The Sixth month of the pregnancy has started and the mom-to-be feels a gush of energy running through her body. There would be a lot of mood swings due to the changes in hormone levels in the body.
Here are the list of Do?s and Don?ts during the sixth month of pregnancy that will guide you to stay fit and feel happy during your pregnancy.
DO?S:
- Posture: Posture is very important during this period of pregnancy as the growth of the baby would be rapid during this phase. To avoid backache, always maintain a good posture. While sleeping, sleep on the left side with adequate cushioning to the tummy.
- Constipation: Constipation gets worse than the previous month. So, drink lots of fluids to keep you hydrated and invest on lots of fibrous food.
- Exercise: Exercise moderately to stay fit. But have a qualified trainer to tell you what to do. Swimming is one of best options because water supports the heaviness of the tummy.
- Sleep Deprivation: You would start noticing strange patterns of sleep during day and night. You might not get sleep at night or sleep for only few hours. Please make sure to take rest whenever you feel so.
- Prenatal Checks: This is the time where Iron deficiency would be of concern. Check for iron deficiency and take the doctor?s advice for taking supplements. Also, you start to gain weight at a fast pace. So, make sure not to eat so much junk food. This is also the time to check for gestational diabetes.
- Appetite: As the baby is growing fast, you will feel hungrier. Do not eat heavily. Instead, take 5 to 6 servings in small quantities. It will keep you full throughout the day and also prevent heartburns. Stick to healthy food and avoid junk foods.
- Travel: If you have to travel long distance before the child birth, then this month is the last chance. So, if you feel you are healthy, you can travel during this month.
- Counting the Kicks: Your doctor would give you charts to count the kicks of the baby inside your tummy.
- Be attentive while you observe.
- Choose a time when the baby is active.
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Record the starting time of observation. Whenever the baby kicks, rolls or make any other movements, make a note of it.
- You should be able to feel at least 10 movements in a period of 2 hours or 3 movements within ? an hour.
- Record it every day. Observe any change in patterns and if you do not observe the above pattern, contact the gynecologist.
DON?TS:
- Smoking: Avoid active/passive smoking. It will affect the baby.
- Raw food: Avoid eating raw food. Also, do not consume unpasteurized milk products. Raw food contains bacteria and consuming raw food would cause bacterial infection and lead to complications in fetal development.
- Varicose vein: Avoid crossing your legs while sitting. Also, avoid long periods of sitting or standing. This would increase the blood flow to the vein and varicose vein develops.
- Stress: Don?t get stressed. There would be a lot of hormonal changes during this phase and getting stressed out leads to the risk of premature birth.
- Last but not least, DO NOT IGNORE bleeding, constant abdominal pain, contractions, acute vomiting, low backache, feeling of pelvic pressure or sudden gush of water from vagina. Contact the gynecologist immediately and get medical help.
