warm temperature only and avoid unventilated rooms.
Cleaning products
Avoid using smelly chemicals where possible. Use rubber gloves and a facemask to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Opt for eco-friendly cleaners and avoid contact with your skin.
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Like many women out there, Tracey Montford is an exceptional multi-tasker! Apart from steering a global business, managing 2 young boys & keeping the clan clean and fed, Tracey still finds time to provide creative inspiration and direction to the exceptional designs of Cake Maternity. From the branding, presentation and delivery, creativity is a big part of what Tracey does so naturally and effectively. Find out more at Cake Maternity or catch up with her on social Cake Maternity
