Pregnancy Information

The Dos and Donts of Pregnancy


With so many people giving their opinion on what to do and what not to do during pregnancy, it becomes hard to determine what is fact and what is fiction. Below is a list of some of the more important factors to consider in regards to pregnancy do's and dont's.

Food during pregnancy

Certain foods need to be avoided during pregnancy. Listeria, which is caused by uncooked meats, some seafood, unpasterized milk and soft cheeses, can cause birth defects, miscarriages and stillbirth. Here is an interesting article on diet during pregnancy: http://www.namestobe.com/pregnancydiet.html.

Cat litter

Toxoplasmosis, is a disease which is contracted by contact with cat feces. It is spread by a parasite which can lead to miscarriages, stillbirth and birth defects.

Smoking

Smoking during pregnancy is definetely a no no. It has been linked to a low birth weight, miscarriage and premature birth in many different studies. Second hand smoke poses the same dangers during pregnancy, and should be avoided at all costs.

Caffeine

Some studies on caffeine during pregnancy have led to the conclusion that the two do not mix well together, as caffeine may increase the possibility of miscarriage and low birth weight. On the other hand, other studies have shown no link between the two. Obviously an excessive amount of caffeine is a bad idea regardless of pregnancy. An excessive amount of caffeine is generally regarded as over 300 milligrams per day. If you stay well clear of this figure, caffeine during pregnancy is less likely to cause problems.

Safety around the house

There are many hazards around the house for pregnant women, but almost all can be easily avoided. If you still insist on doing all the house work yourself, try to stay clear of aerosol cans, industrial strength cleaners and fumes from paint, solvents and strippers. All of the above have been linked to birth defects and other pregnancy complications. It also pays to take it a little easier around certain parts of the house such as stair cases.

Body temperature

Keeping a moderate body temperature during pregnancy (especially during first trimester) is important as it may lead to birth defects. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your temperature during exercise and keep your fluids up. Things such as saunas and hot baths are not recommended during pregnancy.

Alcohol and drugs

To be safe with alcohol during pregnancy it is probably best to avoid it altogether, as there is no safe level of consumption. It can have detremental affects on an unborn child. In comparison to a fully grown woman, a baby is very small, so you could imagine the potential damage to the baby if the mother was drunk or even tipsy. Drugs during pregnancy have been shown to have a negative effect. Drugs such as cocaine have been shown to hinder the development of a babys vital oxygen and nourishment, leading to complications such as birth defects and even an addiction in the child itself.

Exercise

Exercise during pregnancy is recommended for most women, but only at a moderate pace. Women who participated in high impact exersice, weight lifting, contact sports, high altitude training or scuba diving before pregnancy, will have to readjust their routines. Walking is highly recommended for at least the first two trimesters, as it can help your body withstand the rigors of labor and delivery more easily.

The do's and dont's of pregnancy are different for each woman and each pregnancy. The above information is not a medical opinion and should not substitute a professional medical opinion. Always consult your doctor or care provider before making any major decisions before, during and even after pregnancy.

Article written by Sarah Mitchell of NamesToBe.com; http://www.namestobe.com

Browse over 10,000 baby names and meanings, hundreds of articles, recommmended baby gifts and much more! http://www.namestobe.com/pregnancydodont.html

Article free for reprint so long as this author bio is present and all hyperlinks remain active.


MORE RESOURCES:

ABC News

'Pregnancy pact' school to give out contraceptives
The Associated Press - Oct 9, 2008
(AP) — Schools in the Massachusetts city where girls reportedly made a "pregnancy pact" will allow contraceptives to be distributed — with parental consent. ...
Video: Policy Change Following Pregnancy Pact AssociatedPress
Pregnancy Pact School to Issue Contraceptives WCTV
'Pregnancy pact' school in Mass. allows contraceptives to be ... New York Daily News
Enews 2.0 - InjuryBoard.com
all 436 news articles


WELT ONLINE

Rep: News about Jamie Lynn's pregnancy baseless rumor
Xinhua, China - 2 hours ago
National Enquirer magazine quoted a source, saying Jamie Lynn is eight weeks into her second pregnancy, adding that Spears was not aware that one could ...
Video: Britney's Mom Talks Rehab, Rumors and K-Fed AssociatedPress
Jamie Lynn Spears' Mom 'Furious at Second Pregnancy News' Showbiz Spy
Jamie Lynn Spears was no virgin WELT ONLINE
China Daily - NBC5i.com
all 53 news articles


LIVENEWS.com.au

pregnancy brain' a myth
The Australian, Australia - 16 hours ago
The findings contradict previous studies and the commonly held belief that pregnancy can damage a woman's cognitive functions. Helen Christensen, who led ...
Pregnancy hurts schooling, not brain NEWS.com.au
Health Highlights: Oct. 10, 2008 Washington Post
Baby's no drain on the brain Herald Sun
ABC Online
all 50 news articles


BBC News

Angelina Jolie says Brad made her want pregnancy
Reuters - 9 hours ago
By Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Angelina Jolie, an advocate for adoption, was determined never to get pregnant until Brad Pitt came along and ...
Angelina Jolie: Brad Pitt Sees My Body as Sexier After Pregnancy Post Chronicle
Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba and Halle Berry: What's their baby ... amNewYork
Jolie didn't get enough junk food! Times of India
WELT ONLINE - Reuters UK
all 1,016 news articles


Dating violence and teen pregnancy
Boston Globe, United States - 3 hours ago
"DOCTORS WALK fine line on teen pregnancy" (Health & Science, Oct. 6) does a fine job of addressing the challenges facing doctors whose teen patients may be ...


The Associated Press

Jolie says Pitt changed her mind about pregnancy
The Associated Press - 3 hours ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Angelina Jolie, an advocate of adoption, credits partner Brad Pitt with her decision to have biological children. ...


UNICEF: SCs/STs account for 50% pregnancy deaths
Times of India, India - 9 hours ago
New data suggests that among the women dying during pregnancy, delivery or post-partum complications, a large proportion — about 50% — are from the ...
India's silent tragedy - maternal mortality finds a voice MyNews.in
all 3 news articles


Pregnancy doesn't turn mind to mush: study
ABC Online, Australia - 20 hours ago
MARK COLVIN: Understanding pregnancy and childbirth is often a struggle between nature and science; what is felt isn't always explained by what is fact. ...


AFP

Pregnancy does not cloud the brain, says Australian study
AFP - Oct 9, 2008
SYDNEY (AFP) — Pregnancy has long been blamed for addling women's minds but new work by Australian researchers finds this idea may be nothing more than an ...


Pregnancy story ignored health risks for teens
Palm Beach Post,  United States - 3 hours ago
Sunday's article on teen pregnancy ("The teen pregnancy bump," Sept. 28) was enlightening at least, and quite an eye-opener, I'm sure, for those readers who ...

Pregnancy - Google News

home | site map
© 2006