I’m pregnant! What should I do/not do?

Read Time:3 Minute, 9 Second

As soon as you see that positive pregnancy test, a flood of questions and thoughts rush through your mind. Life is about to change significantly. Here’s some answers to common questions.

What should I do first?

Call your doctor or find an OB/GYN. Most won’t want to see you much before the two month mark, but it’s important to get on the books early. There isn’t a whole lot to be done before 8 weeks other than to take care of yourself.

What shouldn’t I do?

Stop drinking alcohol
Stop smoking/being around smoke
Don’t do drugs
No x-rays
No strenuous activities like sports or vigorous exercise
No weight lifting or heavy lifting
No saunas or hot tubs
Watch what you eat- more below about that

What should I avoid eating?

This list is not all-inclusive, so there may still be stuff not mentioned that you personally should not consume. Your doctor knows better than this stranger on the internet. With that said, here are the most common foods to avoid for most pregnant women.

Raw Meat- This one should be the no-brainer on this list. However, even undercooked food like steak, burgers, or eggs can still be dangerous.
Deli Meat- The meat itself isn’t the concern. It’s the fact that it’s usually served cold rather than reheated. Listeria can be present and cause a miscarriage.
Fish- Any fish with high mercury levels such as ocean fish like tuna, swordfish, shark, mackerel, and tilefish should be avoided while pregnant due to mercury interfering with nervous system development. Canned tuna has less mercury, but it should still be limited.
Smoked Fish- Refrigerated smoked fish like lox can have listeria present just like deli meat and needs to be reheated.
Fish From Polluted Water- Locally caught fish may be high in industrial pollutants. Check with your local health department or the EPA to see if your local fish is safe to eat and how often.
Raw Shellfish- Raw alert, same concern as any other raw meat.
Raw Eggs- Uncooked eggs may contain salmonella. This applies to anything made with raw eggs as well. Skip that spoonful of raw cookie dough. Commercially produced foods containing eggs are pasteurized.
Soft Cheeses- Another listeria concern.
Anything Unpasteurized- This means milk and juice.
Pate- Listeria alert again.
Caffeine- Research is mixed on the effects of caffeine, but it may contribute to first-trimester miscarriages. Limit to 200mg/day or avoid all together.
Alcohol- Avoid completely. No amount is known to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Unwashed Produce- Bacteria may be present on raw unwashed produce. This includes sprouts.

Should I Exercise?

For most healthy pregnancies, regular light exercise is both permitted and encouraged. However, wait for your doctor to give you the thumbs-up on this on.

What About Sex?

Just like exercise, sex is generally good during pregnancy for healthy women. Your doctor will let you know if you are high risk and restrict activity as appropriate. Thanks to hormones, you may be insatiable or absolutely repulsed by the thought of sex while pregnant. This applies to both mom and dad. Don’t freak out if there is a little spotting after.

What About Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness, contrary to its name, can strike day or night and disrupt your schedule. Unfortunately, it is a common symptom of pregnancy. It usually starts around week 6 and resolves or at least greatly improves by the start of the second trimester.

What About The M Word?

Although the chance of a miscarriage is relatively low (1-5% depending on the study used), the possibility is always there. Lots of factors go into determining whether or not a miscarriage is likely. Fear is miscarriage is perfectly normal and a valid concern, but don’t let it occupy every waking thought.