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Maintaining and enhancing a healthy lifestyle is vital to your health and the health
of your unborn baby. Along with good nutrition and staying fit, your focus during this
precious time should include limiting risk and encouraging overall good physical and
mental health. Talk to your doctor about any specific questions you might have, and ask
him or her to recommend the appropriate lifestyle changes relevant to your needs. Open
and honest communication is vital to ensure a healthy outcome for yourself and your baby,
so trust your doctor to give you good guidance. Some tips to improve your lifestyle are
offered here:
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Do not drink alcohol, take drugs or smoke during your pregnancy.
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Limit your caffeine intake (coffee and soft drinks).
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Get plenty of rest. The physical strains on your body during pregnancy increase,
so you’ll need the extra sleep.
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Do not use saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs during pregnancy. These activities will
raise your body temperature to an unsafe level, and may also increase the risk of
infection.
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Strenuous physical activity increases a woman’s risk for early and late miscarriage.
Some jobs involve heavy lifting, physical exertion, long hours, or continuous standing.
If you have such a job, you should request a transfer to a less strenuous position until
after delivery and postpartum recovery.
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Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. If, in the course of your work, you are unable to
avoid exposure, take proper precautions, and consult your doctor for guidance.
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