Alcohol during pregnancy: are there acceptable doses? What is healthier to drink during pregnancy?

Many expectant mothers are familiar with the constant feeling of thirst, especially when it’s a warm summer.

The issue of drinking during pregnancy should be taken seriously, and not only because a person consists of 70% water.

After all, everything that the mother drinks goes to the baby.

By the way, even mothers with signs of gestosis are not advised by doctors to limit themselves to drinking. Today, there is an opinion among doctors that a lack of fluid can provoke this condition.

And still choose best drink– both healthy and a good thirst quencher – it’s that simple. Therefore, about all types of drinks in order.

Coffee

Coffee is also "dangerous" because high content caffeine, which, by the way, will be more in a cup of instant coffee than in a cup of natural coffee.

A instant coffee Moreover, it also contains chemicals that expectant mothers do not need at all. If you think that you can’t live without coffee, you can drink one cup natural coffee per day, but no more.

Sometimes doctors advise pregnant women to drink a chicory drink in the morning. In terms of taste, it has something in common with natural coffee, and also has a light invigorating effect. Chicory – good remedy for anemia, heartburn, combating fatigue.

Cocoa

This drink is often offered to pregnant women as an alternative to “forbidden” coffee. Cocoa also contains caffeine, but in much lower concentrations.

But still, cocoa can hardly be called an ideal drink for pregnant women.

Cocoa - nice drink, however, it is also a strong allergen. Allergies to cocoa, like chocolate, are quite common in both adults and children.

It is believed that regular cocoa without additives interferes with the absorption of calcium, so it is better not to drink this drink during this time.

Energy drinks

Of course, energy drinks, or so-called “energy drinks,” are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women. Manufacturers even always write about this on drink packaging.

Main active ingredient V energy drinks is caffeine. As we found out above, this substance is not recommended for expectant mothers even in the smallest doses.

But, in addition to caffeine, you can also find in popular energy drinks:

• Taurine. Literally corrodes the lining of the stomach and injures pancreatic cells;
• Large amounts of glucose and sucrose. These substances provoke the release of adrenaline and excessive vasoconstriction;
• Gases (carbonic acid). They cause bloating in the stomach and slow down the digestive process in general.

Due to the consumption of energy drinks, blood pressure rises sharply and the heart rate accelerates.

This negatively affects blood circulation in the vessels of the placenta and umbilical cord.

“Energy drinks” can even cause uterine hypertonicity, which can lead to many complications during pregnancy, even.

Sweet carbonated drinks

Like energy drinks, soda contains carbonic acid and a lot of sugar. Some manufacturers add artificial sweeteners and flavor enhancers to the drink instead of sugar, which are even more harmful.

Sweeteners disrupt metabolism and prevent proper operation liver. This manifests itself in an uncontrolled set excess weight.

By overusing sugary carbonated drinks, you run the risk of developing diabetes.

Another fact that proves the harm of fizzy drinks is the risk of premature pregnancy.

In the course of research, it was determined that a third of mothers who constantly consumed lemonade and cola during pregnancy had premature babies.

Interesting! Glucose tolerance test during pregnancy

Mineral water

Carbonated mineral water is not the best drink during pregnancy, as it can provoke fermentation processes in the stomach and intestines.

Non-carbonated mineral water is saturated with mineral salts, which is why there is a risk of “overloading” the kidneys with it.

It is better for expectant mothers to completely avoid mineral water, both with and without gas.

It is probably unnecessary to remind you that alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited while carrying a baby. Highly undesirable sweet soda, as well as any synthetic drinks containing preservatives, dyes and other harmful substances.

Alcoholic drinks

Alcoholic drinks are something that under no circumstances are recommended for women to consume from the first to the last day of pregnancy.

Alcohol (ethanol) is especially dangerous in the first weeks after conception. During this period, the most important processes occur that determine the appearance, health and proper development of your child: the laying of organs and tissues occurs.

Alcohol in the early stages of pregnancy provokes the occurrence of many congenital pathologies and diseases in the fetus.

Non-alcoholic beer, which is essentially the same carbonated drink, is also on the list of drinks prohibited for expectant mothers.

What can you drink during pregnancy?

Milk and dairy products

Milk and other drinks derived from it do not pose any threat to the life and health of the baby in the womb. On the contrary, a high content of B vitamins, important elements(calcium, magnesium, potassium) and proteins makes milk one of the main sources of nutrients.

Lactobacilli contained in kefir, fermented baked milk and others fermented milk products, help digestive system cope with loads.

This property will reduce the risk of heartburn, constipation and other problems so familiar to pregnant women.

It is enough to drink 1 glass of kefir 1-2 times a day to feel noticeable improvements in digestion.

Also, the main advantage of kefir is its low calorie content.

Remember that it is best to consume milk that is pasteurized and purchased in a store.

Do not buy milk and dairy products on the street “from hand”, since even after boiling it, you cannot be absolutely sure of its purity and quality.

You should not consume these products if you are allergic to animal protein contained in milk.

Kissel

Kissel, home-cooked from fruits (juice, milk) and vegetable starch, known for his beneficial properties for the stomach and pancreas.

This drink is completely safe for pregnant women. Kissel with a thicker consistency can also be an excellent dessert.

And here is the instant jelly instant cooking does not fit this definition at all. You should forget about such drinks until you finish breastfeeding.

Water

No doctor will advise an expectant mother to drink tap water.

The best water is spring water, but not everyone has access to it. You can buy drinking water in bottles.

You can purchase a special filter to purify water at home.

A filter jug ​​with replaceable cartridges and a filter attachment for the faucet are also suitable.

Another way to get water almost the same as from a spring is to freeze tap water in a large saucepan, and then place the resulting block of ice under the stream. hot water.

Frozen water, which contains the most impurities, will remain on top and in the middle (the middle of the ice floe will be opaque), so these are the areas that should melt under the stream of hot water. The remaining ice needs to be melted to create clean drinking water.

Interesting! Lingonberries during pregnancy - benefits and harms

If you don’t have time for all these manipulations, settled boiled water will do.

Black and green tea

Black and green teas contains caffeine, which you should be careful with during pregnancy. However, green tea still contains more beneficial substances. Drink both black and green teas very diluted, although, alas, this negatively affects the taste of these drinks. Teas with additives from natural fruits or berries (not from a bag!) also do not forget to dilute “thinner” with water.

Herbal teas

Not a bad choice for a pregnant woman, however, there are pitfalls here too.

Most doctors believe that herbs should still be treated as medicine.

In addition, one type of herb should not be taken continuously.

Therefore, if you prefer to quench your thirst herbal tea, firstly, be sure to consult your doctor first, and secondly, brew herbs in a proportion no stronger than 1 teaspoon per glass of boiling water.

It must be remembered that there are also herbs that pregnant women should not use, as they have quite a strong effect. Among these, for example, are wormwood, St. John's wort, tansy and others.

One of the most famous herbal teas is fireweed. When used correctly, this drink will only bring benefits, and this also applies to nursing mothers.

Fruit and berry teas

Infusions of dried fruits and berries are not only very tasty, but also incredibly useful during this difficult period for a woman. Raspberries, rose hips, bird cherry, viburnum, and rowan are rich in vitamin C, which is necessary to strengthen the immune system.

Some berries, such as rose hips, can cause allergic reactions. If you know about your intolerance to certain fruits, refuse decoctions with them. It is best to consult with your doctor before starting “fruit” therapy.

Before brewing the infusion, be sure to immerse dried fruits or berries in hot water. boiled water. This is necessary in order to wash away dust and other contaminants.

A woman during pregnancy should be attentive to her health. In addition to her lifestyle, she needs to reconsider not only her diet, but also what drinks she drinks.

Every day, the expectant mother should drink up to 2 liters of liquid. Naturally, various carbonated drinks, freshly squeezed citrus juices, coffee, cocoa, alcohol are not recommended to drink. As for tea, drinking it during pregnancy is acceptable. However, not everyone tea drink useful and allowed. Therefore, in this article we will talk about what kind of tea pregnant women can drink and how much of it to drink.

What kind of tea can be used for pregnant women?

This healthy drink contains many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Most people prefer black teas, which contain caffeine. And, as you know, caffeine-containing drinks are harmful to drink during pregnancy. But this does not mean that you cannot drink black tea, you just have to stick to simple rules so that it does not harm the future fetus:

• do not brew strong drink;
• drink no more than 2 cups per day;
• use high-quality tea leaves (black, shiny tea leaves, the same size; rich, tart smell; no debris, branches, broken leaves);
• refuse tea from bags, since their quality is questionable.

Benefits of black tea:

• removes harmful compounds from the body;
• stimulates metabolic processes;
• improves brain function;
• prevents the development of atherosclerosis;
• serves as a prevention of heart attacks and strokes;
• strengthens immune system;
• protects against colds.

It has been noticed that black tea high quality can relieve seasonal depression and relieve fatigue. Can be used with it healthy supplements- flavor it with natural flower honey, milk, ginger or a slice of lemon.

Chewing dry tea leaves will help alleviate toxicosis during pregnancy.

Green variety

This drink is more preferable during pregnancy than black. It also contains caffeine, but it is absorbed much more slowly, which means its effect on the fetus will be less pronounced.

It perfectly quenches thirst, supplies cells with useful substances such as phosphorus, copper, manganese, calcium, potassium, zinc, antioxidants, vitamins B, E, A, K, F, pectins and amino acids.

It normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, stabilizes metabolic processes, saturating the body with minerals and vitamins. Effectively cleanses the blood of toxins and free radicals, gives strength, helps to concentrate.

Green tea interferes with the absorption of folic acid, so combining the time of taking the drug and the drink is not recommended. For the same reason, you should not drink it with food - it is better to drink the drink 40 minutes after the meal.

Recommended daily dose green drink is the same as black drink - 2 cups. So that everything useful substances preserved in maximum concentration, it is necessary to brew the raw material not with boiling water, but with boiled water at a temperature of 80 °C.

White

Of all types of tea drinks, white is considered the safest and most harmless due to the absence of contraindications. In addition, it is very soft exquisite taste and help satisfy changing cravings expectant mother.

This variety is obtained by lightly processing leaves and buds. It refers to expensive varieties and is sold only in specialized tea stores.

What are the benefits of this drink:

• has an antimicrobial effect, protects the body from viruses and microbes;
• helps strengthen bones and teeth, as it contains a lot of fluoride and calcium;
• has a mild calming effect.

The leaves should be uniform in size, thickness, and have a pleasant rich smell. The packaging should not contain twigs, broken leaves, sticks, or dust.

Herbal teas

Before using any herbal drink, you must consult a gynecologist or therapist!

Ivan-tea

Contains large number vitamins A, C, K, E, PP and microelements (iron, calcium, potassium, selenium, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus). Does not contain caffeine. It has calming, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps with coughs, sore throats, relieves fever, gets rid of heartburn, insomnia, and stress. The drink also prevents the development of anemia during pregnancy, as it helps increase hemoglobin levels. Improves the condition of hair and nails.

To prepare the drink, you need to brew 1.5 tablespoons of the dry plant with 2 cups of hot boiled water and let it brew for a few minutes. After which the drink is ready to drink. You can drink no more than 2 cups a day for a month, then take a break for 3 weeks.

Contraindicated for varicose veins, thrombophlebitis.

With mint

Mint is a healthy, aromatic plant that can improve your mood, give you vigor, and improve your health. It contains essential oils, dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, PP, group B, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, amino acids, tannins.

tea with rosehip

The product is a leader in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content. Rose hips also contain other useful substances - vitamins A, E, P, K, B2, essential oils, fiber, pectins, tannins, polysaccharides, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chromium, copper, cobalt, manganese .

Consuming it during pregnancy brings tangible benefits to the body:

• strengthens the immune system;
• protects against colds and fungal diseases;
• reduces cholesterol levels;
• helps with diarrhea;
• eliminates swelling;
• improves tissue regeneration;
• diuretic effect;
• struggling with elevated temperature bodies.

To prepare tea you will need 2.5 tablespoons of dried rose hips, which are poured with 500 ml of boiled water. Leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Rose hip decoction can be mixed with green or black tea. You can drink no more than 3 cups per day.

With chamomile

This wildflower contains a lot of useful substances. The drink made from it has the following properties:

• alleviates toxicosis;
• effective during exacerbation of thrush during pregnancy, as it destroys Candida fungi;
• relieves nervous excitement;
• helps with constipation, bloating, eliminates intestinal spasms;
• has a bactericidal, wound-healing, analgesic effect;
• stabilizes blood pressure.

Prepare chamomile drink easy - just pour 2 teaspoons of dried flowers with a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for 3 hours. Strain before use. Pregnant women can take 1 cup per day.

Although chamomile infusion is beneficial, it must be used with caution. He can call allergic reaction, headaches, irritability. When used in large quantities has an irritating effect on the walls of the stomach, which can lead to the development of gastritis and ulcers. Chamomile in the first trimester can increase the tone of the uterus, which can cause miscarriage.

Which tea is better to avoid?

It is not recommended to drink flavored teas during pregnancy, the taste of which is improved by adding synthetic substances with various smells, taste enhancers. Their effect on the mother and fetus has not been studied and may be unpredictable.

Properly selected tea or herbal drink will help support water balance for the expectant mother and will serve as a healthy alternative to pharmaceutical medications. But, if there are doubts about the quality or usefulness of this or that tea, then you should refuse it so as not to harm your own health and the body of the unborn baby.

During pregnancy, a woman needs to drink a lot of fluids, at least in the first half of her term. However, empty water gets boring very quickly. The question arises: is it possible to drink something else? For example, is tea safe for pregnant women? In what concentration is it allowed to drink? Is it possible to drink a cup of coffee in the morning to cheer you up? Isn't it dangerous to have a glass of wine before dinner? We will now try to answer these and many other questions.

Water

A woman can and should drink water during pregnancy. It is advisable to choose a liquid industrial production. That is, bottled water collected from wells, for example, artesian. Avoid mineral waters: they contain many different elements, including salts, which can only harm you.

Try to drink about 2 liters of liquid every day. At least in the first two trimesters. A few months before giving birth, reduce your water intake by half to avoid swelling. Drink in small portions, but often. Do this with any drinks, drink tea the same way.

Juice

Try not to buy juice at the store if you are not sure of its percentage. It is best to purchase fruits and squeeze juice out of them at home in a juicer. Then dilute the resulting mass, feel free to drink - you are provided with useful vitamins. And no danger.

At the same time, store-bought juice may contain many preservatives and a lot of sugar. It is better to exclude this from your diet during pregnancy. And, of course, before drinking juice, make sure that you do not have an allergy or contraindication to this fruit.

Compote

If you are wondering what to drink during pregnancy so that it is absolutely safe, the solution is simple - you can drink compote. It is advisable that he be homemade: This way you can avoid preservatives.

Kissel

Although this drink is gradually becoming a thing of the past, it is being replaced by juice, tea and coffee. However, there are still people those who love jelly. It is made from juice, starch and pectin. There is nothing harmful here during pregnancy. You can safely drink it if you prepare it yourself.

It is better to leave instant jelly for later: its composition contains many names that it is better for pregnant women to forget about.

Lemonade

Lemonade and other carbonated drinks are a no-no. Firstly, there are many food additives, stimulants, dyes, preservatives, contraindicated for pregnant women. Secondly, carbonated drinks stimulate gas formation, as a result of which it becomes excessive.

In addition, lemonade and other fizzy drinks contain a lot of sugar, the dose of which during pregnancy is desirable to reduce. Well, there’s one more reason not to drink fizzy drinks: it stimulates premature labor.

Tea for pregnant women is the safest drink, except perhaps water. Yes, tea contains some caffeine, which is dangerous during pregnancy. But in diluted form its share is extremely small.

If you are still worried about whether pregnant women can drink tea, brew herbal tea. For example, on rosehip, chamomile or rowan. It is also delicious to make tea from raspberry or viburnum leaves. Change herbs more often, try not to mix several at a time, and everything will be just fine: both tasty and safe.

Coffee

As everyone knows, coffee contains a huge dose of caffeine. And an excess of this substance is extremely dangerous during pregnancy. Therefore, no matter how much you love to drink a cup of coffee in the morning, it is better to give up this habit: the risk is too great.

Coffee also excites the body, stimulates the activity of the nervous system, and affects nervous system fetus If you drink the drink too often, internal bleeding may occur, because coffee also stimulates blood circulation and blood pressure. So be careful: if you can forget about coffee, do so.

Cocoa

Typically, women during pregnancy quietly drink a cup of cocoa. It does not pose any particular danger to pregnant women. However, there are several pitfalls.

First, like coffee, cocoa contains caffeine. A little, but still.

Secondly, which stimulates the leaching of calcium from the blood of a pregnant woman. And now we’re losing building material, necessary for the fetus, undesirable.

Thirdly, cocoa is a strong allergen. Allergies to this drink are even more common than allergies to citrus fruits. So it's best not to drink cocoa unless you're sure it's safe for you. Better make yourself some tea.

Milk and kefir

You can drink milk during pregnancy. It's completely safe if you don't have allergies. This drink contains useful substances such as proteins, amino acids, iron, calcium, lactose and many others.

But it’s better not to use natural cow's milk. Many adults have been allergic to lactose since childhood. natural milk or on proteins. But the drink from the store does not cause any reaction.

Kefir is good for everyone, not just pregnant women. It contains many vitamins and minerals. In addition, kefir helps with constipation, a big problem during pregnancy. And, importantly, this drink has very few calories: it is difficult to gain excess weight. The main thing is not to drink it too often. It's best to do it 1-2 times a week.

In general, you can calmly drink not tea with cookies in the evening, but a glass of kefir.

Wine and other alcohol

Alcohol is prohibited for pregnant women. Even give up champagne if a significant date falls during your pregnancy.

The only exception is wine. This does not mean that you can drink it in any quantity: a strict dosage, no more. Red wine increases hemoglobin levels, and dry wine removes toxins from the body. Therefore, you can drink no more than half a glass good wine no more than once a month.

Remember: alcohol is harmful to your baby. If you want to drink: go and drink tea.

Energy

Energy drinks, like alcohol, only harm both you and the baby. First of all, there is a lot of caffeine here. Secondly, the composition is selected to stimulate the release of adrenaline. Simply put, you create a burst of energy for yourself. And you take these forces from your own reserves, which go towards the development of the fetus. Don't take unnecessary risks, give up energy drinks.

Other drinks

A very common drink is kvass. It is difficult to say for sure whether it is dangerous. On the one hand, its effect is similar to that of kefir: many benefits. On the other hand, kvass may contain alcohol, which is unsafe. Even experts will not give you an accurate assessment, decide for yourself.

Many women love fruit tea for pregnant women. Of course, it is healthier than regular black or green tea. But it is impossible to say for sure what else is contained in the bag.

In general, the safest drink during pregnancy is water. And if you get tired of the lack of taste, just add a slice of lemon or orange.

If you are lucky and you find yourself in a family of fans of a healthy lifestyle, then, most likely, you will be offered green or fruit tea, and if coffee, then it must be natural; less often they offer juices from packages.

What should a pregnant woman choose from this entire list? To the disappointment of many women, during this period some of them are not recommended usual drinks, and a number of drinks should be significantly limited.

Drinks to limit

Coffee - contains caffeine. Moreover, a cup of instant coffee contains even more of it than a cup of natural coffee. Plus, instant coffee contains chemicals that make it soluble. Regular use more than 5-6 cups of coffee per day is the same drug addiction as cigarette addiction. Using any drug during pregnancy, even something as innocent as coffee, will inevitably lead to the same addiction in the child.

That is why coffee consumption during pregnancy should be reduced and kept to a minimum. However, you can drink it in small quantities (1 cup of natural coffee per day). Not regularly, but in those cases when you really want it, or when a cup of natural coffee replaces medicine for low blood pressure.

Tea - also contains caffeine, and a cup of strongly brewed tea contains no less of it than a cup of coffee. Therefore, a pregnant woman needs to drink it very diluted, which usually affects taste qualities drink Many people prefer not to drink tea at all than to drink it in this form.

Some people mistakenly believe that if they replace black tea with green tea, they will receive less caffeine. This opinion is wrong. A cup of green tea contains no less caffeine than black tea, so the same restrictions apply. On the other hand, green tea is rich in microelements and bioactive substances, so if a pregnant woman drinks tea, then green is better than black, but do not forget about its strength.

Fruit tea, which has become fashionable recently, can be divided into regular tea with fruit additives, and a purely fruit or herbal drink. Of course, this tea is healthier regular tea, if brewed directly from dried leaves and fruits, and not from bags. However, do not forget that tea with fruit and herbal supplements remains the same tea, and we will again have to remember its strength.

Cocoa is enough strong allergen, allergies to cocoa are much more common than to coffee or citrus fruits. In addition, cocoa (like coffee) helps flush calcium from the body.

sparkling water - promotes excessive gas formation and flatulence. Sweet carbonated drinks, such as Coca-Cola, contain a lot of synthetic chemicals, the use of which is not recommended for everyone, especially pregnant women. In addition, cola and other drinks interfere with calcium absorption. Still mineral water is rich in mineral salts and can pose a serious burden on the kidneys of a pregnant woman, especially if she periodically has salts in her urine or has a tendency to edema.

Juices - of course, much more useful. However, it is better to drink freshly squeezed juices rather than from packages. The latter do not always contain safe and harmless substances: companies often add vitamins, taste improvers, preservatives, etc. to their juices. In addition, many of them contain large amounts of sugar. If you choose among packaged juices, you should give preference to those intended for baby food.

What can you drink?

What can a pregnant woman drink to quench her thirst? During pregnancy, it is better to learn how to quench your thirst clean water . Spring water (tested by experts), bottled water, and simply filtered boiled water will do.

This becomes especially relevant in the second half of pregnancy, when the activation of water-salt metabolism and an increase in the total volume of circulating fluid can lead to increased thirst. During pregnancy, you should drink as much as you need, unless your doctor limits your fluid intake. If a pregnant woman gets used to constantly carrying water with her and drinking it in small sips at first, attacks of thirst manifest themselves much less frequently.

Pure water should become the main and main drink for a pregnant woman and make up at least 2/3 of all fluid entering the body.

What to drink besides water:

• Firstly, natural juices And fruit drinks . Preference should be given to freshly squeezed juice rather than packaged juice. IN winter time It is better to use a fruit drink made from homemade preparations. Fruit drinks can be prepared from jam, marmalade, compote, dried and frozen fruit. Such drinks are rich in vitamins and microelements.
• Secondly, herbal teas . However, it is better not to use ready-made bags, but to prepare tea directly from dry herbs, leaves, flowers, dried fruits, brewing them like tea, at the rate of 1 teaspoon per glass of boiling water. Any herb that does not have a strong odor or unpleasant taste and does not affect the endocrine system is suitable for brewing. It is also good to use raw materials from those plants that grow in the same area where the pregnant woman herself lives. IN middle lane In Russia, such teas are most often brewed from the leaves of raspberries, strawberries, currants, cherries, blueberries, lingonberries, mint, lemon balm, Ivan tea, linden flowers, calendula, violets, rose hips, hawthorn, rowan, viburnum, etc.

It is especially important during pregnancy not to mix plants with each other, so that you can drink only those teas that you really like, without masking the unpleasant taste. The sensitive body of a pregnant woman will immediately tell you which plant you don’t want to drink right now and what you should give up for a while. If no unpleasant sensations arise, then it is advisable to drink this tea for 2-3 days, then take a break for 1-2 days, and then brew some other plant.

Large selection

By alternating teas in this way, we will get a fairly large set of drinks that will be repeated no more than once a month. This simple recipe from the treasury of folk experience will help pregnant women combat the lack of vitamins and microelements. If the bulk of a pregnant woman's drinking is clean water, juices, fruit drinks and herbal teas, then sometimes she will be able to treat herself to a cup of coffee and other not very healthy, but more favorite drink. In this case, time restrictions in choosing a drink will not be so difficult for her.

Pregnancy is certainly one of the most beautiful moments in a woman’s life, but also one of the most responsible. Is it possible to fly on an airplane, what physical activity is acceptable during pregnancy, is it worth having sex? These questions interest almost all women who saw two coveted stripes on the test...

Well, it’s time to figure out: what really categorically cannot be done during pregnancy, and what will only benefit the baby and the expectant mother?

Alcohol and smoking - no compromises!

No matter how much your friends or acquaintances from the forums convince you of the harmlessness of a couple of glasses of red wine or beer, doctors around the world are unanimous: even small doses of alcohol can harm the child and the expectant mother - cause severe intrauterine developmental defects, premature and often difficult childbirth, and provoke a miscarriage . The "degree" is especially toxic early stages pregnancy - at and until the end of everything, when the very important process of organogenesis occurs, during which the embryo is just being formed, the “laying in” of all internal organs and systems of the child. It is undesirable to drink alcohol during conception, and for both future parents! As for smoking, scientists have long proven that babies whose mothers smoked while pregnant are born with a ready dependence on nicotine, they have a weakened immune system and often underdeveloped lungs. They are also more likely than other children to suffer from asthma and other illnesses. pulmonary system. Therefore, if you find out that you are having a baby, stop smoking immediately! In general, this must be done at the stage of pregnancy planning - 2-3 months before giving up contraception.

Orienteering

Women are often interested in whether it is possible to play sports while expecting a child? In this matter, as often happens, the golden mean is important. Nowadays no one expects Olympic records from you, so you shouldn’t work hard and sweat for several hours a day in the gym. But it’s also impossible to completely deprive yourself of physical activity and lead a sedentary lifestyle - such “inaction” can lead to excess weight gain, the development of edema, problems with blood vessels, increased blood pressure. Such complications negatively affect the course of pregnancy and fetal development.

So which one physical activity choose? There are many options: yoga, fitness, gymnastics for pregnant women, swimming (or water aerobics), walking at a measured pace in the fresh air - such exercises help improve lung function, keep the muscles of the legs and back in good tone, prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids and varicose veins, allow you to fight venous stagnation in the pelvic area. The currently popular Nordic walking - Nordic walking with trekking or ski poles - is very useful for the expectant mother and baby. During such training, blood flow, the condition of blood vessels and the heart improve, and the body is saturated with oxygen. The baby also receives more oxygen and nutrients.

But it is better to avoid cycling - they are considered an extreme sport for pregnant women. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, rollerblading, martial arts- in a word, all sports are too active and dangerous. In any case, in order not to harm the fetus, you need to consult with your gynecologist about what sports activity to choose during pregnancy. The doctor must exclude conditions in which physical activity is contraindicated or significantly limited.

Sex and taboo

Only very serious medical indications can veto your sex life during this period.

For example, if there is a threat of miscarriage (especially in the first trimester), if you are expecting twins (multiple pregnancies are usually more difficult than singleton ones), you have had a miscarriage or premature birth, a previous pregnancy was accompanied by a threat of miscarriage, or tests revealed some kind of miscarriage. or infection. In addition, the doctor may prescribe temporary abstinence for you if the cervix is ​​not tightly closed, complete (the placenta completely covers the internal os) or marginal placenta previa (the lower edge of the placenta is at the level of the edge of the internal os). If placenta previa is detected, regular medical supervision is necessary, as there is a risk of placental abruption and uterine bleeding. Also, depending on the location of the placenta, the method of delivery will be determined. Thus, with marginal or lateral presentation, the possibility of natural childbirth is not excluded, and with complete presentation, a cesarean section is prescribed.

If the pregnancy proceeds without complications and you feel great, there are no contraindications for making love. Moreover, sex at this point in life is very important! It allows spouses to experience completely new sensations, promotes even greater emotional rapprochement between the couple, and has a beneficial effect on the woman’s nervous system, which is very important for normal development child. Of course, during such a period, one should not forget about caution: still choose less daring positions than before, or try alternative forms of intimacy.

But in the last weeks before childbirth, sex is even indicated for therapeutic purposes: prostaglandins contained in sperm prepare the cervix for childbirth and help avoid ruptures.

Adventurers

There is an opinion that air travel and sudden climate change do not have the best effect on pregnancy. Indeed, after the seventh month of pregnancy, it is not recommended to fly on an airplane - the threat of premature birth is strong. As for flights in general, everything is very individual - much depends on the course of pregnancy and the woman’s health. If the mother does not complain about anything and everything is fine with her unborn baby, then there are no special contraindications for travel. If a pregnant woman's body is weakened, she suffers high blood pressure or she has a high risk of miscarriage, then in this case it is better to refuse to travel by air.

As for visiting exotic corners of the world or places where it is too hot, we must remember that when entering many Asian, African and Latin American countries, it is necessary to be vaccinated against a number of infections, and this is a very big threat to the unborn baby. It is also not known how your body will react to sudden climate change and high temperatures, so doctors recommend refraining from such extremes and choosing more traditional tourism. But no matter how you feel, before you go traveling, you must definitely visit the gynecologist leading your pregnancy.

Forbidden food

Speaking about prohibitions of an interesting position, it is worth mentioning the choice of products. So, when compiling a list of acceptable foods for this period, you should give up very fatty, salty, fried, spicy dishes and smoked meats - they “overload” the liver and gallbladder, increase the load on the kidneys, can cause heartburn, exacerbation of gastritis. Products that contain a lot of chemical additives, especially dyes and flavor enhancers (nitrites, monosodium glutamate) and seasonings: chips, all kinds of crackers, have a bad effect on the body of pregnant women. ready-made sauces, crab sticks, fast food, soda, many sweets. Avoid eating too much of some seafood (tuna, swordfish, shrimp), chocolate, strawberries and exotic fruits- they can cause allergies. For the same reason, refrain from frequent use vegetables and fruits with orange pigment (citruses, carrots, pumpkin, dried apricots), but not completely excluding them from your diet - they contain a lot useful vitamins and microelements. By the way, it is believed that foods such as red fish and meat are dangerous during pregnancy - this is not true. On the contrary: proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid, contained in such food, are simply necessary for pregnant women. In addition, meat serves as an excellent prevention of iron deficiency anemia, which often occurs during pregnancy. It is best if your doctor chooses a diet based on test data and medical history.

Not all teas are created equal

During pregnancy, some women encounter problems such as edema. As a result, wanting to expel excess fluid from the body, expectant mothers begin to drink various diuretic teas, herbal teas or infusions of berries and herbs. This should absolutely not be done without consulting a doctor, because many drinks, due to their composition, are medicinal, as they contain chemical components that have different medicinal properties. Therefore, they may not have the best effect on the body of a pregnant woman and the condition of the fetus. Thus, drinks based on sage, parsley, ginseng, valerian, and chamomile often increase the tone of the uterus and increase blood pressure.

For the same reasons, it is better to give up coffee. Scientists have confirmed the fact that daily use of this drink (more than 3 cups per day) increases the risk of miscarriage by 2 times, especially in the first 12 weeks! Coffee also increases blood pressure, causes insomnia, and removes from the body beneficial microelements and vitamins necessary for the normal development of a child. Both freshly cooked and instant drink. In addition, doctors strongly advise that during pregnancy you should exclude other liquids containing caffeine from your diet - cola, energy drinks, strong green and black teas.

But mint, ginger, white tea and rosehip infusions are extremely useful. Mint soothes, relieves nausea, ginger has antibacterial properties and is indispensable during colds and ARVI, rose hips are rich in vitamins C, B, PP and iron, and white tea does not contain caffeine, normalizes blood pressure, promotes the elasticity of blood vessels and strengthens tooth enamel, which is very important while carrying the baby.

From the realm of myths

With the appearance of two lines on the test, any woman (even with two or three higher educations) begins to attach undue importance to signs and beliefs. Meanwhile, many of them only ruin the life of the expectant mother. Here are some of them:

Myth. During pregnancy, you should not cut or dye your hair.

In reality: During pregnancy, the hair structure often changes: it becomes more brittle and lifeless. That is why, in order to look good, you need to get your hair cut regularly or at least trim the ends. As for coloring, modern ammonia-free paints are quite safe for both the expectant mother and the baby. A competent hairdresser will probably first test the dye on one strand and determine how the hair perceives a particular color.

Where did it come from: Since biblical times, hair has been considered a symbol of life (remember the tragic story of Samson and Delilah). Apparently, this is why our ancestors were so afraid of cutting their hair during pregnancy.

Myth. You should not tell anyone about your pregnancy until your pregnancy becomes obvious.

In reality: this is entirely your personal matter. Some people share their joy literally from the first days, others hide their pregnancy almost until the birth.

Where did it come from: Our ancestors were very afraid of the evil eye. And the method of “silencing” happiness was considered one of the most effective in the fight against the evil eye. Believing or not in this sign is your own business. However, it has nothing to do with medicine.

Myth. During pregnancy, you should not raise your arms up, otherwise the umbilical cord will tie in a knot and the baby will suffocate in the womb.

In reality: Medical statistics have not proven the connection between any of the mother’s body movements and the umbilical cord: nothing will happen to the child if you hang out the laundry!

Where did it come from: Most absurd superstitions are based on basic ignorance of physiology. There is no other way to explain this myth.

Irina Pilyugina PhD, gynecologist highest category

Discussion

Unfortunately, neither the antenatal clinic nor any such article says that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not take vitamin A. It is toxic to the baby. I'm pregnant with my second child and only recently found out about it.