HEALTH AND HYGIENE DURING PREGNANCY
Your life, unlike your grandmother’s, is not going to be very different now that you are pregnant. Your appearance need not be unattractive, your activities will not be much restricted.
What can you do during pregnancy?
Many doctors feel that it is safe to participate in sports such as golf, riding, tennis, and dancing, as long as you do not become overtired. Some doctors think that it is wise to engage in only mild forms of exercise during the early stages of pregnancy, when the danger of a miscarriage is greatest.
There is no reason why a pregnant woman cannot drive a car or even take motor trips as long as her figure does not become too cumbersome. However, if you go on a long trip, stop the car at least every hour and a half and get out and move around for a few minutes. And, of course, obey the cardinal rule, ‘Do not overtire yourself.’ This holds true for all forms of travel. If you have a tendency to seasickness, or if the weather is apt to be uncertain, do not take a trip by boat or aircraft.
Always consult your doctor before undertaking anything new, or when you are in doubt.
Clothing
Fortunately, the modern woman can dress becomingly in clothes that conceal her condition during the early stages of her pregnancy and keep her from looking ungainly later on. The only prohibition about clothing is that it should not be too tight or uncomfortable in any way. Wear comfortable, safe shoes. High heels will not support you properly during the last months of pregnancy.
Personal hygiene
There are no prohibitions about washing or bathing the entire body, including the genitals. Tub baths are sometimes forbidden in the last months of pregnancy because of the danger of infection. Shower or sponge baths are always safe. Never take a douche during pregnancy unless your doctor recommends it.
Alcohol and tobacco
Most doctors permit expectant mothers to drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. Until recently, they adopted the same attitude towards smoking, but with the new information on smoking, some physicians now advise their pregnant patients to stop altogether.
Sexual relations
Aside from the danger of miscarriage during the days of the month when your first three menstrual periods would occur if you were not pregnant, sexual intercourse is safe during the first seven to eight months of pregnancy. Again, moderation is essential. However, intercourse is not safe during the last six weeks. This is because bacteria are forced into the mouth of the womb during the sexual act. If labour should begin early, there is a real danger that these bacteria will cause an acute infection.
Emotional reactions
Especially during the early, months of pregnancy, you may be unusually sensitive and irritable, so that you become upset and cry if your husband seems to speak crossly to you. The demands and fretfulness of your other children may seem almost too much to bear. Try to take this in your stride. Our bodies and emotions are influenced
by special chemicals called hormones. During pregnancy, the body has more of certain hormones than it had before, and less of others. This imbalance may cause exaggerated emotional reactions. Remind yourself that they are only temporary. If you are concerned about this, consult your doctor.
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