Do you find that, now that you’re pregnant, your mind is working in overdrive—wondering “Can I do this?” or “Should I be doing that?”
Do you also find that it’s often hard to get a definitive yes or no answer to these questions?
Unfortunately, there is no one instruction manual for pregnancy—some experts may say one thing, like coloring your hair is okay, while another expert will say it isn’t!
So, I’ve compiled a quick list of my opinions to the most commonly asked “is it safe to do” questions! Just so you know, I am definitely more on the conservative side, especially when it comes to things like hair dye, paint, and cleaning supplies.
So here are my top twelve dos and don’ts:
Do …
1. Exercise regularly (if you’ve been given the okay by your doctor, of course!).
2. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
3. Keep a healthy, well-balanced diet (with minimal treats!).
4. Take your prenatal vitamins.
5. Drink ten glasses of pure water a day.
6. Minimize your stress.
7. Sleep on your left side.
8. Stretch regularly.
9. Wear your sunscreen (prevent the pregnancy mask!).
10. Elevate your feet.
11. Include essential fatty acids in your diet.
12. Strengthen your core muscles (very important!).
Don’t …
1. Diet.
2. Paint your room. (The fumes are dangerous!)
3. Color your hair if you can help it (especially in the first trimester).
4. Lift heavy weights over your head.
5. Perform any kind of strenuous work, including advanced exercise.
6. Stand for long periods of time or cross your legs.
7. Wear tight, restrictive clothing, especially around your legs.
8. Expose yourself to harsh chemicals (including cleaning materials).
9. Participate in activities that involve quick, jerky movements (i.e., basketball).
10. Sit in hot tubs, hot baths or exercise in excessive heat.
11. Eat sushi, cold rice or soft cheeses or fish with a high mercury content.
12. Overindulge in herbs like parsley, basil and cinnamon.
As I’ve said before, this list is made up purely of what I would put on my own list. Because there are a lot of questions that don’t have definitive answers (there’s no science to prove or disprove the effects), you need to make the best decision for you and your baby—just ensure that you are as knowledgeable as you can be about the risks involved!
Remember, pregnancy is only forty weeks—if you can put something “questionable” off until after your baby is born, make sure you do so!
Have a great week!
Your friend,
Helping you “Look Good and Feel Great” during pregnancy and beyond!
