You’ve just discovered that you’re pregnant, and you’re now embarking on the great adventure of bringing new life into the world! Of course, you want the best for this little being growing inside you. Some parts of daily life that felt obvious just a few weeks ago may now raise questions: « Can I do this during my pregnancy? ». In this article, we’ve put together a comprehensive overview of recommendations, prohibitions, and precautions to take during pregnancy. Follow the guide! ;)

Things to do during pregnancy

• Take a course of vitamin B9 or folic acid : Vitamin B9 plays a crucial role in many functions in the human body. For example, it helps facilitate communication between neurons, supports DNA and protein synthesis, and contributes to the growth of nerve and blood cells. Most importantly, it supports the proper development of the fetus’s nervous system and is therefore essential. Although it is found in foods such as nuts, salad, chickpeas, and green vegetables, diet alone is not sufficient to meet the vitamin B9 needs of pregnant women. Supplementation is therefore highly recommended.

• Adopt a balanced diet : during pregnancy, you nourish your baby through the umbilical cord and provide all the vitamins and nutrients needed for their development. Your new motto: you don’t nourish yourself “twice as much,” but “twice as well.” ;)

• Update your vaccines : during the first medical examination, your doctor will take the opportunity to review your vaccination record and may ask you to update any that are not current. Not all vaccines are mandatory, but some are strongly recommended for expectant mothers, such as the flu vaccine. This way, you can avoid certain diseases or infections that could potentially be dangerous for the baby.

• Playing sports : during pregnancy, unless there are medical contraindications, you can not only continue exercising, but it is also highly recommended. It helps strengthen your cardiovascular system, which is under particular strain right now.

• Continue your sexual life : contrary to popular belief, nothing prevents you from having sex during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to discuss it with your gynecologist or general practitioner if it is painful or if you notice any bleeding.

• Relax : your body is working hard right now, so you deserve a little rest. Take quiet moments to relax and recharge.

• Taking care of your teeth : hormonal changes during pregnancy can weaken the gums and cause inflammation, leading to more frequent bleeding. Nausea during the first trimester can also damage enamel due to the acidity in bile, making teeth hypersensitive. It is therefore recommended to take special care of your teeth during pregnancy, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and consult your dentist at the first sign of pain: a simple cavity during pregnancy can quickly turn into a toothache.

• Preparing for your postpartum period : the period after birth gives you and your partner the chance to get to know your little adventurer and find your new family rhythm. To fully enjoy these first moments and avoid worrying too much about household chores, you can plan ahead and prepare a few small things in advance, such as meals. For example, you can cook healthy, nourishing dishes before delivery and freeze them. You’ll just need to defrost them when you need them. ;)

Prohibitions during pregnancy

• Alcohol and nicotine consumption : even tiny amounts can harm your baby’s growth and development. For this reason, you must completely eliminate cigarettes and alcoholic beverages from your daily life during pregnancy.

• The sun loungers : due to hormonal changes, your skin is more prone to redness and pigmentation spots. Sun exposure could also affect the folic acid that is essential for the baby’s development. Over the coming months, a suitable sunscreen and shaded areas will be your best allies.

• Overconsumption of coffee : if coffee is your guilty pleasure, don’t worry—you can continue to drink it. However, it is strongly recommended not to consume more than 200 ml of caffeine per day. Too much could harm your little adventurer.

• X-rays : the radiation your body is exposed to during an X-ray can be harmful. Therefore, non-urgent X-rays should be postponed until after birth.

• Self-medication : medications you took yesterday without risk can have a negative impact on your pregnancy today; some could even trigger uterine contractions. For this reason, always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking anything.

• Changing the cat's litter : yes, you read that correctly! ;) By handling your cats as well as their litter boxes, they can transmit the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection. Toxoplasmosis is extremely dangerous for your child, as it can cause fetal malformations and, in some cases, lead to in utero death. Your doctor will check whether you are immune; if not, you are exempt from changing your litter box. animal until the end of your pregnancy.

• Dietary regimes : pregnancy brings several changes to your body, including gaining a few extra pounds. So what? Your body now provides your baby with all the essential nutrients needed for their development. For this reason, restrictive diets aimed at avoiding weight gain should be avoided! Healthy weight gain is perfectly normal, especially since some of these extra kilos will be lost after birth due to hormonal changes. It is also advisable not to eat more than usual; excessive weight gain could lead to complications such as hypertension or gestational diabetes.

• The work : although it can be very tempting to redecorate your home to welcome the baby and prepare a cozy nest, you should take care of yourself. Beyond the fact that you should not overexert yourself with renovation work, prolonged inhalation of solvents and chemicals found in traditional paints can be harmful to your baby. Ideally, let your partner handle the renovations, and opt for chemical-free paints.

• Overwork : fatigue and hormonal changes can make you more sensitive physically and emotionally. Avoid stressful situations and exhausting days.

Precautions to take during pregnancy

• Take the plane : holidays, business trips, a Baby Moon—yes, it is possible to fly during pregnancy as long as there are no complications. However, you should check with your airline before purchasing your tickets, as some require a medical certificate. In general, it is advised to avoid flying from the eighth month of pregnancy; in fact, some airlines will not allow you to board.

• Getting your nails done : it’s a small beauty treat that you can, of course, continue during pregnancy, but be careful with the nail polishes used. Many contain harmful substances such as solvents, phthalates, or endocrine disruptors. To keep up this beauty ritual during pregnancy, opt for non-toxic nail polishes. The label « 7 free » indicates that seven controversial substances are excluded from the formula. You should also make sure the remover you use is free of solvents like acetone. Finally, avoid gel or acrylic nails, which contain even more chemicals than regular nail polishes.

• Dye your hair : just like nail polishes, hair dyes should be used with caution during pregnancy. Some chemicals found in hair dyes appear to be controversial during pregnancy. These chemicals could be inhaled through the respiratory tract and absorbed through the scalp, enter the bloodstream, and be transmitted to the baby via the placenta. Unfortunately, studies on this subject are lacking; for this reason, it is recommended to use plant-based dyes that are considered safe. ;)

• Use essential oils : if you’re a fan, it is generally advised to avoid them throughout pregnancy. Highly concentrated in chemical molecules and extremely potent, they can be absorbed by the body and transmitted through the blood to the baby. During the first trimester, they are systematically discouraged, as some molecules are known to be abortifacient. Throughout pregnancy, avoid oils containing ketones, a molecule known to be neurotoxic. After the fourth month, certain oils may be used externally only, such as lavender or chamomile. Nevertheless, avoid self-medication, always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using them, and choose organic, high-quality oils.

The list of restrictions during pregnancy can often seem long, but as you can see, only a few things are truly prohibited. Many are still possible—you just need to adapt them to your condition so you can enjoy your pregnancy with peace of mind! ;)