Prohibited in pregnancy

1. Do not hydrate the skin

The skin tends to become more dry, so it is recommended to use moisturizing creams and prevent stretch marks as much as possible. For its part, hair removal with hot wax should be avoided because it favors the appearance of stretch marks, as well as the photoepilation or the use of laser.

2. Not having good dental hygiene

Due to the increase in the frequency of cavities, the teeth should be brushed at least 2-3 times a day and one is recommended during pregnancy.

3. Not paying attention to diet

It is advisable to eat at least one once a day vegetables and eat fruit in 3-4 of the daily intakes, and increase the consumption of legumes. The use of oils and fats of animal origin should be limited.

4. Don't increase your protein intake

From the increase the protein needs in the diet. Proteins are obtained from red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, legumes, and nuts. Fish have the same protein intake as red meat but with less energy intake, which is why it is recommended to eat it at least 2-3 times a week.

5. Failure to ensure adequate calcium intake

During pregnancy, it is advisable to consume between half and a liter of milk a day, semi or skimmed if you are overweight. Or yogurts or derivatives in the case of not tolerating it.

6. Not drinking enough water

Make sure the contribution of at least one and a half liters of water a day to stay hydrated and also to relieve constipation, a frequent disorder in pregnant women.

7. Do not monitor the consumption of raw meats and sausages

Women not immunized against toxoplasma should avoid raw meats and raw sausages. They should also wash the fruit and vegetables well to avoid contagion through the dirt that may remain.

8. smoking and drinking alcohol

The consumption of tobacco during pregnancy is totally discouraged since it has shown a decrease in the weight of the fetus at birth, without having an exact relationship with the number of cigarettes consumed. Alcohol crosses the placenta, therefore it is strongly discouraged.

9. Make copious meals, rich in fat, spicy, exciting ...

At the end of pregnancy and to avoid heartburn, foods rich in fat, citrus fruits, and spicy foods should be avoided. Chocolate, coffee and colas should likewise be avoided. The pregnant woman should not lie down after eating but should remain seated or up 1 or 2 hours after meals and, if discomfort persists, sleep with the trunk slightly elevated (with 2 cushions).

It is also helpful, between 4 and 6 meals a day. To avoid flatulence, do not consume carbonated drinks, cabbages, onions, dried beans or rice. Eat slowly and chew your food well. Some infusions such as chamomile, fennel or anise can help.

10. Don't exercise

Those on the mother and the fetus have been shown to improve cardiovascular and muscular condition, promote posture and prevent excessive weight gain. It is recommended to practice physical exercise 3 times a week for 30-45 minutes.

Sports with abdominal vibrations or overloads, those with impact or those that carry a risk of falls or bruises are not recommended. The most suitable physical exercise during pregnancy is walking, cycling, toning gymnastics, swimming, or yoga.

11. Not finding out before taking a trip

Travel is not contraindicated, but very long flights or exotic destinations are not very suitable during pregnancy. It is always better to carry out an examination by the doctor before traveling to make sure that there are no risk factors. On trips by car, stops should be made approximately every 2 hours to go to the bathroom and take a short walk in order to stimulate blood circulation. Air travel does not pose an added risk to pregnancy.

12. Dress in tight clothing and heels

Especially from the second trimester, the clothes should be looser, without being tight and allowing movements with ease. High-heeled shoes should be avoided as falls are more frequent due to the increased flexibility of the joints. Flat shoes can cause more low back pain, so low-heeled, wide-bottomed shoes are ideal. Bras should be adapted to the growth of the breasts and avoid underwire.

13. Standing for a long time

Leg swelling and swelling are a common problem in pregnant women and certain recommendations should be followed to avoid them. It is important to try not to stand for long hours, to try to elevate the legs when resting and to stimulate blood circulation by taking walks.

People who work a long time sitting should move their legs frequently, get up and walk from time to time and avoid having their legs crossed so as not to compress the venous return. In hot seasons it is recommended to take cold showers on the legs. It is advisable to sleep with your legs slightly elevated with a cushion to promote venous return. Compression stockings suitable for pregnant women are recommended for women with a tendency to develop varicose veins.

Yes you can

• Continue working ... A relationship between work and the risk of miscarriage has not been proven, so the normal working day can be followed except in cases of high-risk pregnancies or toxic at work.
• Maintain sexual intercourse ... They are not contraindicated during the if there are no risk factors such as bleeding or repeated miscarriages.

What you should know:

• Diet is one of the factors that most concern pregnant women and one that requires special attention.
• skin care, exercise, clothing, hygiene and posture are other factors to take into account these months.
• Health insurances usually include pregnancy care programs in their coverage, among others, to resolve these doubts.

By your side Because you are a MAPFRE insured, you have access to the Family Planning and Pregnancy Care program in the specialized centers of the MAPFRE Medical Guide. For more information about this program and about MAPFRE health insurance, you can.

Specialist in gynecology and obstetrics