Being pregnant is a new territory for new mums so you are bound to get all kinds of advice from various and even 'unfamiliar' quarters. Some are amusing while others ridiculous and still some possibly applicable. There are some things that you should practice and some you should refrain from totally during the course of your pregnancy. A little sacrifice now will bring you a gift of a lifetime - your healthy precious baby! So keeping your unborn baby in mind, here are some dos and don'ts.



Say Yes, Yes, Yes to:


Take your prenatal vitamins regularly. Folic acid is a prerequisite during the first trimester and iron is very, very essential.


Attend your prenatal check-ups regularly. If you miss any, schedule one immediately for that month



Wear your seatbelt whenever in cars, vans or trucks



Take sufficient rest and keep stress at bay



Eat healthy, fiber-rich foods with lots of vegetables and fruits. Drink sufficient low-fat milk, yogurt to get your calcium supply.



Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, especially water. Go easy with juices, namely the commercial variety, because of the high sugar content



Visit your dentist regularly



Get into regular physical activity like walks, swimming to keep you fit (check with your doctor first before starting anything)



Get your calcium from low fat milk, yogurt, low ice-cream



Indulge in massages, warm showers to relax those muscles



Say No, No, No to:



Raw, uncooked or undercooked meat and eggs. Eat cooked meals only



Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, colas



Excessive or vigorous exercise and physical activities. Seek your doctor's advice on safe forms of exercises and do them in moderation.



Cough and cold medications and all other over-the-counter drugs without checking with your health care provider first



Alcoholic drinks including wine. You will not know the safe amounts you can consume so why not avoid them altogether.



Toxic chemicals such as paints and pesticides



Smoking and secondhand smoke



X-rays unless your doctor has Okayed it.



Aspirin and other analgesics, sleeping pills (consult with your doctor first)



Hot environments such as saunas or hot baths. High temperatures is risky for your baby



High fat and sugary foods. Opt for healthier snacks like fruits



Saccharin - Go for sugar instead



Sodium - eat it in moderation to control the incidence of edema



Stress, Create a positive environment through with good books, soothing music etc anything to keep your mind off tension.