THINGS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
There are many things that pregnant women need to be aware of in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. Here are a few common mistakes that pregnant women should try to avoid:
Not getting enough prenatal care: Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy, and it's important to see a healthcare provider regularly throughout the pregnancy. This will help identify any potential problems early on and ensure that the baby is growing and developing properly.
Skipping prenatal screenings: Pregnant women should take advantage of the various prenatal screenings that are available, such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), to detect any potential birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.
Not eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet is important for both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women should eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods and avoid processed foods, excessive caffeine, and alcohol.
Not getting enough exercise: Regular exercise is important for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. Exercise can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm labor, and it can also make delivery easier.
Using certain medications without consulting a healthcare provider: Some medications can be harmful to a developing baby, so it's important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medications, even over-the-counter ones, during pregnancy.
Not avoiding certain environmental toxins: Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as lead and pesticides, can be harmful to a developing baby. Pregnant women should try to avoid exposure to these toxins as much as possible.
It is always advisable to check with a health care provider and have a consultation before doing any of the above mentioned things and as a reminder, each pregnancy is unique and you should always listen to your body and consult with your OB or Midwife.