When you are pregnant, many people will try to give you advice on what to do and what not to do. Here’s a summary, to keep you on the right track.
Things NOT to do in Pregnancy
Don’t Touch Kitty Litter
- Toxoplasma is a parasite that can be transmitted via the cat’s litter
- It can cross the placenta, and cause lesions in the baby’s brain, and neurological impairment.
- You don’t have to give your cat away, but it is indeed a good reason to get your partner to handle the kitty litter (for a change!)
Don’t Use Electric Blankets
- Electric blankets can emit a low level electro-magnetic field, that may potentially affect fetal development. It is therefore best to avoid using electric blankets during pregnancy.
Don’t do High impact exercise
- Avoid anything high impact, like horse-riding, fast running, or heavy weight-lifting.
- During pregnancy, your joints are loosened by pregnancy hormones, and these high impact activities could potentially over-strain your joints.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
Click here for further information on alcohol use during pregnancy
Don’t Eat Sushi
Don’t Smoke
- Smoking can increase your risk of premature birth, or having a baby with low birth weight or respiratory problems. After delivery, smoking also increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). There is no safe level of smoking.
- For help to quit smoking, call the Quit-line on 13 18 48.
Things you SHOULD Do in Pregnancy
Enjoy the pregnancy!
Healthy Exercise
- Regular healthy exercise during pregnancy is encouraged.
- There are many things you can do, including:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Low-impact aerobics
- Pilates
- Yoga
Healthy Eating
“Eating for two” is an urban myth. You only require an additional 800 kilo joules (200 calories) when you are pregnant, whereas the recommended daily requirement for a non-pregnant female is around 10,000 kilo joules. The body absorbs more nutrients from food when you are pregnant. Click here for further information on healthy eating during pregnancy, or see Dr Law’s dietitian for specific advice.
Sex
Sex is fine at any time during pregnancy, except in special circumstances (e.g. low lying placenta). If you are uncertain, please check with Dr Law during your consultation.
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