Hand-washing is important throughout the day, especially after handling raw meat or using the bathroom. This can help prevent the spread of many bacteria and viruses that cause infection.
Take 30 milligrams of iron during your pregnancy as prescribed by your doctor to reduce the risk of anemia later in pregnancy. All women of childbearing age should eat a diet rich in iron.
Join a support group for moms to be, or join a class on parenting or childbirth.
Know your limits. Let your physician know if you experience any of the following:
- Pain of any kind
- Strong cramps
- Uterine contractions at 20-minute intervals
- Vaginal bleeding
- Leaking of amniotic fluid
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
- Constant nausea and vomiting
- Trouble walking
- Swollen joints.
Also, let your doctor know if your baby's activity level has decreased.
Legal drugs, such as alcohol and caffeine, are important issues for pregnant women. There is no safe amount of alcohol a woman can drink while pregnant.
Fetal alcohol syndrome, a disorder characterized by growth retardation, facial abnormalities, and central nervous system dysfunction, is caused by a woman's use of
alcohol during pregnancy. Caffeine, found in tea, coffee, soft drinks, and chocolate, should also be limited. Be sure to read labels when trying to cut down on caffeine during pregnancy. More than 200 foods, beverages, and over-the-counter medications contain caffeine.
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