The Ultimate Pregnancy To-Do List!!

The omega 3s (a nutrient critical to brain development) is present in substantial quantities in fish. The only problem is that some types of fish have a high mercury level which is toxic when consumed by babies and adults. To stay safe, pregnant women should not exceed their fish consumption by 12 ounces per week. Types of fish that are recommended for consumption include canned light tuna, shrimp, salmon, pollock, or catfish. Some fish that you should steer clear of include swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish, as they have a mercury content.

It is advisable to reduce the intake of coffee and all other caffeinated drinks during the period of pregnancy. Caffeine, when taken in large doses,increases the risk of a miscarriage, which is at its highest during the first trimester. During pregnancy, stick to decaffeinated beverages only.

This condition occurs when hormones released by the body during pregnancy mess up with the usage of insulin. It results in a spike in blood sugar levels and may lead to complications during delivery as it increases the risk of giving birth to comparatively grown-up babies, making the mother prone to gestation diabetes, as an increased blood sugar will increase birth defects. It is necessary to get tested for this in the second trimester.

During pregnancy, calcium intake should be increased as it is required for the development of bones by the mother and the newborn. A calcium deficiency in the diet can actually increase blood pressure and the risk of complications. It is recommended to increase the intake of calcium-rich food items such as low-fat milk, yogurt, hard cheeses, etc, during pregnancy.