Being pregnant for the first time is like being in a spotlight for nine months. You are the cynosure of everybody's eyes and the object of all kinds of advice, both wanted and some unwanted! Your mother has her views on how a pregnancy is treated (work, like nothing has happened), your elder sister has her own views (take off from job the moment you are declared pregnant), and your mom-in-law believes it is best to go to the temple everyday!
Not all the advice you receive will be useful, some will be downright silly, but for the sake of yourself and for your child, some things should not be overlooked at all. For instance:
Do's
Take your vitamins, minerals and protein supplements given by the doctor diligently and regularly. Folic acid and iron are very essential and should not under any circumstance be missed.
Make a note of increase in daily requirements of these nutrients and make sure you take care of these through diet and supplements.
Please attend to your prenatal check ups regularly and if you miss any one, reschedule it as soon as possible.
Take rest, take it easy and keep maids for the cleaning and cooking if possible. Talk to the boss and see if workload can be decreased at workplace. Delegate jobs to the husband and learn to tolerate his style of doing it!
Drink sufficient water.
Eat healthy food, eat small meals at sufficient intervals. Fibre rich food with lots of vegetables and fruits are ideal. Drink milk and have curds for calcium.
Exercise regularly, even if it is just walking for half an hour. It is good for yourself and the baby.
For migraine headaches lie down in dark room, close your eyes and put a cool compress. Take walks in the open air and pay attention to what you are eating. Avoid foods that you know are triggering the headaches. Stay calm, do meditation.
Don'ts
Do vigorous exercise that strains or exhausts you.
Listen to all and sundry on common complaints of exhaustion or fatigue and take their advice.
Get anxious about the delivery. Take it as it comes.
Take common cold or headache medication unless your doctor tells you to take one
