Life
6 Things You Didn't Know You Were Supposed To Do While Pregnant
Finding out you’re pregnant is an exciting time. You may be the type of person who just goes with the flow, but you also might be that mother-to-be who buys all the latest pregnancy books, take as many classes as possible, and reads every last forum on the internet. If this is the case, you may be realizing how many different things there are to know about your pregnancy.
With so many tips floating around, it can be impossible to catch everything. Lucky for you, we have collaborated with a few doctors to come up with six different things you didn’t know you should do when pregnant.
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Avoid Soft Cheese
Women should avoid eating soft cheeses while pregnant, as these type of cheeses can contain a bacteria called listeria. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to getting listeria because of hormonal changes that weaken the immune system. Dr. Aurora Dominguez, M.D. recommends avoiding cheeses such as queso blanco, queso fresco, brie, and feta along with cheeses made from unpasteurized or raw milk.
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Have Sex
Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself! “Sex is a natural, healthy activity which can be relaxing, helpful, and stimulating at any stage of pregnancy,” says Nicole E. Williams, M.D., FACOG of The Gynecology Institute of Chicago. Added benefit: you’re already pregnant, so that takes that pressure off!
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Check Your Prenatal Vitamins
“Another common misconception is that a supplement labeled ‘prenatal vitamin’ will always have the required nutrients needed during pregnancy,” says Dr. Thais Aliabadi, M.D. “It is very important to know your doctor’s recommendations and to check the labels on the prenatal vitamins to make sure the requirements are being met.” For instance, many prenatal vitamins don’t include DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid which is essential for a baby’s brain development.
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Eat 2 servings Of Fish Per Week
Advice about fish during pregnancy can get confusing with all that mixed advice. “Many women avoid fish due to the concern about mercury, but small cooked fish is a healthy protein option for pregnant women,” says Dr. Aliabadi. Fish and other seafood such as salmon, shrimp, and sardines are lower in mercury and can be consumed twice a week. Examples of large fish that should be avoided include shark, swordfish, and mackerel.
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Sleep On Your Side During The 3rd Trimester
“There are always questions about ‘safe’ sleeping positions,” says Dr. Aliabadi. In the first and second trimesters, women can sleep however they feel comfortable. However, by the third trimester, lying on your back may cause dizziness or shortness of breath. These issues can be avoided by sleeping on your side.
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Exercise
“Many pregnant women think they have to greatly decrease their physical activity when pregnant,” says Dr. Aliabadi. While certain conditions during pregnancy do require decreased activity or bed rest, Dr. Aliabadi recommends participating in 30 minutes of exercise a day, which can lead to improved mood, increased energy, better sleep, and decreased back pain, constipation, and bloating. “It may even improve the labor process,” she says. Safe forms of exercise include swimming, walking, and aerobics.
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