What is good for a baby during pregnancy? Nutrition during pregnancy: how to balance your diet

Pregnancy is an amazing state for a woman, in which, along with many positive aspects, there are certain prohibitions. There is a specific list of products that are contraindicated for pregnant women, for example, coffee or alcoholic beverages. There are also many things that can cause harm in an interesting situation, so they are also unacceptable. It is very dangerous to lift weights or take a bath that is too hot. But there are also absolutely superstitious prohibitions that are unlikely to cause harm, but women are very afraid to break them. Let's look at all these "don'ts" and why they are so important during gestation.

Having first noticed two lines on a pregnancy test, a woman is at a loss: what should she eat now so that the products do not harm the baby and benefit him? Therefore, we will consider foods and drinks that are categorically not recommended for consumption during pregnancy.

What not to eat during pregnancy: forbidden food

A pregnant woman needs to realize that the food she eats serves as a biological building material for development. child's body, so it should be of better quality and useful. Doctors agree on one thing - the diet should be dominated by fruits and vegetables, cereals, dairy products and animal proteins. Also, a pregnant woman needs a full supply of clean drinking water and vitamin supplements (as prescribed by the doctor).

A separate point in the diet of a pregnant woman is restrictions on certain foods and drinks. They can have a bad effect on both the woman herself and the development of the baby. Why can't you eat certain foods during pregnancy?

The main reason is vulnerability internal organs, especially the stomach, which undergoes dramatic changes after conception. The location of organs changes, metabolism decreases and the tone of all muscles, including the intestines, weakens. Therefore, the usual diet before pregnancy can become a serious test for digestive system in her new position. That is why during pregnancy you should not indulge in spicy and heavy foods.

In addition, restrictions are imposed on so-called harmful products with flavors, E-additives, and other unhealthful substances. This is due to the fact that these products reach the baby through the placenta and disrupt its normal development.

And finally, some dietary taboos can be caused by various chronic diseases, toxicosis or allergic manifestations in expectant mother. Therefore, prohibited products are often selected individually.

So, what foods are prohibited during pregnancy:

• Sausages. Flavorful sausages and sausages have long ceased to be healthy. All you have to do is take a quick look at the ingredients and it becomes clear that it doesn’t smell like meat. And instead of animal raw materials, it contains huge quantities of spices, fat, dyes and other substances that have a toxic effect on the fetus.
• Sweets. Cheesecakes, marmalade, halva and other sugar-containing delicacies are a source of empty “fast” carbohydrates. These products are instantly transformed into excess weight and do not provide any nutritional value. As a result, the woman quickly gains weight, which has a bad effect on the overall course of pregnancy - lower back pain appears, tachycardia is annoying, and the fetus increases in weight excessively.
• Allergenic products. Chocolate, citrus fruits, and seafood can cause allergies, even if this did not happen outside of pregnancy. After conception, against the background of reduced immunity, the female body can react in a completely new way to foods that are familiar to it, especially if they can provoke allergies. Therefore, when you are in the first trimester of pregnancy, your doctor should tell you what you can and cannot eat from the “allergenic” list.
• Legumes. Corn, peas, and beans contribute to increased flatulence. These products are especially contraindicated starting from the second trimester, when the uterus is actively growing and begins to put pressure on the organs. If you overuse legumes, a woman will suffer from pain, bloating, and indigestion.
• Salty and smoked dishes. Such food puts a tremendous burden on the liver and kidneys. This could end in best case scenario heartburn and toxicosis, and in the worst case - gestosis, pancreatitis, renal failure. It is especially important to remember that you should not get carried away with hot spices in the early stages of pregnancy, as they can worsen the course of toxicosis.
• Semi-finished products, sauces, croutons. Such products are simply oversaturated with harmful ingredients. They disrupt metabolic processes and impair digestion. As a result, the pregnant woman feels unwell, and the baby experiences a deficiency useful substances and instead of them receives a whole set of E-supplements. In addition to all of the above, doctors advise refraining from drinking sweet soda, undercooked meat and raw eggs, fast food and other products that do not belong to a healthy diet.

Why you shouldn't drink coffee during pregnancy

Drinking coffee during pregnancy is a topical and controversial issue. Doctors, although they do not advise, do not oppose moderate consumption of weak coffee during pregnancy, however, no more than 1 cup. But there are also specialists who are categorically against this practice.

Abuse of coffee during gestation can be fatal for a woman. Research shows that more than three cups a day can provoke a miscarriage or hypertensive crisis, especially if a woman has prerequisites for the development of gestosis. There is also a risk of developing hypocalcemia syndrome and potassium deficiency. These two elements are abundantly washed out of the body along with caffeine, which is present in coffee.

Important! During pregnancy, it is not the coffee itself that is harmful, but the caffeine it contains. Therefore, pregnant women need to limit other tonic drinks - a strong infusion of black and green tea leaves, Coca-Cola, and energy drinks.

Why you should not drink alcohol or smoke during pregnancy

Even small doses of low-alcohol drinks can cause birth defects in a baby or serious complications in a woman during childbirth. Alcohol is especially dangerous in the first trimester, when the embryo is forming. Regular exposure to alcohol to the fetus negatively affects the formation of its vascular and nervous systems.

The same restrictions apply to nicotine. Obstetric practice has long proven that smoking during gestation increases the risk of underdevelopment of the baby's lungs. In addition, the intrauterine influence of nicotine on the fetus threatens the future with an asthmatic component and reduced immunity.

What herbs should not be used during pregnancy?

Due to inexperience, pregnant women resort to herbal medicine, considering homeopathy much safer than medications. In fact, there are many herbal plants that can cause miscarriage, premature delivery, increase blood pressure, or aggravate chronic diseases.

All pregnant women need to remember well what is not allowed during pregnancy:

• oregano;
• cotton root;
• saffron (crocus);
• barberry;
• tansy;
• juniper;
• greater celandine;
• sagebrush;
• nutmeg;
• pennyroyal

Also, during gestation, the use of all essential oils is prohibited. Moreover, it is not allowed to take them internally, use them externally or for aromatherapy. This precaution is caused by an increased risk of developing severe allergic attacks, unplanned development of the birth process and pathological reaction of the cardiovascular system. vascular system.

Advice! Not all herbs are dangerous during pregnancy, and some of them can greatly help a woman during illness. Rosehip, peppermint and white tea will help cope with colds, ginger tea with lemon will calm uncontrollable vomiting, and lingonberry leaf will relieve swelling.

Prohibitions and pregnancy: what you can and cannot do during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman is observed by a gynecologist for the entire nine months. The doctor constantly monitors the woman’s health and, given her condition, may recommend some restrictions in various areas of life. So, if there is a threat of miscarriage, physical activity and intimacy may be contraindicated. If a woman has venous insufficiency, she is contraindicated from standing or sitting for a long time. Well, without exception, all ladies in this position are forbidden to be nervous and overworked. However, let's look at all these “don'ts” in order.

Sex during pregnancy: when not to?

For some reason, women think that it is impossible to have sex during a short period of pregnancy. Indeed, there are situations when sex is contraindicated. First of all, there is a threat of miscarriage due to uterine hypertonicity, improper placement of the placenta or hormonal disorder. Sex in this case will contribute to a sharp contraction and tension of the uterus, which can worsen the woman’s condition.

If there are no such contraindications, then intimate intimacy is even encouraged, especially in the last weeks of gestation. It turns out that sperm contains special substances - prostaglandins - that soften the cervix, thereby preventing ruptures during childbirth.

What not to do in sports during pregnancy

If a woman leads active image life, playing sports, then with the onset of pregnancy she will have to make some adjustments to her daily routine. It is better to avoid exercises with a sharp range of motion, strength training, as well as from excessive stress on the back.

Advice! The best option for sports during pregnancy is yoga, Pilates, swimming according to a special program for pregnant women.

Why you shouldn't fly on an airplane while pregnant

Travel and travel are not contraindicated during pregnancy if it proceeds without complications. You can choose any transport except plane. There is a constant fluctuation in atmospheric pressure in the air, which can disrupt the normal course of pregnancy. During the flight, a woman's blood pressure may increase, and if the pregnancy is more than 7 months old, contractions may even begin.

Why you shouldn't sleep on your back during pregnancy

Starting from the second trimester, it is better for pregnant women to avoid lying on their back while sleeping. During this period, the uterus with the baby is already quite large, and in this position it puts a lot of pressure on the diaphragm, blood vessels and internal organs.

If you do not follow the advice of doctors, the flow of blood through the veins will slow down, which will cause headaches, exacerbation of hemorrhoids, varicose veins of the pelvic organs and back pain.

Advice! The optimal position for a pregnant woman is to sleep on her left side.

Why you can’t cross your legs during pregnancy

Sitting in this position during pregnancy can cause many complications. Firstly, there is strong pressure on the fundus of the uterus and a deterioration in blood circulation, which causes oxygen deficiency in the baby. Secondly, the vein under the knee is pressed, which can provoke or aggravate existing varicose veins of the legs. And thirdly, it causes pain in the back and pubic area.

Why you shouldn't lift weights during pregnancy

During a normal pregnancy, it is permissible for a woman to lift no more than 5 kg, and if there is a threat of miscarriage, then generally lifting nothing more than 1 kg is prohibited. Although everything here is very individual and depends on the woman’s health. In any case, it is better to avoid carrying heavy objects, because this threatens not only miscarriage, but also spinal injuries, varicose veins, including hemorrhoids.

Why you shouldn't raise your hands during pregnancy

The prohibition against raising arms during pregnancy is a common superstition. And if you believe him, this position causes the baby to become entangled in the umbilical cord. But it also has medical indications. The fact is that when the arms are raised strongly, the uterus becomes overstrained, general blood circulation is disrupted, and dizziness appears. All these symptoms are unacceptable during pregnancy, so sudden raising of hands is best avoided.

Why you shouldn't be nervous during pregnancy

The relationship with nervous disorders in a newborn and frequent stress in a woman during pregnancy is a long-established fact. In addition, all pregnant women are forbidden to be nervous, since this increases the risk of developing a variety of pathologies - placental abruption, hypertension, diabetes, psoriasis and other diseases during pregnancy.

What not to do during pregnancy: myths and superstitions

Women planning a pregnancy, or already happily pregnant women, assign a special role to various superstitions and signs. Their essence sometimes causes real bewilderment, but women diligently continue to believe in them and worry about this, giving rise to many fears and doubts. Let's look at the most popular among them.

Myth No. 1. Why can't you cut your hair during pregnancy?

Since biblical times, hair has been considered something sacred, personifying the flow of life. Perhaps for this reason, the opinion has taken hold that cutting hair during pregnancy shortens the life of the unborn baby. In fact, there is no evidence of such a mythical relationship, so visiting a hairdresser in such a delicate state is left to the woman's discretion.

Myth No. 2. Why can’t you dye your hair during pregnancy?

This superstition has similar roots to the previous myth. It says that dyeing hair while carrying a child can make his fate unhappy.

In fact, the danger may lie elsewhere - old-generation paints (ammonia) can penetrate the mother’s body, and therefore the fetus, causing some complications. Therefore, if you want to look beautiful during pregnancy, use only ammonia-free paints.

Myth No. 3. Why shouldn't pregnant women touch cats?

The older generation always scolds pregnant women when they want to pet a cat. In their opinion, this will cause large number the child's enemies. Official medicine has another explanation, and it is absolutely logical. If a woman has not had toxoplasmosis before conception, she can become infected from the carrier of the disease - a cat. Although, if the animal is domestic and healthy, then there is no such danger.

Myth No. 4. Why shouldn’t pregnant women sew, knit, or embroider?

Anything involving a needle and thread is considered unacceptable during pregnancy. If you believe superstition, a woman can “sew up” the baby’s entrance into our world, or the child can become entangled in the umbilical cord. Such beliefs are associative in nature and do not in any way affect the course of pregnancy if the woman is not overworked during such an activity.

Myth No. 5. Why can't women have their teeth treated?

This statement was relevant several decades ago, when pain and fear during a dentist appointment could cause pregnant women to faint, panic attacks, and even the threat of miscarriage. And according to superstitions, this could cause severe fright in the baby.

Now, with the availability of safe painkillers, modern technology and the comfort of the procedure, dental treatment during pregnancy is completely acceptable and even encouraged. After all, it is known that teeth often begin to deteriorate during gestation due to calcium deficiency, and if you postpone treatment until later, you can completely lose your teeth.

To summarize, we can say with confidence that women during pregnancy need to be very careful when choosing foods, sports and transport. Therefore, immediately discuss with your obstetrician-gynecologist all possible prohibitions at the time of registration.

Video “Pregnancy in trimesters: what you can and cannot do”

Pregnancy is one of the best periods in a woman's life. This is the expectation of a miracle, this thrill of a baby emerging under your heart and a calming warmth throughout your body. That is why it is so important during this period not to disturb your inner comfort and the comfort of the child. And that is why it is necessary to balance and.

The main rule is to get all the necessary substances, vitamins and microelements, although this is not a reason to double the portion.

During pregnancy, eat whenever you feel like it. It is better to eat often - up to 5-6 times - but little by little. Don't overeat, chew your food thoroughly, don't rush, and don't overeat at night. Say yes to boiled, baked, steamed. But refuse fried, smoked and canned food.

First of all, both the expectant mother and her baby need protein, because it is the building material of cells and helps the baby grow. The daily norm is 75-100 grams of protein per day. If we translate all this into “food equivalent”, then this is about three glasses of milk, half a kilo, two eggs and one hundred grams of fish. To get enough protein, cook yourself lean meat, poultry (it’s better to take domestic than imported), treat yourself to fish - shrimp, lobsters, crabs; Boil eggs or make yourself an omelet. Consume vegetables, fruits and berries, but preferably from your lane. Click on nuts - pine nuts, hazelnuts - and seeds. Don't avoid legumes.

To help your body with energy, consume carbohydrates. But be careful with them - too much of them can be harmful. There are carbohydrates that instantly relieve hunger, but they do not last long. These are chocolates, sweets, sugar. In the body, such carbohydrates are stored as fat deposits. Of course, don’t give up sweets completely, but it’s better to eat very little of them, replace them with porridge, pasta, vegetables and potatoes - especially boiled in their jackets. These carbohydrates are called unrefined. They eliminate, do not lift weight and hold. It is better to cook porridge from unrefined cereals, whole grains and sprouted wheat. And the bread is coarsely ground or with bran.

To maintain normal blood levels in the expectant mother and baby, consume carbohydrates. It contains liver, sardines, and spinach. This is especially good in combination with vitamin C. It is found in citrus fruits - by the way, the highest content is in grapefruits, and they are hypoallergenic - in sorrel, spinach, and sweet peppers. Vitamin C heals wounds, and is useful for the baby because it promotes its growth and makes the skeleton and teeth strong.

By the way, contrary to popular belief, the menu should contain fats, but unsaturated ones. Add creamy, bright yellow and solid oil to porridge, fry with refined oil, and season salads with unrefined oil.

Be sure to consume A, E and B. Calcium strengthens bones - if the baby has enough of it, then it does not harm the mother’s teeth and bones, and does not take it away from them. Calcium is found in milk, fish, cottage cheese, cheese, almonds and peanuts. Folic acid is found in yellow vegetables, fruits and greens. It helps the skin, eyes and bones, and has a positive effect on the baby’s brain development. B vitamins are found in porridges - very good if you eat buckwheat and brown rice - in black bread and cabbage. By the way, the latter is very useful if you feel that you are gaining excess weight. It prevents the deposition of fats in the body - consume it boiled, stewed, or in salads. Pineapple also does not allow fats to “linger.”

During pregnancy, focus not only on nutrition, but also on fluid intake. Drink at least two liters a day. Soup, teas and also count.

Eliminate harmful foods from your diet. Swordfish, shark, cabezon, king mackerel, and canned white tuna can be hazardous to the health of a pregnant woman. In them high level metal that is harmful to the baby’s nervous system and brain. A safe dose is 150 grams per week of white tuna or 300 grams of salmon and shrimp. Be wary of fish caught in rivers and lakes. Never eat raw or undercooked meat, even if it is homemade. And, of course, refuse fast food: hot dogs and dubious-looking ham are not the best food for a pregnant woman. Do not eat unpasteurized dairy products, juices, or chilled smoked foods. Tobacco is also strictly contraindicated, and even just breathing in its vapor is harmful. Do not drink tap water: it can only be consumed purified and filtered. Doctors have not fully studied the effect of herbal supplements and teas on the body of a pregnant woman.

In the first half of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s diet is virtually no different from what she ate before pregnancy. But still, it should be varied and include all the necessary (we listed them above) substances. Allow yourself some salty food if you really want it, but do not overuse it so that the salts are not deposited. The daily diet for the first half of pregnancy is 2400 - 2700 kcal.

In the second, the fetus grows quickly, the load on all organs and systems of the mother increases, so eat more. But exclude salty, spicy, smoked and processed foods. The daily diet for the second half of pregnancy is 2800 - 3000 kcal.

Remember: a properly composed diet will help the baby to be born strong and healthy, and the mother to bear an heir without harm to health or appearance, with good health throughout the pregnancy. Poor nutrition in the early stages of pregnancy can affect the survival of the embryo, and in later stages it can affect the development of the baby.

Especially for- Maria Dulina

A woman who decides to become a mother must know that the process of feeding a child begins from the moment of conception. That is why she needs to eat exclusively healthy foods during pregnancy, this will help the baby develop properly and keep the expectant mother in good shape.

The most important thing for a woman during pregnancy is to give preference natural products and don’t be lazy to cook yourself, you need to be completely confident in the quality of the food. Nutrition should be balanced and contain daily requirements of minerals and vitamins.

Milk and dairy products

Hard cheese and cottage cheese contain a lot of useful substances:

1. Protein , which is a necessary component of the composition of blood and lymph.
2. Vitamins B , increasing the “breathing” of body tissues, endurance and performance of the mother.
3. Iron and calcium , necessary for the formation of bones, hair, skin and nails of the baby.
4. Folic acid is very important for the proper formation of the fetus and preventing the risk of developing pathologies, strengthening the mother’s heart muscle.

Natural yogurt contains much more bone-healthy calcium than regular cow's milk, and all the bifidobacteria necessary for normal intestinal function. Yogurt is rich in zinc and proteins, it will quench your thirst and reduce hunger. You can replace yogurts with high-quality kefir.

They are a storehouse of nutrients necessary for the development of the baby of various microelements:

However, they are high in calories, and it is not advisable for an expectant mother to overuse nuts!

Fish and seafood

Everyone knows that it is a source of phosphorus. Also found in fish products one of the most useful vitamins D, which strengthens the bones and nervous system of a pregnant woman .

During pregnancy, it is better for women to eat lean white fish, preferably sea fish rich in iodine.

Meat, liver

An important building material for the cells of the unborn child's body – protein, which is found in sufficient quantities in meat products. You should eat lean meats - chicken, rabbit, beef, lean pork. When preparing meat dishes, it is better to do without seasonings.

Liver contains iron and B vitamins . This is a must-have product not only for the baby, but also for the mother herself - she endures heavy loads during the happy months of bearing her child. Many pregnant women may experience a drop in hemoglobin concentration and develop anemia; eating liver dishes will help cope with this problem.

Eggs

They contain more than 10 useful vitamins and microelements , for example, choline has an effect on mental ability future baby. The chromium contained in this product will help in getting rid of the nausea that torments the mother in the first months of the “interesting situation”. It is important to regularly eat eggs – both chicken and quail.

But not raw ones!

Rich in vitamins, fiber, microelements and organic acids . You can eat it in any form - raw, boiled, baked, in salads, which are best seasoned with vegetable oil or sour cream, but not with mayonnaise.

Particular attention should be paid to carrots, broccoli and avocados.

These vegetables contain the greatest amount of:

Fruits and berries

Especially useful during pregnancy! Contains minerals and vitamins vital for baby development. The most important thing is to remember to wash the fruits thoroughly before eating them.

A small daily portion of strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries increases the baby’s body’s defenses. I would like to note the benefits of mango, it contains a lot of vitamin A, you can eat it in any form - raw, boiled, salty or sweet.

Legumes

Lentils from the entire “legume family” will bring greatest benefit for the body of the expectant mother. It contains vitamin B-6, folic acid and iron which are necessary during pregnancy.

Cereals

For example, Oatmeal is rich in fiber, iron and B vitamins . It is very useful to cook milk porridges with this cereal and add the flakes to homemade baked goods. Oatmeal will help normalize digestion.

Spinach

The green leaves of this beneficial herb contain:

• Folic acid.
• Calcium.
• Vitamin A.

It is not difficult to grow spinach in your garden, on your balcony or on your windowsill. He occupies one of the most worthy places in the TOP-12 list! From this herb you can prepare a lot of healthy dishes in the form of purees, soups, and side dishes.

Mushrooms

They are called “forest meat” and contain simply a huge amount of vitamins B, E, C, PP, nicotinic acid and microelements:

• Yoda.
• Zinc.
• Potassium.
• Phosphorus.

Mushrooms are very rich in proteins - leucine, tyrosine, histidine, arginine . Mushrooms should be consumed with caution only from trusted manufacturers.

Oil

• The most useful thing for expectant mothers is olive “liquid gold”, it has a beneficial effect on the process of formation of the baby’s nervous system.
• Sunflower oil saturates the pregnant woman’s body with vitamins E, A, D, improves appearance hair and skin.
• But butter There is no need to abuse it - it contains a lot of calories. For normal development For a baby, 50 grams per day is enough.

It is important for a pregnant woman to remember that good nutrition is the key not only to her health, but also to the proper development of the baby.

Pregnancy is certainly one of the most beautiful moments in a woman’s life, but also one of the most responsible. Is it possible to fly on an airplane, what physical activity is acceptable during pregnancy, is it worth having sex? These questions interest almost all women who saw two coveted stripes on the test...

Well, it’s time to figure out: what really categorically cannot be done during pregnancy, and what will only benefit the baby and the expectant mother?

Alcohol and smoking - no compromises!

No matter how much your friends or acquaintances from the forums convince you that a couple of glasses of red wine or beer are harmless, doctors around the world are unanimous: even small doses of alcohol can harm the child and the expectant mother - cause serious defects intrauterine development, premature and often difficult childbirth, provoke a miscarriage. The “degree” is especially toxic in the early stages of pregnancy - until the end of everything, when the very important process of organogenesis occurs, during which the embryo is just being formed, and the “laying in” of all the internal organs and systems of the child occurs. It is undesirable to drink alcohol during conception, and for both future parents! As for smoking, scientists have long proven that babies whose mothers smoked while pregnant are born with a ready dependence on nicotine, they have a weakened immune system and often underdeveloped lungs. They are also more likely than other children to suffer from asthma and other ailments of the pulmonary system. Therefore, if you find out that you are having a baby, stop smoking immediately! In general, this must be done at the stage of pregnancy planning - 2-3 months before giving up contraception.

Orienteering

Women are often interested in whether it is possible to play sports while expecting a child? In this matter, as often happens, it is important golden mean. Nowadays, no one expects Olympic records from you, so you shouldn’t work hard and sweat for several hours a day in the gym. But it’s also impossible to completely deprive yourself of physical activity and lead a sedentary lifestyle - such “inaction” can lead to excess weight gain, the development of edema, problems with blood vessels, and increased blood pressure. Such complications negatively affect the course of pregnancy and fetal development.

So which one physical activity choose? There are many options: yoga, fitness, gymnastics for pregnant women, swimming (or water aerobics), walking at a measured pace fresh air- such loads help improve lung function, maintain good tone of the muscles of the legs and back, prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids and varicose veins veins, allow you to fight venous stagnation in the pelvic area. The currently popular Nordic walking - Nordic walking with trekking or ski poles - is very useful for the expectant mother and baby. During such training, blood flow, the condition of blood vessels and the heart improve, and the body is saturated with oxygen. The baby also receives more oxygen and nutrients.

But it is better to avoid cycling - they are considered an extreme sport for pregnant women. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, roller skating, martial arts - in a word, all too active and traumatic sports - are also unconditionally prohibited. In any case, in order not to harm the fetus, you need to consult with your gynecologist about what sports activity to choose during pregnancy. The doctor must exclude conditions in which physical activity is contraindicated or significantly limited.

Sex and taboo

Veto your sex life During this period, only very serious medical conditions can occur.

For example, if there is a threat of miscarriage (especially in the first trimester), if you are expecting twins (multiple pregnancies are usually more difficult than singleton pregnancies), you have had a miscarriage or premature birth, a previous pregnancy was accompanied by a threat of miscarriage, or tests revealed some kind of miscarriage. or infection. In addition, the doctor may prescribe temporary abstinence for you if the cervix is ​​not tightly closed, complete (the placenta completely covers the internal os) or marginal placenta previa (the lower edge of the placenta is at the level of the edge of the internal os). If placenta previa is detected, regular medical supervision is necessary, as there is a risk of placental abruption and uterine bleeding. Also, depending on the location of the placenta, the method of delivery will be determined. Thus, with marginal or lateral presentation, the possibility of natural birth, and when full presentation appoint C-section.

If the pregnancy proceeds without complications and you feel great, there are no contraindications for making love. Moreover, sex at this point in life is very important! It allows spouses to experience completely new sensations, promotes even greater emotional rapprochement between the couple, and has a beneficial effect on the woman’s nervous system, which is very important for the normal development of the child. Of course, during such a period one should not forget about caution: still choose less bold positions than before, or try alternative forms proximity.

But in last weeks before childbirth, sex is even indicated for therapeutic purposes: prostaglandins contained in sperm prepare the cervix for childbirth and help avoid ruptures.

Adventurers

There is an opinion that air travel and sudden climate change do not in the best possible way affect pregnancy. Indeed, after the seventh month of pregnancy, it is not recommended to fly on an airplane - the threat is strong premature birth. As for flights in general, everything is very individual - much depends on the course of pregnancy and the woman’s health. If the mother does not complain about anything and everything is fine with her unborn baby, then there are no special contraindications for travel. If a pregnant woman has a weakened body, suffers from high blood pressure, or has a high risk of miscarriage, then in this case it is better to avoid traveling by air.

As for visiting exotic corners of the world or places where it is too hot, we must remember that when entering many Asian, African and Latin American countries, it is necessary to be vaccinated against a number of infections, and this is a very big threat to the unborn baby. It is also not known how your body will react to sudden climate change and high temperatures, so doctors recommend refraining from such extremes and choosing more traditional tourism. But no matter how you feel, before you go traveling, you must definitely visit the gynecologist leading your pregnancy.

Forbidden food

Speaking about prohibitions of an interesting position, it is worth mentioning the choice of products. So, when compiling a list of acceptable foods for this period, you should give up very fatty, salty, fried, spicy foods and smoked foods - they “overload” the liver and gallbladder, increase the load on the kidneys, can cause heartburn, exacerbation of gastritis. Foods that contain a lot of chemical additives, especially dyes and flavor enhancers (nitrites, monosodium glutamate) and seasonings: chips, all kinds of crackers, ready-made sauces, crab sticks, fast food, soda, and many sweets, do not have the best effect on the body of pregnant women. Don't go heavy on some seafood (tuna, swordfish, shrimp), chocolate, strawberries and exotic fruits - they can cause allergies. For the same reason, refrain from frequently consuming vegetables and fruits with orange pigment (citruses, carrots, pumpkin, dried apricots), but do not completely exclude them from your diet - they contain many useful vitamins and microelements. By the way, it is believed that foods such as red fish and meat are dangerous during pregnancy - this is not true. On the contrary: the proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid contained in such foods are simply necessary for pregnant women. In addition, meat serves as an excellent prevention of iron deficiency anemia, which often occurs during pregnancy. It is best if your doctor chooses a diet based on test data and medical history.

Not all teas are created equal

During pregnancy, some women encounter problems such as edema. As a result, wanting to expel excess fluid from the body, expectant mothers begin to drink various diuretic teas, herbal teas or infusions of berries and herbs. This should absolutely not be done without consulting a doctor, because many drinks, due to their composition, are medicinal, as they contain chemical components that have different medicinal properties. Therefore, they may not have the best effect on the body of a pregnant woman and the condition of the fetus. Thus, drinks based on sage, parsley, ginseng, valerian, and chamomile often increase the tone of the uterus and increase blood pressure.

For the same reasons, it is better to give up coffee. Scientists have confirmed the fact that daily consumption of this drink (more than 3 cups per day) increases the risk of miscarriage by 2 times, especially in the first 12 weeks! Coffee also increases blood pressure, causes insomnia, and removes from the body beneficial microelements and vitamins necessary for the normal development of a child. Both freshly brewed and instant drinks have a detrimental effect. In addition, doctors strongly advise that during pregnancy you should exclude other liquids containing caffeine from your diet - cola, energy drinks, strong green and black teas.

But mint, ginger, white tea and rosehip infusions are extremely useful. Mint soothes, relieves nausea, ginger has antibacterial properties and is indispensable during colds and ARVI, rose hips are rich in vitamins C, B, PP and iron, and white tea does not contain caffeine, normalizes blood pressure, promotes the elasticity of blood vessels and strengthens tooth enamel, which is very important while carrying the baby.

From the realm of myths

With the appearance of two lines on the test, any woman (even with two or three higher educations) begins to attach undue importance to signs and beliefs. Meanwhile, many of them only ruin the life of the expectant mother. Here are some of them:

Myth. During pregnancy, you should not cut or dye your hair.

In fact: During pregnancy, the hair structure often changes: it becomes more brittle and lifeless. That is why, in order to look good, you need to get your hair cut regularly or at least trim the ends. As for coloring, modern ammonia-free paints are quite safe for both the expectant mother and the baby. A competent hairdresser will probably first test the dye on one strand and determine how the hair perceives a particular color.

Where did it come from: Since biblical times, hair has been considered a symbol of life (remember the tragic story of Samson and Delilah). Apparently, this is why our ancestors were so afraid of cutting their hair during pregnancy.

Myth. You should not tell anyone about your pregnancy until you interesting situation will not become obvious.

In fact: This is entirely your personal matter. Some people share their joy literally from the first days, others hide their pregnancy almost until the birth.

Where did it come from: Our ancestors were very afraid of the evil eye. And the method of “silencing” happiness was considered one of the most effective in the fight against the evil eye. Believing or not in this sign is your own business. However, it has nothing to do with medicine.

Myth. During pregnancy, you should not raise your arms up, otherwise the umbilical cord will tie in a knot and the baby will suffocate in the womb.

In fact: Medical statistics have not proven the connection between any of the mother’s body movements and the umbilical cord: nothing will happen to the child if you hang out the laundry!

Where did it come from: Most absurd superstitions are based on basic ignorance of physiology. There is no other way to explain this myth.

Irina Pilyugina PhD, gynecologist highest category

Discussion

Unfortunately, neither antenatal clinic, not a single article says that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not take vitamin A. It is toxic to the baby. I'm pregnant with my second child and only recently found out about it.