Ok...I've just been told everything I shouldn't do.....

[chody47]

but what should I be doing during pregnancy??

I just got my BFP today (25DPO!) and visited the doctor and she gave me a big list of things I shouldn't eat or shouldn't do but I wasn't actually told much that I should be doing.

Can anyone give me any advice???

[Blondie]

Hi Chody,

I was told the following:

* Take pre natal Vitamins - i'm taking blackmores pregnancy and breastfeeding gold.
* Start going for walks to stengthen your body and get the blood pumping. Fresh air is good for bubbie too.
* Get plenty of R&R
* Enjoy it!

Oh! And make sure that if you have any questions or worries see your Doctor.

Basically that's what I am doing!

[~TT40~]

Congrats on the BFP!!!
Take a pg multivit with folic acid - the folic acid is the real important stuff!!
enjoy it =)

[chody47]

Hi and thanks for the responses so far!

I am currently taking folic acid, so other prenatal vitamins are recommended Blondie?

As for going for walks I am a member of my local gym (which was one of the things I was concerned about, I wasn't sure how much I could do without possibly harming the baby). I will keep up the exercise but to say I am very wary would be a huge understatement - I'm downright scared that i will get too hot while exercising or something!

[*star*]

If exercising is what you normally do, keep doing it. You won't overheat, but if you get too worn out or feel tired, tone it down or stop. Just be aware of what your body is saying to you.

I gave up gym last pregnancy, but when I'm next pregnant I am hoping to continue, as it's something me and my body both enjoy!

[FabFiona]

My advice would be listen to your body and rest when needed. Make sure you drink heaps of water and take the folate.

Beyond that, enjoy it!! Time really does fly and your baby will be here before you know it.

[Glamourcide]

Things you SHOULD do during pregnancy:
- take some pregnancy vitamins
- exercise lightly/moderately if it's what you usually do (and if you don't, it's never too late to start!)
- eat well
- get lots of rest
- read up/get on BB and find out everything you can!
- talk to your bellybutton as often as possible
- ENJOY YOUR PREGNANCY!

Many congratulations, all the best for a very happy and healthy one. Try not to panic too much about all the do's and don't's - everyone's advice is different, and trying to please everyone will result in your tearing out all your hair Just try to relax, do your research, and listen to your body

[Traveller]

Congratulations on your BFP!

If you are eating a healthy, balanced diet, you should not need any supplements apart from folic acid, but if (like me) your diet is not the best then they are a good idea (but also look at making sure you are feeding your growing bub some good food).

Do you exercise regularly? If so speak to a personal trainer and get a modified programme for your pregnancy. Exercise is important in pregnancy but there are things you should avoid (such as sit ups and abdominal crunches from around 12 weeks) and also aggresive exercise like boxing classes and body combat aren's great as they pump the sort of hormones you don't want your baby being exposed to.

If you don't exercise at the moment then gently is the best way to start. Walking is great, as is swimming and your local gym may have antenatal classes such as pilates or aerobics that they have tailored for ladies with a tummy lodger.

Rest when you feel like it though, you are growing a person and that is a demanding job so try not to overdo it.

[allycat06]

oranges are a good source of folic acid...i had one everyday
keep your energy levels up with lots of fresh, nutritious food and don't be afraid to eat more if you feel hungry!

[jackrose]

Congratulations on the BFP!!

I second all of the above and would add the suggestion - start reading! You don't really need to now necessarily, and it does depend on the sort of person you are in terms of whether you like to be well informed or know everything there is to know about things. But... there is evidence to suggest you are more likely to get the birth you want if you are well read and understand how our hospital system works. Then there is all the reading for how to handle the baby... Good thing we have 9 months, Ha! There are some great suggestions floating around this site for birth/labour references.

For pure enjoyment factor rather than a 'what you should be doing' I also recommend looking up a pregnancy website such as baby gaga or baby centre where you can sign up for a weekly email outlining baby development. I really enjoyed these the first time I was pg and am this time too!

[meow]

Congratulations!

If you are eating a healthy, balanced diet, you should not need any supplements apart from folic acid

Iodine is also VERY important in pregnancy and most Australian's are deficient. Taking a supplement of folate and iodine would be recommended at a minimum, however I prefer to take a pregnancy multi for the added calcium (baby will leech it from your bones if needed), iron and all the rest. If you're looking for a pregnancy multi without fish oil then be mindful that many of them skip things (Elevit doens't ahve iodine, fabfol doesn't have calcium etc.). I take Swisse Pregnancy Ultivite and flaxseed oil capcules for my omega.

[maybub]

A visit to the dentist has been recommended to me. I'm told that as baby grows if there are any weaknesses in your teeth they will come to the forefront much quicker - damn, I hate the dentist and the bill that comes with him...