| 1 | 
Exercise Precautions |
What precautions should be followed while exercising?
1. Avoid postures that involve use of abdominal muscles and backward bend. Do some 'light' exercises.
2. Consult your doctor if you have diabetes, heart disease or breathing problem.
3. While exercising, change your position slowly to avoid sudden jerks.
4. Do not exercise if you are not feeling well or feel any pain.
5. Do not wear slippery shoes. |
| 2 | 
Sex During Pregnancy |
Can we have sex during pregnancy?
1. Yes. You can have sex during pregnancy, even till the last month of pregnancy.
2. Baby is protected by amniotic fluid in woman's uterus & any normal sexual activity won't harm the baby.
3. As long as your partner is comfortable, most sexual positions are OK during pregnancy.
4. Sexual desires of woman fluctuate during pregnancy stage. The couple should talk on what works best.
5. The woman should be given more consideration at this stage as only she knows what exactly she feels.
6. Indulge in cuddling, kissing, caressing more than just sexual intercourse.
7. Pregnant woman must consult their doctor if there is any spotting/bleeding after an intercourse. |
| 3 | 
Travel Precautions |
What precautions should be followed while travelling?
1. Avoid aggressive travel schedules in the first and third trimesters.
2. Travel by 2 or 3 wheelers is not advisable during pregnancy. Prefer a car.
3. If travelling out of city, carry your medicines and a copy of your medical records.
4. You must not lift heavy bags. Avoid travelling alone if possible.
5. Wear comfortable shoes. Avoid heels.
6. Have pasteurized dairy products and drink boiled/mineral water only.
7. Take a pillow for long distance travel. |
| 4 | 
Medication |
What medicinal precautions should be taken during pregnancy?
1. Do not take baking soda or Pepto Bismol for heartburn. Instead, take almonds soaked in water.
2. Aspirin, Brufen and Acetaminophen are not advisable during pregnancy.
3. Laxative and Diuretics should also be avoided. Do not use mineral oil during constipation.
4. Avoid doing 'self medication' or taking over the counter medications. Apply home remedies for common ailments.
5. Do not miss any medication prescribed by the doctor. |
| 5 | 
Folic Acid |
Is it important to take Folic acid during pregnancy?
1. Folic acid is highly recommended as it reduces risk of brain/spinal chord defects.
2. Also helps in blood & protein production and development of nervous system.
3. Very important during early weeks of pregnancy- especially first three months.
4. Green leafy vegetables, peas, beans, nuts, orange, strawberry, banana, nuts.
5. Recommended dose is approx 0.5 mg every day. Take as advised by your doctor. |
| 6 | 
Essential Vitamins |
What are the recommended essential vitamins that should be taken?
1. Vitamin A:
a) Necessary for healthy skin and good eyesight.
b) Especially essential during second trimester (fourth to sixth month).
c) Recommended: Carrot, sweet potatoes, tomato, peach, kiwi, orange, watermelon.
2. Vitamin C:
a) Helps in formation of healthy gums, teeth and bones.
b) Especially essential during second trimester (fourth to sixth month).
c) Recommended: Citrus fruits like banana, apple, lemon, watermelon, grapes, tomatoes.
3) Vitamin D:
a) Helps in absorption of calcium, development of healthy bones & teeth.
b) Especially essential during second trimester (fourth to sixth month).
c) Recommended: Dairy products, cereals, bread.
4. Vitamin B6:
a) Helps in formation of Red Blood Cells.
b) Essential during second trimester (fourth to sixth month).
c) Recommended: Pork, gram, whole grain cereals, banana.
5) Vitamin B12:
a) Helps in formation of RBC and keeps nervous system healthy.
b) Especially essential during second and third trimester (fourth to ninth month).
c) Recommended: Meat, fish, poultry, milk, egg. |
| 7 | 
Essential Minerals |
What essential minerals should be taken during pregnancy?
1) Proteins:
a) Helps in cell growth and blood production.
b) Very essential during third trimester (seventh to ninth month).
c) Recommended: Fish, peanut, poultry, egg white, pulses, beans, paneer, cereals/dal.
2) Carbohydrates:
a) Helps in producing energy.
b) Very essential during third trimester (seventh to ninth month).
c) Recommended: Bread, cereals, rice, potato, pasta, apricot, banana.
3) Calcium:
a) Helps in developing bones & teeth, muscle contraction and optimal nerve functioning.
b) Especially essential during second trimester (fourth to sixth month).
c) Recommended: Pasteurized dairy products, milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach.
4) Iron:
a) Helps in production of RBC (Red Blood Cells) and building bones/teeth.
b) Especially essential during second trimester (fourth to sixth month).
c) Recommended: Spinach, cereals, drumsticks, beetroot, potato, raisins. |
| 8 | 
Do's and Dont's |
Dietary Do's and Dont's:
1. Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water/fresh fruit juices. Dehydration increases risk of miscarriage.
2. Do not have excessive papaya as it sometimes may trigger a miscarriage.
3. Must wash all fruits and vegetables before eating to reduce chances of infection.
4. Avoid more than 2 cups of non-herbal tea/coffee in a day as caffeine may lead to miscarriage.
5. Avoid excess spices, frozen or high mercury sea food like oysters.
Non Dietary Do's and Dont's:
1. Avoid viral vaccines (measles, mumps, MMR), X-Rays or close contact with microwave.
2. Visit your doctor at least thrice in 9 months. Get 2 sonographies done.
3. Gradually decrease your intack of caffeine/coffee. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
4. Hot tub/sauna baths as they may alter your body temperature.
5. Avoid having too much oil/ghee. |
