Pregnancy comes with a flood of advice from family, friends and the internet, and much of it contradicts itself. This guide sorts it out: the habits that genuinely help you and your baby, and the things you should avoid until after delivery.
Do start antenatal care early. Book your first visit as soon as you know you are pregnant, ideally before 12 weeks, and keep every appointment after that. Regular checks pick up problems like high blood pressure and anaemia before they cause harm. Read why antenatal care matters.
Do take your prenatal supplements. Folic acid protects your baby’s developing brain and spine, and iron helps prevent anaemia. Take what your doctor prescribes, every day. See 5 prenatal supplements for your pregnancy.
Do eat a varied, balanced diet. Build meals around vegetables, fruit, beans, fish, eggs, lean meat and whole grains. Local staples work well: ugwu, spinach, beans, moi moi and fresh fruit are rich in the nutrients you need. Get ideas from 7 fruits and vegetables to eat during pregnancy.
Do drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps with constipation, swelling and tiredness, and lowers the risk of urinary infections.
Do stay active. If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, aim for around 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as brisk walking, swimming or prenatal exercise. Try these best exercises for pregnant women.
Do sleep under an insecticide-treated net. Malaria is more dangerous in pregnancy, for you and your baby. Use a net every night and take the malaria prevention medicine your clinic gives you.
Do rest, and sleep on your side. In later pregnancy, sleeping on your side, especially the left, improves blood flow to your baby. See the best sleeping positions for pregnant women.
Do wash your hands and food carefully. Wash fruit and vegetables well, cook food thoroughly and wash your hands after handling raw meat, gardening or changing a child’s nappy.
Do look after your mental health. Mood swings are common, but persistent sadness, anxiety or loss of interest are not something to push through alone. Tell your doctor or midwife.
Do pay attention to your baby’s movements. Once you start feeling regular movements, get to know your baby’s pattern. If the baby moves less than usual, see a doctor the same day.
Don’t drink alcohol. No amount of alcohol is known to be safe in pregnancy. It can affect your baby’s growth and brain development.
Don’t smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke. Smoking raises the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and stillbirth. If you smoke, ask your doctor for help to stop.
Don’t self-medicate. Some everyday painkillers, antibiotics and other medicines can harm a developing baby. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking anything. Read 5 common medications to avoid during pregnancy.
Don’t take herbal mixtures or agbo without medical advice. Herbal does not always mean safe. The ingredients and strength of herbal mixtures are often unknown, and some can trigger contractions or harm the baby.
Don’t eat raw or undercooked foods. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, eggs and seafood, and unpasteurised milk or cheese, which can carry infections such as listeria and toxoplasmosis.
Don’t eat high-mercury fish. Skip shark, swordfish and king mackerel. Smaller fish such as sardines, mackerel (titus) and tilapia are good choices.
Don’t overdo caffeine. Keep caffeine under about 200 mg a day, roughly two cups of instant coffee. Remember that tea, cola and energy drinks contain caffeine too.
Don’t ignore danger signs. Go to the hospital immediately if you have vaginal bleeding, a severe headache or blurred vision, sudden swelling of the face or hands, fever, severe belly pain, leaking fluid or fewer baby movements.
Don’t lift very heavy loads or overheat. Avoid heavy lifting, very hot baths and saunas, and long periods in intense heat. Ask your doctor about any physically demanding work.
Don’t skip meals or diet to lose weight. Pregnancy is not the time for weight-loss diets. Eat regular, balanced meals and let your health worker guide healthy weight gain.
In this antenatal class, one of our nurses talks through the do’s and don’ts in pregnancy. Watch it here and share it with an expectant mum you know.
Have more questions? Read our frequently asked questions on pregnancy and regular challenges during pregnancy.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.
Planning ahead? Find out whether HMO plans cover pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria and the best HMO plans for families.
Here are a few ways to manage Asthma in pregnancy:
– identifying the triggers, it will help you avoid anything that could worsen it
– Go for your regular antenatal check-ups
– Use only drugs that have been prescribed by a doctor as drugs have their effects too in pregnancy
– Don’t smoke and avoid smokers
– Keep your rooms well ventilated
– Avoid anything that would cause you heartburn or indigestion
I hope this helped you.