The Do’s and Don’ts of Early Pregnancy

Pregnant and wondering about a million things? Foremost in your mind is probably the health and safety of the cells that are developing inside of you. Most of your questions you will need to address to your health care provider since everyone’s situation is different depending upon your age and your healthcare history as well as that of your family’s.

What if you want to travel? Is it safe? Well, nobody expects you to sit in your house for 9 months, that would be a terrible idea for all involved! You will definitely want to keep active and enjoy as many of your regular activities as possible. The mode of travel, however, will certainly be of significance. Are we talking skydiving, horse-back riding, snow-mobiling, river rafting, hot air balloon rides, car, plane? For most women the typical kind of traveling such as by plane – even overseas if it’s in your first trimester - or car should be ok, although if you’re experiencing nausea, it may not be as comfortable as usual – for you or anyone else in your immediate vicinity! If you want to play it safe, however, just ask your health care provider concerning any kind of traveling or sports you may want to do.

What should you eat and not eat? You have lots of resources on this subject – your health care provider of course being the first you will likely want to consult. All of the standard advice still applies here: drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and remember to get your protein (don’t forget the fish!) In addition, there is a lot of great reading material on this subject. The section on what to eat in the popular book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel has some great ideas. Whatever you choose to read, however, remember to be wise – don’t allow yourself to become overly alarmed if every bite you have taken since conception has not been the most perfect food for your baby, and on the other hand, remember that what you eat and don’t eat is important – make good choices for both of you.

How about exercise? One young pregnant mother was told by her doctor not to participate in abdominal exercises in her first trimester since she had experienced some complications during her first pregnancy. Another woman was told to go ahead with running the marathon she had planned. Most exercise should be acceptable and completely safe especially if you are simply continuing your regular exercise program. Whatever exercise you choose, keep it going! Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week. Do more if you can, but just do anything you can– find excuses to walk to a neighbor’s house that lives 5 blocks away if you need help motivating yourself as many of us do. Then, little by little, add to what you’re doing. Find out what works for you and what you and your health care provider feel comfortable with and stick with it, keeping active will be one of the most important things you do for you and your baby.

Good luck and enjoy the adventures ahead!