What you need to know during pregnancy. What to read during pregnancy. Are paint fumes harmful?

It is recommended to visit a gynecologist or go to an antenatal clinic. The doctor measures the weight and height of the expectant mother, records all past illnesses, and gives directions for the necessary tests. If there are hormonal problems, the doctor will prescribe maintenance therapy to rule out early pregnancy. The expectant mother should consult with her doctor about taking complex vitamins. From the very first days of pregnancy, it is necessary to take folic acid, which has a positive effect on the formation of fetal organs, stimulates cell growth, and prevents early miscarriages.

The expectant mother should give up bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle. After all, the first pregnancy is very important. During this period, all the baby’s main organs are formed, the brain and nervous system are formed, so drinking alcohol or smoking can negatively affect the health of the unborn child. A pregnant woman should regularly be in the fresh air and ensure that she gets good sleep.

Particular attention should be paid to nutrition. Food should be healthy and balanced. It is necessary to exclude foods containing preservatives from the diet, give up soda, chips, and fast food. The further course of pregnancy and the health of the baby depend on proper nutrition. During the period of organ formation, it is very important for the baby to fully receive vitamins and nutrients.

If a woman suffers from toxicosis, then morning sickness can be prevented by eating a cracker or cookie immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. When traveling in public transport, take with you still mineral water with lemon, ginger cookies, mint candies, and crackers. In case of fainting, carry a tissue and lemon essential oil with you. In case of dizziness or nausea, apply 2-3 drops of oil to a handkerchief, bring it to your nose and take a few deep breaths.

If a woman is scheduled to undergo fluorography or another vaccination, she should definitely notify the doctor who will issue an exemption. Particular care must be taken when taking medications. It is better to consult your doctor in advance about the safety of medications.

A pregnant woman should be attentive to any alarming symptoms. If she begins to be bothered by a nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, accompanied by bloody discharge, it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance. Before the doctor arrives, observe strict bed rest and try to calm down.

A woman in this position changes her culinary preferences, lifestyle, and attitude towards others. The expectant mother consciously tries to limit herself from anything that could harm her baby. This applies to diet, actions, bad habits. Knowing what pregnant women should not do in the early stages is necessary not only for new parents, but also for loved ones who also want to ensure a favorable pregnancy.

What not to do during pregnancy

There are many myths and facts about this period of a woman’s life: some believe that she cannot cut her hair, paint her nails, move actively, etc. We need to look into this more carefully. Due to hormonal changes, it is better to refrain from curling and dyeing your hair, as a result of which their condition may worsen. If you belong to the category of women who dye their hair constantly, opt for gentle options. The expectant mother is also prohibited from wearing synthetic underwear. During pregnancy you cannot:

• take baths (hot);
• visit the sauna and solarium;
• take medications without consulting a doctor;
• get vaccinated against rubella, tuberculosis, mumps;
• perform x-rays or fluorography;
• clean the cat litter (the cat is a carrier of a disease such as toxoplasmosis).

What pregnant women should not eat

During pregnancy, a conscious woman reviews her diet with special care; some even hang a list of prohibited foods in the kitchen. During this period, food addictions or aversions to certain foods are formed. It may turn out that you are not craving healthy food, but rather want to eat what you shouldn’t, so it is important to study the list of foods that are dangerous to the health of the developing body.

	Effect on the body	Products
Fatty, fried, peppery, spicy	They affect the liver, kidneys and gall bladder, which are already displaced during pregnancy.	French fries, lard, steak, chili, Korean salads, adjika
	They have a detrimental effect on the entire human body, for example, the carcinogenic additive E211 can contribute to the development of cancer.	Chewing gum, candy, confectionery, chips, crackers, seasoning, sauce
Canned foods	Affect the synthesis of proteins, which are the main building material of the developing organism	Canned fish
Some seafood		Tuna, mackerel, shark, crab, shrimp, swordfish.
Raw eggs	May cause salmonella infection

In the early stages

The development and health of the baby depends on how the first trimester of pregnancy goes, so the expectant mother must carefully approach the issue of her nutrition. It is advisable to give preference only to natural products prepared in compliance with all sanitary standards. At this time, no significant changes are observed in the woman’s condition, but the following products still need to be limited or eliminated:

• Sweets and baked goods. They contribute to rapid weight gain, so in the early stages it is important to adjust your diet so that at the end of pregnancy you feel good and do not suffer from edema. This category includes all kinds of confectionery products and refined sugar, which do not contain vitamins, but are full of carbohydrates.
• Products that can cause allergies, which can result in abnormal development of the child or even miscarriage. These include red vegetables, fruits, citrus fruits, and honey.
• Beans, beans, and peas can cause increased gas formation, which will result in increased tone.
• Chocolate, being a powerful stimulant, has a detrimental effect on the mental and nervous system of a little person. Moderation is important here, a couple of pieces will not harm anyone, so you are allowed to allow yourself such a treat once a week.

What pregnant women should absolutely not eat

The diet of the expectant mother should not harm the developing body. Some foods can be limited during this important period of life; eating them once will not lead to negative consequences. However, there are products that need to be blacklisted during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnant women should not eat:

What's better not to drink?

If a cup of morning coffee has become a daily ritual for you, you should give up this pleasure for the sake of the health of your unborn child. This drink has an adverse effect: it increases blood pressure, provokes the threat of miscarriage, causes insomnia, and removes vitamins and microelements from the body. You should also remove caffeine-containing products from your menu; you should not drink energy drinks or cola.

Black tea lovers are allowed to occasionally drink this drink, which should not be strong. The reason for this is the same caffeine, which, penetrating the placenta, can harm the baby. Carbonated water should be avoided due to the content of chemicals and dyes.

Any drinks containing alcohol put a strain on the kidneys, which already work intensively during pregnancy. Even if you decide to treat yourself to a glass of beer, this can negatively affect the intellectual abilities and development of the baby's future, especially in the first trimester. Therefore, drinking alcohol is prohibited. It is also better not to drink kvass at this time. These tips for pregnant women in the early stages will help you avoid many unpleasant moments.

What not to do for pregnant women

During this special period of life, new habits, rules appear and the perception of the world around us changes. Sometimes a woman believes that she can change the world, and sometimes she doesn’t even have the strength to brush her teeth. It is important to treat this leniently and follow a set of measures that will ensure your safety. According to these rules, it is prohibited:

• Carry out general cleaning using household chemicals. As a last resort, you need to protect yourself as much as possible by wearing gloves and ventilating the room.
• Sit in a motionless position at the computer or your favorite work. When doing embroidery or other creative process, do not forget to do active physical 15 minutes.
• Walk in high heels (more than 4 cm). If you don't want to develop varicose veins or flat feet, you shouldn't do this.
• Sit with your legs crossed. In this position, the veins located in the popliteal fossa are compressed and blood circulation in the pelvic organs slows down. The result may be fetal hypoxia.
• Smoking. This leads to poor blood supply to the placenta due to its vasoconstrictive effect. There is a possibility that the baby will be born prematurely or with low birth weight.
• Forget about parties and discos. The smell of cigarette smoke, alcohol and loud music do not contribute to the beneficial course of pregnancy.
• Hold off on extreme sports. Adrenaline negatively affects the baby’s mental activity, so you should avoid stress, anxiety and be less nervous. The expectant mother should provide herself with a calm and positive environment.

In the early stages

It is not recommended to sleep on your stomach in the first trimester. This position puts pressure on the uterus, which can damage the embryo. You can be in this position on rare occasions, but never make it a habit. However, when the tummy has already noticeably increased, it is advisable to listen to the recommendations of doctors and avoid resting on the back. Blood circulation may be impaired due to the fact that the growing belly will put pressure on the deep veins.

In the first trimester, a girl's hormonal levels change, which results in mood changes and emotional outbursts. During this period, for some, intimate relationships are a necessity, while for others they are undesirable. According to doctors, a pregnant woman is allowed to have sex; moreover, it also has a positive result, as endorphins are produced. A nice bonus is training the pelvic muscles.

However, there are also contraindications in cases where the tone of the uterus is increased, there is a risk of miscarriage, or the partner has an infection. It is better to refuse intimate relationships to avoid miscarriage. In other cases, the expectant mother is allowed to have sex throughout the entire pregnancy, the main thing is to avoid deep penetration, pressure on the abdomen and too long intercourse.

What movements should you not do during pregnancy?

While expecting a baby, a woman should avoid work that involves lifting heavy objects (more than 3 kg). The permissible weight, in exceptional cases, is 5 kg. It is also contraindicated for pregnant women in the early stages to rearrange the furniture in the apartment or make sudden and impetuous movements. This can lead to premature birth. You cannot do repairs or hard physical work. Entrust painting of walls, beating carpets, washing windows to someone else or postpone it for a certain time.

Video

The test showed two stripes - clear, bright, convincing. They confirm that a miracle happened and now you will have a child. This news causes a state of euphoria, which, however, is quickly replaced by anxiety: what to do next? How to behave correctly in your new status, should you go to the doctor, when and where to register for pregnancy, what tests and examinations should you undergo? Do I need to collect any documents for maternity leave, until what period do I need to work, what is a birth certificate, when and how to choose a maternity hospital, should I conclude a contract? In general, you need clear guidance on further actions, so to speak, step-by-step instructions for pregnancy. This is exactly the instruction we decided to bring to your attention.

Visit to the gynecologist and first ultrasound.

You should go to see a doctor without delay as soon as you find out you are pregnant. The first appointment with a gynecologist will include an external examination, examination in a gynecological chair, ultrasound and a blood test for hCG.

Based on the results of this express examination, the doctor will be able to accurately confirm the fact of pregnancy (or refute it, because tests are sometimes “mistaken”), determine the due date and exclude the ectopic location of the embryo. In addition, at the first appointment you will receive information about further medical measures: visits to other doctors - this may be necessary if you have chronic diseases, additional tests, the date of the next visit to the gynecologist and ultrasound.

Adjusting your lifestyle

Now you need to reconsider your daily routine, work schedule and physical activity. The first weeks of pregnancy are a critical period in the development of the fetus: any overload, stress and illness of the expectant mother during this period can negatively affect the health of the baby and the course of pregnancy. Night walks, clubs and noisy parties will have to be postponed until better times. In the first weeks of pregnancy, you should try to be in crowded places as little as possible to avoid the risk of infection and injury. Try to rest more, get enough sleep and walk in the fresh air.

It is necessary to immediately refuse overtime work and business trips; if possible, move the start and end times of the working day to avoid crowding in transport during rush hour. You have every right to all these pleasant changes in your work schedule in accordance with labor legislation.

In the first weeks, you should temporarily stop playing sports; subsequently, with a normal course of pregnancy, it will be possible to return to sports - of course, adjusted for the “interesting situation”.

It is useful for a new expectant mother to walk and swim; but cycling, running, skating and skiing should be abandoned immediately as soon as pregnancy becomes known. Try not to make sudden movements or lift heavy objects: the maximum recommended weight is 3 kg, evenly distributed in both hands.

You should also adjust your diet: it is important for a pregnant woman to eat right. It is necessary to give up canned food, synthetic drinks and products with artificial food additives, and do not abuse spicy, fatty and fried foods.

Taking vitamins

From the first days of pregnancy, expectant mothers are recommended to take folic acid - vitamin B9. This vitamin ensures the necessary speed of growth and development of the baby in the early stages, and is the main means of preventing undeveloped pregnancy and the formation of malformations of the nervous system and heart of the fetus. In addition, folic acid ensures better absorption of iron, necessary for the formation of hemoglobin. The recommended daily dose of vitamin B9 in tablets is 800 mcg.

Another “vitamin of the first days of pregnancy” is E; it is necessary for the body of the expectant mother to synthesize the main hormone of pregnancy - progesterone, which ensures normal tone and blood supply to the uterus.

Second ultrasound

The second ultrasound is performed at 8–12 weeks. The purpose of the study: to confirm the prolongation - the successful course and development of pregnancy, to determine the correspondence of the size and development of the fetus to the expected period of pregnancy, to exclude the formation of malformations. Based on the results of the second ultrasound, the expectant mother is recommended to begin regular visits to the gynecologist to monitor the progress of the pregnancy.

Pregnancy registration

It is advisable to begin systematic medical monitoring of the development of pregnancy no later than 12 weeks; It is better to register early - simultaneously with the second ultrasound examination.
Early pregnancy registration and the beginning of regular medical monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of exacerbations of chronic diseases and pregnancy complications. Women who register no later than 12 weeks are paid a one-time benefit in the amount of half the minimum wage when going on maternity leave. When registering at the antenatal clinic, the expectant mother should present a passport, compulsory health insurance policy and the results of medical examinations for the last year, including the conclusion of the first ultrasound and test data. In the future, the expectant mother is recommended to visit the doctor at least 12 times during pregnancy. For periods up to 28 weeks, you should go to the doctor at least once a month, from 28 to 37 weeks - at least 2 times a month, and starting from 38 weeks - every 7-10 days. If there are special indications, for example, if there is a need for further examination based on test results or health conditions, the doctor may recommend unscheduled visits at any of the listed dates.

We take tests

A referral for the necessary laboratory tests is issued by the doctor at the first visit, i.e. when registering for pregnancy. The standard set of studies carried out at week 12 includes:

• clinical (general) blood test;
• general urine analysis;
• blood chemistry;
• coagulogram - blood test for clotting;
• determination of blood group and Rhesus affiliation;
• blood test for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis;
• testing for the presence of torch infections: rubella, toxoplasmosis, coxsackie, herpes, cytomegalovirus, papillomavirus, chlamydia, urea and mycoplasmosis, gardnerellosis. These diseases occur latently and can pathologically affect the development of the fetus;
• vaginal flora smear;
• At the discretion of the doctor, a screening examination for congenital diseases may be recommended - a blood test for alpha-fetoprotein and hCG.

Despite the frightening size of the list, all tests can be taken at one time - to do this, you need to find out the days of blood sampling and the necessary preparation measures. For example, a biochemical blood test should be taken on an empty stomach, and on the eve of the test for RW (syphilis), you should not eat a lot of sweets: failure to follow these rules can lead to incorrect test results. If you have chronic diseases or as prescribed by other doctors, such as a therapist or endocrinologist, the list may expand. In the future, many tests will have to be taken again: for example, a urine test - at each visit to the gynecologist; general blood test - at least twice per trimester; test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis - once each in the second and third trimester; flora smear - at least once per trimester. Repeated tests for the same infections are necessary, since theoretically the expectant mother can get sick during pregnancy.

Related specialists

Allied in obstetrics are doctors of other specialties, whose examination helps the gynecologist choose the right tactics for managing pregnancy. To monitor the course of pregnancy, examinations by a general practitioner, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, dentist and ENT specialist are most relevant, however, if you have health problems, you may need to consult other doctors, for example, a nephrologist - a specialist in kidney diseases, a neurologist, a phlebologist - a specialist in vein diseases - or a cardiologist . Visits to related specialists should begin no later than 12 weeks and be completed by 16 weeks of pregnancy. As part of the examination, the therapist needs to do an electrocardiogram. If necessary, doctors can invite the expectant mother for a second appointment in the second and third trimester of pregnancy or prescribe additional diagnostic tests.

Screening study

At 16–18 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother is recommended to undergo the so-called “triple test”, which allows identifying the risk group for the formation of fetal malformations. To do this, a pregnant woman's venous blood is examined for the amount of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and estriol. Changes in the amount of these substances produced by the tissues of the fetus and placenta may indicate the presence of a serious fetal abnormality, such as Down syndrome. If the test results are positive, the expectant mother is referred for genetic counseling.

Third ultrasound

The next ultrasound examination is recommended to be done at 18–20 weeks; by this moment, the formation of the placenta is completed, as well as the formation of the main organs and systems of the fetus. Echography at this stage allows you to assess the degree of development of the cardiovascular, nervous and urinary systems of the fetus, the correspondence of the development and size of the baby to the gestational age, determine the placenta insertion and the level of blood flow in its vessels, evaluate the structure of the placenta and umbilical cord. The third ultrasound is included in the recommended scope of screening studies to identify genetic anomalies and fetal malformations.

Physical exercise

After the 20th week of pregnancy, when the main “critical” periods have already passed, it is worth discussing with your doctor the possibility of sports activities that are acceptable during this period. Let us remind you that active expectant mothers who were involved in sports before pregnancy need to discuss the correction of their usual physical activity at their first visit to the gynecologist. If pregnancy proceeds without complications, dosed physical activity is not only permitted, but also strongly recommended: good muscle tone and elasticity of the ligamentous apparatus makes it easier to tolerate weight gain during pregnancy and the discomfort of labor pains. It is better to give preference to stretching exercises, such as yoga for pregnant women, Pilates and body flex. Pregnant women can practice swimming, special water aerobics for expectant mothers, and even belly dancing. A necessary condition is the complete exclusion of sudden movements, stress on the abs and lifting heavy objects; All of the listed exercises are best performed under the supervision of a trainer who is competent in selecting loads for pregnant women. In the absence of special recommendations from a doctor, you can engage in “allowed” sports for 40–60 minutes 2–3 times a week until birth.

Exchange card

This document can be considered a “pregnancy passport”: it contains all the necessary medical information about the health of the expectant mother, the characteristics of this and previous pregnancies, the results of tests and examinations, medications received and expert opinions.

"The Exchange" consists of three parts; the first is filled out by the doctor in consultation, the second by the obstetrician-gynecologist who delivered the child, the third by the neonatologist who monitored the baby in the maternity hospital after birth. With the help of this important document, continuity is ensured in the transfer of information about the health of mother and baby between the antenatal clinic, maternity hospital and children's clinic. According to Order No. 30 of February 10, 2003, the exchange card is issued to the expectant mother by the supervising doctor at the antenatal clinic no later than the 23rd week of pregnancy. From the moment of receipt, the “pregnancy passport” must always be in the expectant mother’s purse along with her general passport and compulsory medical insurance policy: they may be needed in the event of an unexpected emergency hospitalization.

Courses for future parents

The choice of courses should be decided by the 25th week of pregnancy: the most complete and interesting series of lectures are designed for an average of two months of visits with 1-2 classes per week. You can start attending courses earlier: most topics will be informative and relevant even in the first weeks of pregnancy, and many classes include useful physical exercises in addition to lectures. Courses are needed for the correct psychological attitude for childbirth, acquiring skills for self-anesthesia of contractions, which include postures, massage, relaxation and breathing techniques, and caring for a newborn.

A standard set of lectures usually includes topics about the characteristics of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, fetal development, the main aspects of medical supervision of a pregnant woman, a woman in labor, a postpartum woman and a newborn in a maternity hospital, breastfeeding, the introduction of complementary foods, the development of a child in the first year of life, an overview of maternity hospitals in your city. At most courses, in addition to lectures, practical classes are conducted - obstetric gymnastics and childbirth training, where pain relief techniques are practiced. It is better to attend classes for future parents together with a partner. Such courses can be found at antenatal clinics or maternity hospitals; There are also independent commercial clubs for future parents. When choosing courses, pay attention to the qualifications of teachers (usually lectures are given by medical specialists and psychologists), gymnastics coaches, the convenience of the location of courses and class times, the ability to attend lectures with your husband and choose individual topics that interest you.

Maternity leave

A certificate of incapacity for work for pregnancy and childbirth is issued by an obstetrician-gynecologist who monitors the course of pregnancy for the following periods:

in case of a normal pregnancy - from the 30th week for 140 calendar days (70 days before birth and 70 after birth);
in case of multiple pregnancy - from 28 weeks to 180 calendar days;
in case of complicated childbirth, postpartum leave is increased by 16 calendar days and the total duration of maternity leave is 156 (70+16+70) calendar days.

Birth certificate

By applying for maternity leave at 30 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother can receive another important document. This is a birth certificate intended for additional payment for the services of doctors at the antenatal clinic, maternity hospital and children's clinic from the federal budget. The project to issue birth certificates started on January 1, 2006; its goal is to improve the quality of medical care for expectant mothers and babies in public medical institutions.

The certificate consists of three coupons: the first goes to pay for the services of a antenatal clinic, the second for a maternity hospital, and the third for medical services in a children's clinic. At the consultation, a certificate is issued in hand at 30 weeks, subject to registration no later than 12 weeks and visiting one antenatal clinic doctor at least 12 times during pregnancy; By agreeing to take the certificate, the expectant mother shows that she is satisfied with the medical care she received. In case of irregular monitoring, late registration, medical care on a commercial basis, or if the pregnant woman is dissatisfied with the level of medical services provided, a birth certificate will not be issued at the consultation. In this case, the expectant mother will receive a birth certificate already in the maternity hospital. It should be emphasized that the birth certificate is not a mandatory document for planned or emergency hospitalization in a maternity hospital, regardless of which maternity hospital is chosen and under what insurance conditions - under a compulsory medical insurance policy or on a paid basis - the expectant mother will be served.

Fourth ultrasound

The last ultrasound examination recommended for normal pregnancy is performed after 32 weeks. By this time, the fetus has already formed, occupies a stable position in the uterus, and the doctor, based on the results of the study, can evaluate its physical development, location, presentation, expected size by the end of pregnancy, amount of water, condition of the placenta, blood flow in the vessels of the placenta, umbilical cord and uterine arteries. This data allows you to draw up a proposed birth plan, determine the degree of risks and the need for additional medical preparation.

Cardiotocography

It is advisable to conduct this study after the 32–34th week of pregnancy. The method allows you to assess the well-being of the fetus by frequency and variability, i.e. changes in his heart rate. To do this, within 20–40 minutes, the baby’s heartbeat is taken using an ultrasonic sensor and recorded on a paper tape in the form of a graph. In addition, the CTG graph shows moments of the baby’s movements and increased uterine tone. By changes in pulse, frequency of fetal movements and increases in myometrial tone, one can assess the risk of developing fetal hypoxia and premature onset of labor.

Choosing a maternity hospital

This important process should begin no later than the 34th–36th week of pregnancy. When choosing, you should take into account such criteria as the remoteness of the maternity hospital, the dates of preventive treatments (“washes”), the technical equipment of the maternity hospital, the level of comfort of the delivery rooms, if necessary, the presence of a special medical specialization, the ability to choose a doctor and individual management of labor, the presence of a partner at the birth, mother and baby staying together in the postpartum ward.

Getting to know the maternity hospital

Having previously decided on the choice of maternity hospital, after the 36th week it is worth going to it in person and “look around the place.” It is better to study in advance the options for the route to the maternity hospital, see where the entrance to the emergency department is located, familiarize yourself with the rules of admission when entering antenatal hospitalization and childbirth, find out the time of visits, conversations with doctors and receiving packages. When planning individual management of childbirth at 36 weeks, you can meet with the doctor and enter into a contract for childbirth.

Things and documents for the maternity hospital

This must be done no later than the 38th week of pregnancy in order to take everything into account, double-check and not fuss at the very last moment. You can ask for a list of things allowed for hospitalization in the antenatal, delivery and postnatal departments at the maternity hospital help desk or from an insurance agent when concluding a contract for childbirth. Requirements for clothing and personal items that you can take with you may vary greatly from one maternity hospital to another, so do not be lazy to find out the rules in the chosen maternity hospital in advance. It is better to collect things separately for each compartment, packing them in plastic bags. Documents for hospitalization will require a passport, compulsory medical insurance policy, exchange card, birth certificate and birth contract - if there is one; It is better to make photocopies of these documents in advance for the admissions department of the maternity hospital. You can immediately take a bag with things and documents for childbirth with you, but bags with things for the postpartum ward can be transferred to the maternity hospital only after the birth of the baby, so it is better to label them in advance and provide instructions for relatives.

Before you had time to announce to your family and friends about your interesting situation, you were literally bombarded with advice and signs related to pregnancy? Don’t worry, most of the taboos and superstitions about what you shouldn’t do during pregnancy can be safely discarded.

Another thing is the prohibitions from the field of physiology and medicine: they should not be neglected. Let's go through the most popular prohibitions and figure out what pregnant women really can't do.

Bad habits

It’s not for nothing that smoking, drinking alcohol, and especially drugs, were called bad habits. Almost everyone should give them up, and especially women carrying a child.

• Smoking. The placenta cannot protect your baby from cigarette smoke. All toxins and harmful substances penetrate the baby through the circulatory system and negatively affect the development of internal organs;

Delays in the baby's development, insufficient height and weight, pathology of the pulmonary system - all these are the consequences of smoking cigarettes (read about how the baby develops normally in the article Development of the child in the womb >>>). Nicotine can cause placental abruption, fetal birth loss, and may trigger premature labor.

• Alcohol. Alcohol easily penetrates to the baby through the circulatory system. Systematic abuse of ethanol leads to stunted growth of the baby, development of pathologies of hearing and vision, cardiac and skeletal systems;

Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages will be noticeable after the birth of the child, and especially clearly by the age of two: a small head volume, a flat, sloping face and narrow eyes

• Drugs. A categorical ban on drug use: pathologies of all internal organs, underdevelopment of the skeleton, muscular and skeletal systems, problems with the kidneys, liver and genitourinary system, heart diseases... This list can be continued endlessly. But there is one more nuance: a child born from a drug-addicted mother is already born with drug addiction.

Smoking, drinking and using drugs - this is exactly the categorical list of what you should not do during pregnancy. And this is far from superstition.

Special menu

The development and well-being of your baby directly depends on what you eat. Undoubtedly, your gastronomic tastes have changed a lot, you are increasingly drawn to salty things, but this very salty thing is often in the taboo zone:

1. Preservatives and stabilizers. You need to give up preservatives, as they suppress the synthesis of proteins, which the baby simply cannot do without;
2. Additives, dyes, flavor enhancers. During pregnancy, you need vitamins and nutrients, and not their chemical substitutes. The solution is to cook yourself from fresh ingredients (read about what to cook and how to eat properly in the book Secrets of Proper Nutrition for an Expectant Mother >>>);
3. Smoked meats and fatty foods. Your body already undergoes certain stresses; fatty and smoked foods negatively affect the liver, kidneys, urinary system, and can provoke gastritis (current article: Gastritis during pregnancy >>>). As for smoked meats, be aware that the “liquid smoke” that manufacturers are so fond of can cause cancer;
4. Coffee and black tea. This point is quite controversial. If you are hypotensive and cannot imagine the morning without a cup of aromatic coffee, then you can afford one serving of weak coffee with cream. But abuse can lead to dehydration of the body and the removal of calcium, which your baby needs for growth and development. In addition, strong tea and coffee increase blood pressure;

1. Carbonated drinks . You should not drink soda during pregnancy, as it can cause bloating and flatulence. In addition, sweet carbonated drinks contain preservatives and sweeteners. May lead to increased blood sugar and cause allergies;
2. Mushrooms . It is better to avoid mushrooms during pregnancy. Since there is a risk of poisoning even with proven mushrooms, and in your situation it is not worth the risk;
3. Chocolate. The happiness hormone in the form of a small piece of chocolate will not harm you, but in large quantities it can cause allergies. Read the article on the topic: Can pregnant women eat chocolate?>>>.

Lifestyle

You must remember that pregnancy is not a disease, but a state of mind. You shouldn’t give up your active lifestyle, but you need to figure out what pregnant women can do and what they can’t:

• Physical exercise. It is clear that weights are now taboo for you, the maximum load is 5 kg. By the way, it’s good to sign up for specialized fitness for pregnant women - it will help you prepare for the upcoming birth, strengthen your back and prevent you from gaining extra pounds;
• Dream. There is a prohibition regarding sleeping position. During pregnancy, you should not sleep on your back, as the vena cava, which is located under the uterus, may be compressed;
• Extreme. A surge of adrenaline and increased blood pressure are the result of extreme entertainment;
• Airplane. More often than not, flying is considered a taboo, which should not be done in the early stages of pregnancy. There is a risk of miscarriage due to pressure changes. The last weeks of pregnancy are also not the best time for heavenly travel. Read more in the article Airplane during pregnancy >>>;
• Sex. If there is a threat of miscarriage or other complications of pregnancy, sex is contraindicated for you. Useful: Sex in the first month of pregnancy >>>

You need to find a middle ground between physical activity and rest: you can do homework, but in doses. Where possible - use household appliances - load them at full speed. Washing, cleaning and cooking during your pregnancy is delegated to your household helpers.

Folk signs

A special column of prohibitions during pregnancy are folk signs and superstitions. Many of them can be explained, but most dissipate upon closer examination:

The list of prohibitions, signs and superstitions during pregnancy is quite long, but the period of bearing a baby is not so long, you can be patient for the sake of meeting your most beloved and long-awaited baby.

Few women preparing to become mothers for the first time fully imagine everything that awaits them along this path. Toxicosis, visiting a consultation, taking tests, the baby’s first movements are on everyone’s lips. But there are still many little things that the expectant mother needs to know about, and for which it does not hurt to prepare in advance.

Well-being

Mood

A sharp transition from tears of happiness and tenderness to laughter, and then to real tears of grief is almost standard behavior of a pregnant woman. The storm of hormones raging in the body removes the woman from the pedestal of the mistress of the position and controls her emotions at her own discretion.

The simplest solution would be to warn your loved ones that for a while you do not have complete control over your reactions. For example, your tears are not a signal to your husband that he has caused you an unforgivable offense or did not do what you wanted. Perhaps this is just accumulated fatigue, reinforced by the action of hormones, looking for a way out.

Do not scold yourself for such manifestations, but treat them with understanding. Judging yourself for being incontinent will only make you more nervous and create a vicious circle. Accept these changes as part of pregnancy - and observe them from a distance, slightly from the outside.

INTERESTING! Many pregnant women note that it was during this period that they wanted to try a new hobby or re-do something long forgotten. If you have a similar desire, don’t brush it aside. After all, this is a simple and affordable way to give yourself pleasure and calm your unsettled emotions a little.

Preparing for birth

Starting from the second trimester, every pregnant woman wants to study the pages of online stores around the clock and choose the necessary new clothes. A stroller, a crib, clothes, the first rattles... All this is very exciting, but it is better to look at things soberly and turn your attention to something else. Spend your free time studying important information that will come in handy a little later. It could be:

• Information about how childbirth occurs and what periods it consists of. Perhaps in the maternity hospital you will not have time to think about what period began or ended, but you will be able to partly be aware of the actions of the doctors and will understand what they are doing and why. This will help you feel much more confident.
• Vaccinations. It is likely that by the time the time comes to do them, the information will be almost forgotten. But it is much easier to spend half an hour slightly refreshing your memory of what you have already read and studied than to delve into this vast topic for the first time with a baby in your arms.
• Breast-feeding. An extremely important moment for which you should prepare properly. Unfortunately, most women lose milk much earlier than they could, due to incorrect advice from older generations or even doctors. Having studied this topic, you can be sure that you will stop feeding your child only when you consciously make this decision.

Remember that pregnancy is not a disease! Enjoy your new condition and find reasons for joy every day - and then these