Pregnancy do’s and don’ts list

Pregnant women often have doubts if certain activity won’t hurt their baby. On the one hand they want to have normal life, on the other hand they afraid if every day activity will have negative influence on baby’s health. Of course everything depends on the course of pregnancy – if everything goes well and your pregnancy is not at risk there are no contraindications for working, taking care of household duties or wearing favorite lingerie.

Take a look on my list of pregnancy do’s and don’ts.

1. Touching and stroking the belly

If your pregnancy is not at risk, touching and stroking the belly is even advised! You can also talk or sing to your growing baby. It’s excellent way to build emotional bond with the baby before the labor. It can also help to teach baby a trust. Baby often responses to mom’s and dad’s touch by kicking or moving and changing the position.

2. Sleeping on stomach

You can sleep on your stomach during first months of pregnancy and it won’t hurt the fetus. During early stage of pregnancy your uterus is protected by pubis bone. However sleeping on a stomach during later stage of pregnancy is not advised by doctors, besides it is also not comfortable!

If your belly is big and rounded the most comfortable and healthy position for sleeping is your left side. Sleeping on the right side in not advised because it may cause pressure on main vein and thus reduce the blood supply to the heart. Sleeping on the back is also not very comfortable especially during third trimester when it may cause breathing troubles and heartburn.

3. Getting a massage

Some doctors advise pregnant women not to have massages, especially during first trimester. Massages are not suitable for pregnant women especially if they experience strong morning sickness or their pregnancy is at risk. However if you feel really well and your pregnancy goes well you can have a special massage for pregnant woman. It may help you to relax, reduce your back pain, lower your stress and help to prevent stretch marks.

4. High heels

Wearing high heels changes the body posture and puts pressure on ligaments, that are already loosened and softer during pregnancy which makes them more prone to damage. It may also lead to lower back pain. Therefore for pregnant woman it is better to wear flat shoes or wear high heels only occasionally and not for too long. Remember that during pregnancy your feet may be swollen which may stretch your high heels (and they will be useless after the pregnancy). Therefore it’s better to wear flat, light and comfortable shoes.

5. Wearing thongs

This type of underwear increases the risk of the infection of intimate organs and urinary tract which can cause complications during pregnancy. However, if you don’t have problems with infections and you feel comfortable wearing thongs you don’t have to give up on them.

6. Hanging laundry

If your pregnancy is not at risk and you feel fine, everyday activity is advised. You can move and even exercise! You can also lift your hands and hang laundry. However, forget about climbing the ladder and hanging the curtains. Your partner can do that for you!