What to Do and What Not to Do During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special stage in a woman's life when responsibility for health concerns not only her, but also her unborn child. It is also worth remembering the influence of social media and influencers — do not compare your experience with the ideal images on social media; it is important to filter information and create a positive environment around the expectant mother.

The influence of social media and influencers on pregnancy

The modern media landscape has a significant impact on the emotional well-being of pregnant women. The popularization of “perfect pregnancies” on social media can create excessive psychological pressure, provoking anxiety or self-doubt.

Therefore, it is extremely important to be able to filter out information noise and focus only on verified medical or professional sources. Creating a supportive environment — communicating with loved ones, consulting with professionals, participating in communities for pregnant women — helps maintain emotional stability and reduce stress during this special period.

It is during this important period that you need to be sensitive to changes in your body and build a healthy lifestyle for both of you. Although every pregnancy should be monitored by an obstetrician-gynecologist, there are general recommendations that every expectant mother should follow.

Harmful factors and risks to avoid

It is best to start preparing for pregnancy well in advance — several months before you plan to conceive. A healthy lifestyle, a proper daily routine, and giving up bad habits allow a woman to prepare as much as possible for the important changes in her body.

Smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited — even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of hypoxia, premature birth, and serious congenital anomalies. Fetal alcohol syndrome is especially dangerous and can occur even from small doses. Taking any medication, even over-the-counter drugs, should be accompanied by consultation with a doctor.

It is also necessary to avoid overheating the body — long hot baths, visiting the sauna, or prolonged exposure to the sun increase body temperature, which negatively affects the development of the child. Excessive physical exertion, heavy work, or active sports are not recommended during this period.

The influence of the emotional environment should not be underestimated. Chronic stress disrupts the body's hormonal balance and can lead to premature birth or even miscarriage. In addition, it is worth limiting contact with aggressive household chemicals and reducing the time spent near sources of electromagnetic radiation.

How to stay healthy and feel good during pregnancy

Pregnancy is not a reason to give up a full life. With proper time management, care, and support for the body, a woman can not only cope well with pregnancy, but also maintain an active, harmonious lifestyle.

Your diet should be varied and nutritious: proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are essential for the proper development of the child. Folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 are especially important—they are key nutrients for the growth and protection of the baby's body. Maintain water balance—sufficient fluid intake ensures normal metabolism, promotes the elimination of waste products, and prevents edema.

Regular moderate physical activity helps maintain blood circulation, strengthen muscles, and improve emotional and psychological stability. Simple exercises such as gymnastics for pregnant women, yoga, or swimming can help you feel lighter and strengthen your overall endurance.

Your mental and emotional state plays an important role in carrying a pregnancy to term. Support from loved ones, communication, reading books, creativity, or listening to music can help you maintain emotional comfort and peace of mind. Inner harmony contributes to the proper functioning of a woman's body and the healthy development of her baby.

Regular medical checkups are an important part of pregnancy. Timely tests, scheduled ultrasounds, and consultations with a doctor allow you to not only monitor the condition of the mother and child, but also to quickly respond to any changes in well-being. Hygiene, skin care, and oral care are also important — they prevent infections and contribute to overall well-being.

Don't forget to prepare for childbirth — special lectures, consultations with doctors, and reading books allow women to feel ready, reduce anxiety, and develop an understanding of the processes they will go through on the important day of their child's birth.

Pregnancy after natural conception and as a result of ART: differences in recommendations

There are specific recommendations for women who have conceived a child naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as IVF. Many of the general rules apply in both cases, but pregnancy resulting from IVF requires closer monitoring. This is due to both hormonal support in early pregnancy and the specific characteristics of the woman's body. In addition, the stages of standard IVF, IVF with donor eggs, and IVF with double donation differ — in each case, recommendations are tailored individually to provide optimal support for the health of the expectant mother and child, ensuring the most favorable outcome of the pregnancy.

At the Natuvitro reproductive medicine clinic, an individual support plan is drawn up for each patient, taking into account her medical history — from the reasons that led to the need for IVF to the nuances of pregnancy development. This sensitive and personalized approach ensures the most favorable outcome of pregnancy for the woman and her child.

It is important to remember that regardless of the method of conception, the key aspects are the support of loved ones, professional medical supervision, and a sensitive attitude towards one's health. This is what ensures a successful pregnancy, allowing the mother and baby to feel safe and comfortable throughout all stages.