You’ve just found out you’re pregnant—what wonderful news! Of course, you want the best for the little one growing inside you. Things in your daily life that felt obvious just a few weeks ago may now become a source of anxiety: “ Can I do this during pregnancy? ”. In this article, we’ve gathered recommendations, restrictions, and precautions to keep in mind during pregnancy.

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What to do during pregnancy

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  Vitamin B9 plays an essential role in the human body on multiple levels. For example, it helps support communication between neurons and contributes to the synthesis of DNA and proteins, while also supporting the growth of nerve and blood cells. Importantly, it also contributes to the proper formation of the fetal nervous system and is therefore indispensable. Although it is found in foods such as semi oily , salad , ceci or green-colored greenery , diet alone is not sufficient to meet the vitamin B9 needs of pregnant women. For this reason, a specific supplement is recommended.

• Adopt a balanced diet

  During pregnancy, you nourish your baby through the umbilical cord and provide all the vitamins and nutrients needed for development. So let your new motto be: eat “not for two, but better.” You can read in detail what to pay attention to and which foods to avoid in the article "What to eat during pregnancy? Here are the tips for proper nutrition".

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  Update your vaccination schedule

  During your first medical appointment, your doctor will review your vaccination record and may ask you to update any that are not current. Not all vaccines are mandatory, but some are highly recommended for expectant mothers, such as the flu vaccine. This can help you avoid certain diseases or infections that could be potentially dangerous for the baby.

• Do sports

  Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you can not only continue to exercise, but it is also highly recommended. Physical activity helps strengthen your cardiovascular system, which is under particular strain during pregnancy.
  

• Continue your sexual life

  Contrary to popular belief, nothing prevents you from having sex during pregnancy. However, it’s a good idea to talk to your gynecologist if penetration is painful or if you notice any bleeding.

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  Relax

  Your body is working at full capacity—so you deserve a break. Take advantage of quiet moments to relax and unwind.

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  Take care of your teeth

  Hormonal changes during pregnancy can weaken the gums and cause inflammation, and bleeding may become more frequent. Nausea during the first trimester can also damage enamel: because of the acidity in bile, teeth may become hypersensitive. For this reason, it’s recommended to pay particular attention to your teeth during pregnancy, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and consult your dentist at the first sign of pain. A simple cavity in a pregnant woman can quickly turn into an unbearable toothache.

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  Prepare for the postpartum period

  The period after birth gives you and your partner the chance to get to know your little one and find your new family rhythm. To fully enjoy these first moments and worry less about household chores, you can prepare a few things in advance, such as meals to freeze. Then you’ll simply defrost them when needed. (To learn everything you need to do in the first days postpartum, read our article: First days at home with the baby ).
  
  

Restrictions during pregnancy

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  Alcohol and nicotine consumption

  Even small amounts can interfere with your child’s growth and development. For this reason, you should completely eliminate cigarettes and alcoholic beverages from your daily routine during pregnancy.

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  Sunbathing

  Due to hormonal changes, your skin is more prone to redness and pigmentation spots. Sunlight may also affect folic acid, which is essential for the baby’s development. In the coming months, a suitable sunscreen and shaded areas will be your best allies.

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  Excessive coffee consumption

  If coffee is your favorite treat, don’t worry—you can continue to enjoy it. However, it is strongly recommended not to consume more than 200 ml of caffeine per day. Too much could harm your little one in the belly.

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  X-Rays

  The radiation your body is exposed to during an X-ray can be harmful. Therefore, it should be postponed until after birth.

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  Self-Medication

  Medications you took yesterday without risk can have a negative impact on your pregnancy today; some might even trigger uterine contractions. For this reason, always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking anything.
  

• Change the cat's litter

  Yes, you read that right! By caring for your cats and their litter, you risk contracting the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection. Toxoplasmosis is extremely dangerous for your baby, as it can cause fetal malformations and, in some cases, stillbirth. Your doctor will check whether you are immune; if not, you are exempt from changing the litter until the end of your pregnancy.
  

• Diet

  Pregnancy brings several changes to your body, including gaining a few extra pounds. So what? Your body is now providing your baby with all the essential nutrients needed for development. For this reason, restrictive diets should be avoided to prevent weight gain. Healthy weight gain is completely normal, especially because some of that extra weight will be lost after birth due to hormonal changes. However, avoid eating more than usual, as excessive weight gain could cause complications such as hypertension or gestational diabetes.
  

• Home Improvements

  Even though it can be very tempting to reorganize the house to welcome the baby and create a cozy nest for him, you should refrain. Besides the fact that you should not overload yourself with work, prolonged inhalation of solvents and chemicals found in conventional paints can be harmful to your baby. Let your partner handle the work and switch to chemical-free paints.
  

• Superwork

  Fatigue and hormonal changes can make you more physically and emotionally sensitive. Avoid stressful situations and exhausting days.
  
  

Precautions to take during pregnancy

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  Taking the plane

  Holidays, business trips... Yes, it is possible to fly during pregnancy as long as there are no complications. However, you should check with your airline before purchasing tickets, as some require a medical certificate. In general, avoid flying from the eighth month of pregnancy onward, as some airlines will not let you board.
  

• Repainting your nails

  This is a beauty treatment you can continue during pregnancy, but be careful about the nail polishes you use. Many contain harmful substances such as solvents, phthalates, or endocrine disruptors. To keep enjoying this little pampering during pregnancy, choose non-toxic nail polishes. You should also make sure the solvent you use to remove polish is acetone-free. Finally, avoid gel or acrylic nails, which contain even more chemicals than conventional polishes.
  

• Hair Coloring

  Just like nail polish, hair dyes should be used with caution during pregnancy: some chemicals in their composition appear to be dangerous during pregnancy. These chemicals could potentially be inhaled through the respiratory tract and absorbed through the scalp, and then transmitted through the blood to the baby via the placenta. Unfortunately, there are no studies on this topic, which is why it is advisable to use natural dyes.
  

• Use of essential oils

  Essential oils contain chemical, ultra-potent molecules that are absorbed by the body and transmitted through the blood to the baby. During the first trimester, they are discouraged, as some molecules are known to be abortifacient. Oils containing ketones, a molecule known to be neurotoxic, should be avoided during pregnancy. After the fourth month, some oils can be used only externally, such as lavender or chamomile. However, avoid self-medication: always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before using them, and choose organic, high-quality oils.