As you begin your pregnancy journey, you’ll likely read a lot of information and get advice from well-meaning family and friends. Sorting through all of it may be overwhelming, but there are some basic guidelines you can follow for a healthy pregnancy.

The experienced team at Thameside ObGyn Centre in Groton, CT, provides quality prenatal care and support. They offer these simple do’s and don’ts during your pregnancy:

• Do: Stay fit by exercising regularly with moderate or gentle workouts, depending on your fitness level. Prenatal yoga or walking can keep you active and energized during your pregnancy.
• Do: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and healthy proteins. Avoid sugar and processed foods if possible, and drink plenty of water.
• Do: Take prenatal vitamins with 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily. Folic acid is important in preventing birth defects, may reduce your risk of a blood pressure disorder called preeclampsia, and can prevent anemia. 
• Do: Visit your doctor regularly for routine prenatal care. Regular checkups and ultrasound appointments allow the doctor to monitor your pregnancy and identify problems early.
• Don’t: Eat for two, which can lead to excessive weight gain during your pregnancy. You only need about 340 extra calories a day in the second trimester and 450 extra calories in the third trimester.
• Don’t: Skip seeing the dentist for regular checkups, as you can develop swollen, bleeding gums during pregnancy that need to be attended to.
• Don’t: Smoke or drink, both of which are detrimental to your developing fetus. Alcohol crosses the placenta and can cause birth defects, while smoking can lead to a miscarriage, premature delivery, birth defects, or a low birthweight.
• Don’t: Get too little sleep, since you want to stay as well rested and stress free as possible during your pregnancy.

Armed with these basic tips, you can have the healthiest pregnancy experience. Call the caring staff at Thameside ObGyn Centre at (860) 445-5107 for regular prenatal care appointments to monitor your pregnancy. Visit them online for more information about their services.