Hygiene During Pregnancy
- Trim nails regularly as they grow faster
- Maintain oral & dental health
- Keep genital area clean
- Bathe regularly – prevents infection
- Do not wear tight / uncomfortable clothes
- Breast care – wear well-fitting bra
Sex During Pregnancy
- Safe - Depending on your health, speak to your doctor
- Sexual positions should be comfortable
- Avoid sex if you have
- Unexplained bleeding
- Low lying placenta
- History of miscarriage/preterm labour
- Pregnant with twins or triplets
Call your doctor if you have - pain, bleeding, fluid or discharge, discomfort, contractions - during or after sex
Work & Pregnancy
- Avoid triggers causing morning sickness
- Drink lots of fluids
- Moderate exercise
- Posture at work
- Plan timely departure
- Get enough sleep
- Check company policy for Maternity leave
- Plan toilet breaks to avoid urgency
- Take frequent breaks
- Stretch arms, neck, shoulders, legs often
- Don't skip meals
- Avoid taking stress
- Avoid high heels
- Avoid lifting heavy weights
Travel During Pregnancy
- Avoid long journeys
- Avoid crowded transport
- Safest in 2nd trimester
- Mostly safe, even near delivery
- Have a prenatal check-up before travel
May not be recommended for women with pregnancy complications
Weight Gain During Pregnancy
- Reasons of weight gain - Larger uterus & breasts, placenta, increased blood & fluid volume, amniotic fluid, fat stores, baby
- You will need to gain more weight if you're carrying more than 1 baby, e.g. twins
- Average weight gain depends on pre-pregnancy status - underweight, normal, overweight, obese - can range from 5-20 kg
- Gaining too much or too little weight during pregnancy can be harmful to you and your baby
- Regular physical activity can help reduce risk of pregnancy complications and ease pregnancy discomforts.
- Ask your health care provider whether exercise during pregnancy is safe for you
References
1. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-weight-gain.htm
2. mayoclinic.org
3. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/pregnancy.aspx
4. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/travel-during-pregnancy
5. www.webmd.com