These are the most frequently asked questions during pregnancy.
For any additional information you may need, you should contact your doctor.
During pregnancy the consumption of the following should be avoided: Soft boiled or raw egg; medium-rare or rare meat and fish; raw meat or fish on dishes such as sushi, smoked salmon or oysters; unpasteurized milk, cheese or yogurt, soft cheeses such as brie, camembert or blue cheese; pâté or liver, as they may contain large amounts of vitamin A, excessive amounts of which can be harmful to your baby.
Also:
- Excessive alcohol intake during pregnancy has been associated with several fetal problems.
- All vegetables should be thoroughly washed (a vinegar and water bath is recommended) to avoid the risk of toxoplasmosis and listeria.
- Limiting as much as possible eating out and take away is also highly advisable.
Yes, you may have 1 or 2 cups of coffee per day, preferably decaffeinated.
Refreshments usually contain large amounts of sugar, so it would be better to avoid them.
Ideally, a pregnant woman should gain 1.8 to 2 kg in the first trimester, 6 kg in the second (on average half a kilo a week), and 5 to 6 kg in the third trimester. Overall, that is a total of 12 to 14 kg.
The distribution of weight gain during pregnancy is as follows:
- Fetus: 2.7 to 3.7 kg
- Placenta: 0.8 kg
- Amniotic fluid: 1 kg
- Deposition of fat: 3 to 3.5 kg
- Increased bodily fluids: 2 kg
- Increased blood volume: 1.5 kg
- Increased breast weight: 0.7-1 kg
- Increased uterine size: 0.5 kg
Total: 12 to 14 kg
If pregnancy progresses smoothly, then you can have sexual intercourse with your partner, with the prior consent of your doctor. Still, there are a few reasons why the doctor would advise you to avoid sexual intercourse:
- History of previous miscarriages.
- Uterine contractions.
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Multiple pregnancy.
It is preferable not to smoke at all during pregnancy, as nicotine penetrates the placenta reducing the oxygen transferred to the fetus, and therefore disrupting its smooth development. (Low birth weight, premature labor, premature placental detachment).
However, if it is impossible to abstain, the maximum is 4 cigarettes a day.
During pregnancy, there is intense stretching of skin in the chest, abdomen and buttocks areas. The result is the formation of stretch marks. In order to deal with them, there are marketed balms and ointments that, although they may not work wonders, they do support the elasticity and hydration of the skin, thus making it more resistant to dilation.
However, make sure that you do not gain a lot of excessive weight by following a balanced diet and to drink enough water to hydrate your body well.
Your doctor and your midwife can inform you accordingly.
It is preferable not to dye your hair at least for the first 15 weeks, although there is no evidence that hair dye has any side effects on the fetus. The influence of hormones during pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive, raising the risk of allergies and scalp irritation.
However, a natural, plant-based dye is preferable should you wish to dye your hair after the first trimester.
You can continue to care for your nails the same way you did before pregnancy.
Beware of intense smells though (acetone, varnish)!
The traditional shaving method is appropriate but should be done with caution because as your belly grows you will have difficulty seeing and reaching your legs, so there is a risk of unexpected cuts and falling injuries.
Waxing: It is a completely safe method, but it is best to avoid waxing in the abdomen.
Depilatory creams: Also a safe method, however, their smell can become disturbing as you are more sensitive to smells at this time.
Laser: Studies that have been conducted do not prove that laser use in pregnancy is dangerous. The laser beam does not seem to affect the fetus, especially if administered in areas away from the abdomen (e.g. the face). However, this particular method of epilating is a new process and avoiding it is advisable.