Common Mistakes To Avoid During Pregnancy

Many women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant may think taking care of themselves during this time is relatively easy. They may believe they know what their eating habits should be, how much they should be exercising and other aspects of a healthy pregnancy, but there may be some finer details they’re not aware of. There are common mistakes many first-time expectant mothers make due to a lack of knowledge or misinformation. Thus, it's crucial to be aware of the most common mistakes made during pregnancy and how to avoid them to ensure both mom and baby stay as healthy as possible.

Not Eating Enough Daily

Previous to pregnancy, a woman's daily caloric intake should have been from 1,800 to two thousand calories daily. When a woman becomes pregnant, however, she’ll need about three hundred more calories daily to ensure the fetus grows and develops properly. Many women assume they need to eat double the amount of calories daily, but this is counterproductive to the health of the baby. Gaining an excess of weight while pregnant puts the mother at risk for gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, which can force a C-section during delivery. It also puts them at risk for other health issues after delivery. It’s better for expectant mothers to stick to three portion of nutritious foods daily such as fruit, green stocks, raw vegetables, nuts, and eggs. They should also stay hydrated to ensure hunger pangs are held at bay.

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Self-Medicating

While many individuals may think medicine is just antidepressants or other strong prescriptions medications, it’s even recommended for pregnant women to stop taking seemingly harmless medications and treatments. Antacids, ibuprofen, and acne creams are equally as harmful. Over-the-counter medicines and harsh beauty treatments can have adverse effects on pregnancy, including congenital abnormalities.

Pregnant women should only take pills their doctor prescribes them or recommends them to take, in the case of over-the-counter varieties. Any vitamins or supplements a doctor recommends are to help women meet the requirements of a healthy pregnancy. Women who experience any side effects from these, such as nausea, should speak with their doctor so they can recommend another brand. If a woman is experiencing acid reflux or headaches, she should seek advice from her doctor instead of self-medicating.

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