Pregnancy is a beautiful journey and not a disease. A mindful diet and active lifestyle ensures that the mother and baby are both healthy.
- DIET- The pregnant patient must refrain from eating any outside food, food with preservatives and junk foods. Any fried foods or fast food prepared at home should also be completely avoided.
Simple home cooked native food which includes a combination of cereals, proteins, healthy fats in the form of ghee and plenty of fiber is ideal for the pregnancy nutrition. Foods that cause constipation, acidity and bloating like potato, cauliflower, besan should be consumed in moderation.
All green leafy vegetables and fruits (except papaya and pineapple), soaked nuts and dry fruits are considered healthy.
- Physical Activity– A pregnant patient can do moderate amount of work (including home and office) till her body allows. Lifting heavy objects and sudden jerky movements should be avoided.
Routine household chores like mopping or sweeping floor, washing clothes, climbing stairs, cleaning and cooking can be definitely continued unless some complication is associated in the pregnancy and the doctor has advised complete bed rest.
Sexual intercourse should be restricted till first three months and then can be resumed till the 9th month at a frequency of once a week.
- Travel– Pregnancy is usually not associated with any travel related issues but travelling has to be restricted in the first trimester. Train journey is considered the safest option. Road travel and air travel are relatively safe in the 2nd trimester.
However, travelling for office and other small journeys within the city are completely acceptable. We encourage expecting mothers to come for consultations on their own if no relative is available. Driving two-wheeler or car (with a compulsory helmet and seat belt) is acceptable too.
- Sleep- Around 7-8 hours sleep in the night is considered compulsory with additional afternoon nap or rest if the pregnant patient feels so. Sleeping in any position (except on the tummy) is absolutely safe. However, sleeping on the left side is a better option in third trimester specially if having swelling on feet and blood pressure patients.
- Other Necessary Points–
- Restrict use of screens, social media and negative television shows.
- Develop a positive mindset regarding your connection with the baby.
- Read or listen to empowering books/ podcasts. Garbhsanskar can be started as soon as the pregnancy test comes positive.
- Developing a strong bond with the baby can be done by both parents by talking to the baby beyond 4th month.
- Daily meditation and breathing exercises will help to develop a calm mind and body.
- Counting daily fetal movements from 6th month onwards is extremely crucial (>10 movements in 24 hours).
- We encourage husband participation at each hospital visit and labour process.
- Adhere strictly to advise given by the doctor and refrain from looking up everything at Google. Your doctor is your best advisor.
We wish you a healthy pregnancy journey and hope you bring a beautiful baby into this world and be an attentive parent.