Finding out that you are pregnant for the first time is exciting and oftentimes sends your mind racing about every question you can imagine. What am I supposed to eat? Should I be exercising more or less? Am I ready to be a mother? These, amongst many more, are the questions that expecting mamas want the answers to. From our experience in the medical/birthing fields in conjunction with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, these are some of the top questions that pregnant moms have on their minds.
The number one question is always “What foods do I need to avoid during pregnancy?”
The main rule of thumb is that you want to avoid eating things that could potentially have bacteria in them. Here is a list of some foods that are more likely to cause harm to you and your pregnancy:
- raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs
- raw sprouts and alfalfa
- unpasteurized milk or cheese
- deli meat and hot dogs need to be cooked thoroughly to lower risk
- Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, but fish that have higher levels of mercury should be avoided, including: bigeye tuna, king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, or tilefish. Limit white (albacore) tuna to 6 ounces or less a week.
Can I continue to drink coffee once I am pregnant?
Coffee is not necessarily an absolute no for pregnancy. The focus should be on caffeine intake. One cup of coffee is considered safe by the experts. You have to keep track of chocolate, soft drinks, and other food/drink consumption that has high levels of caffeine.
- What sleep position is the best for the baby’s development?
In your 3rd trimester you should avoid going to sleep on your back. If you wake up on your back don’t freak out, just move to a side position or a gentle tilted position with a pillow behind you.
Navigating pregnancy for the first time can be overwhelming and stressful if you have a lot of questions. Let us guide you through your pregnancy, birth, and beyond! Sign up for our 2 course bundle which includes a comprehensive course as well as a breastfeeding course for after your little one is born!
References:
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/the-top-6-pregnancy-questions-i-hear-from-first-time-moms
