Things not to do while pregnant second trimester

Symptoms and 23 Things to Do

Reviewed by

Tanya Tantry, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Medical Consultant at Flo

The second trimester starts at week 13 and ends at week 27 of pregnancy.

It is the most comfortable part of pregnancy — 2nd trimester usually brings the least amount of pains, body changes, and unpredictable emotions with it.

To make this time as easy as possible, here is a list of what is useful and what is harmful during this period.

Things to do in the second trimester of pregnancy

1. Visit your doctor

If your pregnancy is going well, you should see your doctor once a month during the second trimester.

Bloody vaginal discharge or swelling of hands and face are occasions for an unscheduled visit to the doctor.

2. Undergo second-trimester screening tests

Ultrasound (weeks 18–20). The doctor will examine the placenta, the fetal anatomy, activity, growth rate, and blood circulation, as well as determine the amount of amniotic fluid and the length of the cervix.
Blood tests (weeks 15–20, ideally 16–18) to check the markers of genetic conditions or birth defects.

If the results of the screening tests differ from the norm, the doctor will recommend an additional examination.

3. Get vaccinated against flu

According to WHO recommendations, if there are no contraindications, pregnant women should be vaccinated against flu (after consulting their doctor).

The vaccine does not contain living pathogens, so there’s no reason to worry about getting sick after the injection.

The immune system reacts to the vaccination by producing special protein compounds called antibodies, which remain in the body.

When these antibodies come into contact with a real influenza virus, they instantly block it, preventing the development of the disease.

Why is it so important? In pregnant women, the course of flu can be complicated and fraught with negative consequences like pneumonia or myocarditis.

Penetrating the placenta, the virus can cause premature birth or congenital pneumonia in the baby.

4. Go to the dentist

It is very important to visit the dentist, even if you have never had problems with your teeth and gums before pregnancy.

The growing baby takes a large amount of calcium from your own stores, which can reduce the protective function of tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

Hormonal changes can make the gums more susceptible to infection and/or bleeding and swelling.

If you notice any changes, consult your dentist — the second trimester is the safest time for dental treatment.

5. Eat a balanced diet

Scientists have found that the period from conception up to the age of 2 years is the most important time for building a baby’s health, and a balanced diet is crucial for their growth and development.

Protein is the main component of your diet that is necessary for fetal growth. Try to eat more meat, fish, and legumes.
Calcium is important for your baby’s teeth and bones as well as for the correct development of her muscular and nervous systems.
Iron helps blood carry oxygen to your baby. As this microelement is poorly absorbed, it is not always enough to eat foods rich in iron (e.g., lentils, spinach, and red meat). According to many studies, iron supplements can reduce the risk of anemia. However, only a doctor can prescribe them and determine the dosage.

6. Eat frequent and small meals

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause heartburn and constipation. If it bothers you, try to eat small amounts of food more often. Include more fiber in your diet and drink plenty of liquids.

7. Take pregnancy vitamins

Balanced nutrition is the best way to provide your body with everything it needs. However, it is not always possible to get enough vitamins with food alone.

Multivitamin complexes for pregnant women contain basic microelements and minerals in the necessary dosages.

Remember that only a doctor can prescribe medications. They will determine the duration of administration and assess the risk of side effects.

8. Watch your weight

Steady weight gain is an important indicator of a healthy pregnancy.

Weight gain is influenced by the course of pregnancy, the body type of the woman, and the size of the fetus. Your doctor will constantly monitor this parameter and give useful recommendations.

9. Stay physically active

Studies show that regular exercise during pregnancy can prevent complications during childbirth and reduce the risk of cesarean section.

If your pregnancy is progressing without complications, and the doctor allows training, exercising will help your body prepare for giving birth — and for recovery afterward.

Besides increasing energy levels and improving your blood circulation and endurance, exercise also contributes to the intensive delivery of oxygen to the baby, reducing the risk of various intrauterine complications.

Try to exercise regularly, but not for long periods at a time, and be sure to avoid dehydration and overheating.

The safest types of exercise for expectant mothers during this period include:

swimming
yoga
special gymnastics
walking
fitball exercises
water aerobics
pilates

10. Talk to your baby

From approximately week 18, pay attention to what is happening in your tummy: most likely, you will feel the first stirring of your baby during this time.

This is how your little one will communicate with you: expressing joy, anxiety, and pleasure, and responding to your emotional state with active jolts or calmness.

Talk to your child, and you are likely to feel them respond.

If, at some point, it seems that your baby’s movements have changed (there are fewer or more of them), tell your doctor about it.

11. Try to sleep well

Hormonal fluctuations, mood changes, and the anxiety typical of all expectant mothers can be exhausting. Try to get enough sleep — at least 7–9 hours at night — and rest during the day as soon as you feel tired.

12. Renew your wardrobe

Enjoy some shopping and buy special maternity clothing.
You are likely to feel uncomfortable in your regular outfits, and wearing them can slow down blood circulation, provoke heartburn, etc.

13. Use anti-stretchmark creams

Your tummy is growing, and your skin is stretching quickly. Collagen and elastin fibers are breaking, which may lead to stretch marks.

Each expectant mother has her own individual genetic predisposition to stretch marks, so it is difficult to prevent them. However, you can reduce the discomfort and unpleasant itching by moisturizing your skin frequently.

Special creams help to keep moisture in the upper layers of the skin, making it softer and more elastic. Apply them to your stomach, breasts, and hips.

14. Spend more time with your family

If you have an older child, he or she may experience anxiety associated with the expectation of a new family member and the fear of losing your affection.

Try to devote as much time as possible to your older child so that in the future, her or she will feel more comfortable when the baby arrives.

15. Let yourself rest and travel

Most likely, the fatigue and discomfort of the first trimester have passed, your belly is still small(ish), and nothing prevents you from leading an active lifestyle.

If your pregnancy is going well, without complications, discuss travel plans with your doctor to determine whether the duration, route, and potential climate change of the trip will be safe for you.

If there are no medical contraindications, you can relax and plan your vacation.

Things to avoid in the second trimester of pregnancy

1. Don’t take medications without consulting your doctor

Many drugs can easily pass through the placenta into the bloodstream of your baby. Therefore, before taking any medicine, you need to make sure it is safe and consult with your doctor.

2. Don’t let stress into your life

Even one of the happiest periods in your life can become complicated and stressful.

Of course, hormonal changes can often influence your emotions and reactions; you may also face difficult situations, but you should try to keep stress to a minimum.

Learn breathing and relaxation techniques.

Try to concentrate on something pleasant (for example, thinking about your baby), share your feelings with your relatives and your doctor, and learn to control your emotions and thoughts. Remember to eat healthy and exercise regularly.

3. Don’t lie on your back for a long time

In the second trimester, expectant mothers are cautioned to avoid lying on their backs for a long time. The uterus is already quite large and can put pressure on the spine and the major blood vessels in the area.

Squeezing such an important vessel as the inferior vena cava automatically reduces the blood flow to the heart. This can make the baby suffer, too, as the little one will not get enough oxygen from the mother.

Try to lie more on your left side: this position is considered the most favorable.

Your baby will help you to find a comfortable position — just pay attention to his reactions.

4. Don’t wear high heels

As your pregnancy progresses, you will have to give up high-heeled shoes.

First, it is important for you: your spine is continuously adapting to the increasing pressure, and uncomfortable footwear worsens it, changes the support point of the whole body, and affects the ligaments of the ankle joint.

In addition, wearing stiletto heels can change the position of the uterus, which will be uncomfortable for the baby.

If you are not ready to completely forget about your favorite shoes, try to choose those with a steady, wide heel no higher than 2 in (5 cm).

5. Don’t participate in dangerous sports

You are already aware of the benefits of an active lifestyle during pregnancy, but you need to know where to draw the line.

Do not exhaust your body with intense and frequent training. This sort of stress can impede blood flow to the placenta and reduce the oxygen supply to your baby.

During pregnancy, you should also give up high-risk sports that could cause trauma to your abdomen.

6. Don’t consume too much caffeine

Caffeine can pass through the placenta to the baby and increase his heart rate. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to drink no more than 1–2 cups of coffee a day.

7. Don’t smoke

Active and passive smoking during pregnancy, as well as chewing tobacco, impedes fetal growth and leads to an increased risk of premature birth.

To help protect your baby, ask your friends and relatives to avoid smoking in your presence.

8. Don’t drink alcohol

Alcohol easily passes through the placental barrier into the bloodstream of the baby. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages can disrupt the intellectual and psychological development of the baby, as it primarily affects brain structures, and it increases the risk of premature birth.

References

http://www.thehealthsite.com/pregnancy/second-trimester-the-most-comprehensive-guide-of-dos-and-donts-youll-ever-need/ https://www. healthline.com/health/pregnancy/dos-and-donts#1 http://www.medlifeweb.com/second-trimester-pregnancy-precautions-dos-donts/ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_vacpregnant.htm

13 week pregnant

14 week pregnant

15 week pregnant

Pregnancy dos and don’ts for each trimester, from a gynae

Updated: January 1, 2019 9:00:18 am

Pursue normal daily activities unless advised otherwise by the doctor. (Source: Getty Images)

By Dr Pratibha Singhal

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase of every woman’s life. As they step into motherhood and before your little bundle of joy arrives, as an expecting mother, as expecting parents, you are responsible for helping them grow in a nurturing, healthy environment. This beautiful phase comes with many questions in terms of what you can do and what you cannot. Panic not! We have a list of guidelines for you on the do’s and don’ts for each trimester, but these are no substitute to consulting your own doctor regularly.

First Trimester

This is one of the most important and crucial phases. The first trimester begins on the first day of your last period and lasts until the end of week 12. This means that by the time you know for sure you’re pregnant, you might already be five or six weeks pregnant. A lot happens during these first three months. During this trimester, your baby grows faster than at any other time. By six weeks, a heartbeat can usually be heard and by the end of week 12, your baby’s bones, muscles and all the organs of the body have formed. At this point, your baby looks like a tiny human being and is now called a foetus.

Some of the “Dos” of the First Trimester are as follows:

An early consultation with the obstetrician and regular follow-up is essential during the first trimester for a weekly progress on the development of the foetus.
Choose the obstetrician and hospital with care. Avoid frequent changes as this leads to conflicting opinions during consultations.
Increase the intake of folic acid supplements as it’s a type of vitamin B that is needed for the formation of blood cells. It’s extremely helpful for the development of the baby’s nervous system. The dosage will depend on the physician’s advice. Folic acid is prescribed pre- pregnancy and throughout pregnancy as it prevents neural defects in the developing foetus.
Do consume more of organic and homemade food, since this is rich in minerals and essential vitamins and proteins. Eat a variety of healthy food that is rich in iron, calcium and folate.
Small frequent meals at regular intervals, along with an adequate liquid intake, are essential during the first trimester. Drink at least eight glasses (1.5 litres) of fluid every day, mostly water. It’s very important to stay hydrated.
Do choose foods with antioxidants throughout pregnancy such as dark green spinach, oranges, carrots, red apples, yellow bananas, blueberries.
Pursue normal daily activities unless advised otherwise by the treating consultant.
Walking plays a critical role and is considered to be the best exercise for pregnant women. It helps to keep your muscles toned and, most importantly, keeps you active. Walking helps control blood sugar levels, thus reducing the risk of gestational diabetes.
Do take plenty of rest .
Do ensure that you always wear a seatbelt when driving or travelling by car.

Don’ts for the First Trimester

Do not take any self-medication as there could be a health-risk for the mother and child.
Do not consume any junk foods as they lead to an increased risk of gestational diabetes since they are high in sugar and calorific content.
Smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption should be avoided. If you’re pregnant, whatever you put into your body reaches your baby too. Smoking, drinking alcohol or drugs may be detrimental to your baby’s growth, development and health, so it’s important for you to change your habits.
Do not consume street foods to avoid gastrointestinal
In first trimester, there is no need to add any extra diet.
Do not consume raw papaya and raw pineapple.
Avoid foods with preservatives and pesticides.
Avoid dehydration and stress.
Avoid over exertion and aggressive exercises.
Prevent weight gain till 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Do not consume foods that lead to constipation.
Don’t get into the sauna or steam room or overheat in the bath.

Second and Third Trimesters

The second trimester is from week 13 to the end of week 26 and one of the safest and the best time during the entire phase. The discomfort that an expecting mother experiences during the first trimester will ease in the second though certain other discomforts surface. It is during the second trimester that the mother will start feeling the baby’s first movements. Things must have started settling down and now you are more comfortable.

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The third trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy. During this phase, a woman may experience more aches, pain and swelling as she carries around her baby. A pregnant woman may also begin to become anxious about her delivery.

Do’s of the second and third trimester

Do regular and timely check-ups with your physician.
Do get a flu vaccine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women who are pregnant during the flu season should receive the vaccine. There is sufficient evidence showing that the vaccine is safe for a mother and baby at any stage of pregnancy, as it offers protection from what could be a severe illness in pregnancy. A flu vaccine does not contain the live virus which means it cannot infect you, but does cause your body to build up antibodies that protect you when you’re exposed to the live virus.
Do take a high protein diet with adequate milk and milk products. A balanced diet is very essential to ensure there is no weight gain.
Stay hydrated. Ensure a regular intake of fluids.
Do regular exercises such as Yoga and Lamaze. Join prenatal classes at the hospital or antenatal classes. During the third trimester, expecting mothers can look out for childcare classes, which are a very good idea.
Do moisturise. Use creams and oils over the abdomen to prevent stretch marks. A pregnant woman’s belly stretches a lot in a short span of time during the second trimester. Keeping the belly moisturised helps reduce stretch marks and itching that may result due to stretching.
Do get a dental check up to prevent dental infections.
Prepare bags for hospital.
Prepare your home to receive the new member.
Identify people who can help you in an emergency.

Don’ts for

the second and third trimester

Avoid alcohol, smoking, excessive intake of caffeine.
Dental visits are linked to diagnostic procedures. It is better to avoid all dental procedures until after delivery as dental x-rays and some dental medication can be harmful for the foetus.
Avoid undercooked meat to prevent diseases like Toxoplasmosis and Listeriosis.
Avoid hot sauna baths.
Avoid cleaning of the litter box to prevent infections.
Avoid any kind of sexual contact in the third trimester.

Travel during pregnancy

For most women, travelling during pregnancy is safe. As long as you and your foetus are healthy, you can travel safely until you are 36 weeks pregnant. The best time to travel is the middle of your pregnancy—between week 14 and week 28. Most common pregnancy problems happen in the first and third trimesters. During mid-pregnancy, your energy has returned, morning sickness usually is gone, and it is still easy to get around. Paying attention to the way you feel is the best guide for your activities.

Flying is not contraindicated in an uncomplicated pregnancy. You must be well with no abdominal pain or bleeding. Domestic travel is usually permitted until 36 weeks gestation whereas international travel may be curtailed after 32 weeks of pregnancy. This is due to the risk of preterm delivery.

When travelling in a car, always wear a seatbelt to protect you and your unborn baby. A seatbelt should be worn correctly.

Travel is not recommended if you have certain pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, and preterm labour. Travel also may not be a good idea if you are pregnant with more than one foetus. Before travelling, schedule a check-up with your obstetrician–gynaecologist (ob-gyn) before you leave. Know your estimated due date. If you have a problem while you are travelling, your caregivers will need to know how far along you are in your pregnancy.

It is important that all expecting mothers buy comfortable clothing and flats for the entire phase. It is important that every expecting mother avoids extreme stress during all the three trimesters. It can cause abnormalities in the baby early in pregnancy and result in premature labour later on.

Most of these prohibitions span throughout the pregnancy, but care needs to be taken according to the most important don’ts based on the foetal development. Pregnancy is a wellness and not an illness and it’s a life-changing event for expecting parents. The arrival of this little bundle of joy is definitely worth all the trouble.

(The writer is Director, Department of Obstetrician and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Noida.)

First published on: 01-01-2019 at 09:00:16 am

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Contraindications for early pregnancy and 2nd and 3rd trimesters

Foreword

Pregnancy is a wonderful, but also a responsible time. The course of pregnancy and the health of the unborn child depend on the behavior of the expectant mother.

Lifestyle changes during pregnancy, of course. Today we will talk about contraindications during pregnancy, about those prohibitions that her condition imposes on a woman.

It is known that the entire period of pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. And in each of them there are different contraindications during pregnancy.

Contraindications in the first trimester of pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy is the most important period of the entire pregnancy, because at this time all the main systems of the new organism are formed. Therefore, in the first trimester of pregnancy, the list of restrictions is the most voluminous.

In order for a child to be healthy and develop properly, he must be provided with high-quality building materials and nullify all adverse factors that may affect the development of the body.

What should not be done in the first trimester of pregnancy?

First of all, it is necessary to give up such a bad habit as smoking. If you smoked before pregnancy, then it is necessary to leave cigarettes immediately! Smoking has an extremely negative effect on intrauterine development and leads to the formation of pathologies of varying severity. Passive smoking should also be avoided. It is unacceptable to be in the same room with a smoker. Very often, a woman's body takes care of itself - when pregnancy occurs, she begins to experience a strong aversion to the smell of cigarette smoke.
Alcohol is the second enemy of the normal course of pregnancy. The influence of alcohol is especially harmful in the early stages, when the main systems of the body are being formed.
Crowded places should be avoided as there is a risk of infection in crowded places. Infectious diseases have an extremely negative effect on pregnancy, especially since the list of medicines that can be used during this period is extremely small.
The same applies to colds, which, among other things, can lead to serious complications due to the weakness of the body. Therefore, it is advisable not to overcool, not to be in a draft, not to wet your feet.
Fluorography and other x-rays should not be done except for vital indications. X-ray radiation has an extremely negative effect on the development of the child and can lead to developmental pathology.
Before taking medicines during pregnancy, you should read the package leaflet very carefully and consult your doctor. Many medicines are contraindicated during pregnancy, and it is strictly forbidden to take them. These drugs include many antibiotics, tranquilizers, painkillers, narcotic drugs, and some others.
Stress is also a contraindication during pregnancy. Excessive nervous tension and negative emotions have an extremely negative effect on the development of the child. With stressful loads, hormonal collection often occurs, which negatively affects the development of pregnancy.
A very important contraindication during pregnancy is weight lifting. You can not heavily load the muscles of the abdomen and pelvis. Exhausting physical exercises should be abandoned. And, of course, to exclude various extreme sports, giving preference to more relaxed activities: swimming, walking, simple yoga exercises, physical therapy and breathing exercises.
Nutrition during pregnancy should be taken very seriously. Dyes, chemical flavoring additives in food are contraindicated.
As for products of animal origin, they require complete heat treatment before consumption. It is forbidden to eat half-cooked food, as dangerous parasites and bacteria that cause serious illness can be present in uncooked foods.
If you have pets at home, especially cats, entrust the care of the cat to someone from the household. Cat feces can contain pathogens of toxoplasmosis, a dangerous disease that negatively affects the development of the child.

Pregnancy contraindications - controversial issues

Some restrictions during the first trimester of pregnancy are controversial today. Let's focus on the most important points.

Sex life

During sexual intercourse, there is an active contraction of the muscles of the uterus and small pelvis, so it is advisable to abstain from sex in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is especially true with the threat of miscarriage. However, even if your pregnancy is going well, sexual contact can cause complications because the fetus may be displaced or disturbed.

Over time, the embryo becomes more protected, so after the first trimester of pregnancy, if you feel good, there are no restrictions on your sex life.

Cosmetics

During the first trimester of pregnancy, you must continue to take care of your body. However, it is recommended not to use cosmetics with fragrances and strong odors. Currently, many hypoallergenic personal care products are being produced, you can also use children's cosmetics.

It is good to use natural natural remedies: masks made from vegetables and fruits, such as cucumber mask or strawberry mask, as well as honey and olive oil. In specialized stores there is a large selection of cosmetics for expectant mothers.

Hair coloring is not a contraindication during pregnancy. However, it is not recommended to dye your hair with any paint. The chemical elements that make up the paint negatively affect the condition of the hair. Therefore, if you decide to dye your hair, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, give preference to expensive proven dyes. And it is best to use natural substances: henna or basma.

Physical activity

Heavy physical activity is contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy. Serious stress on the body should be avoided, so if you were involved in extreme or power sports before pregnancy, change activities. It is possible and necessary to engage in physical education during the first trimester, but change your occupation, give preference to swimming, yoga, physiotherapy exercises, and walks in the fresh air.

There are special complexes of therapeutic and breathing exercises for pregnant women.

Tanning and solarium

Ultraviolet is necessary for normal health and functioning of all body systems. Therefore, sunbathing is not forbidden. Of course, it is best to do it on the beach. It is only necessary to remember that it is necessary to be in the sun in the morning and evening hours, before 11 am and after 4 pm, since in the daytime the sun is very active and can harm the body.

Also remember to protect yourself from sunburn and use sunscreen. Sunbathing should not be prolonged, and at the slightest sign of indisposition, they should be stopped. It is best that exposure to sunlight on the body occurs in partial shade.

Is a solarium contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy? Here the opinions of experts differ. However, if there are no complications of pregnancy and strict contraindications, then you can visit the solarium, observing the precautionary measures: the stomach must be covered with a cloth, and you should also carefully monitor your well-being, and at the slightest sign of malaise, stop the procedure.

Travel

Traveling long distances is recommended to be postponed. The fact is that vibrations in the train and on the plane lead to tension in the muscles of the back and abdomen, and can provoke an increased tone of the uterus. In addition, when traveling by plane, the body experiences stress caused by pressure differences.

However, if the pregnancy is normal, the woman is in good physical shape, flying and train travel are not contraindicated. You just need to follow some precautions: drink plenty of water during the flight, wear loose clothing, and walk around the cabin several times during the flight. As for the train, here one should not save on amenities, it is not advisable to travel in a reserved seat, and even more so in a common carriage, a place, of course, should be chosen on the lower shelf.

Trips bring a lot of positive emotions, so if there are no serious contraindications, consult a doctor and feel free to hit the road!

Power supply

Fast food and foods that cause allergic reactions should be excluded from your diet. But if you really want to eat a hamburger, then you can sometimes afford it. Just don't get carried away!

In the first trimester of pregnancy, many women experience morning sickness. Therefore, fatty and heavy foods become a contraindication in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Coffee and cocoa

Coffee excites the nervous system and affects the heart. Therefore, coffee is a contraindication during pregnancy if you have problems with the heart or blood vessels. At the same time, in moderation, coffee is useful for maintaining tone and uplifting mood. Also, coffee is recommended at reduced pressure. But everything should be done in moderation.

Cocoa is a very useful product, it contains many vitamins and microelements. At the same time, cocoa also has negative properties: cocoa washes calcium out of the body and prevents its absorption. Cocoa also provokes the appearance of uterine tone, which is very dangerous especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Cocoa is high in calories, so it contributes to weight gain, which is highly undesirable. Based on the foregoing, the use of cocoa is rather a contraindication during pregnancy

Contraindications in the second trimester of pregnancy

The second trimester of pregnancy is the most pleasant time! Toxicosis and ailments associated with the first trimester of pregnancy are already behind, but the size of the fetus and abdomen is still small, so a pregnant woman can enjoy her excellent condition.

Contraindications during pregnancy become much less than in the first trimester, and many of them are not so strict.

And yet, let's dwell on some of them.

What not to do in the second trimester of pregnancy?

Power supply

Toxicosis of the first trimester of pregnancy has passed, and now the woman can return to her usual diet. However, in the second trimester there are a number of restrictions.

First of all, fatty heavy foods should be avoided. It is necessary to remove from the diet foods that can cause an allergic reaction, such as nuts, as well as foods with food additives and preservatives. Before you buy products, carefully study their composition on the label!

It is advisable to limit the intake of salty and smoked foods. Daily salt intake should also be reduced as salt retains fluid in the body, which can cause edema and is an additional burden on the kidneys, and increases blood pressure

A healthy, balanced diet is the basis for your well-being and the health of your baby. The basis of a healthy diet in the second trimester of pregnancy is cereals, followed by dairy products, fruits and vegetables in second place, and fish and meat in third place. It is advisable to refuse semi-finished products during this period.

Vitamins and trace elements

Currently, an increasing number of experts adhere to the point of view that synthetic vitamins and microelements do not bring any benefit to the body, since they are not absorbed. Of course, vitamin complexes are not a contraindication during pregnancy, but you should not rely on their miraculous power, preference should be given to natural products.

Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and don't forget calcium-rich dairy products as your baby's skeleton begins to take shape during the second trimester.

Skin, nails, hair

When it comes to caring for your body, contraindications and recommendations for pregnancy in the second trimester remain the same as in the first. Get more rest and be outdoors, and from cosmetics (including hair dye), give preference to natural hypoallergenic products.

Alcohol and smoking

The answer to this question is unequivocal: alcohol and cigarettes are absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy.

Medicines

The list of drugs that are not a contraindication during pregnancy is significantly expanded in the second trimester. However, before you start taking any medication, carefully read the attached instructions and consult your doctor.

For colds and to improve immunity, it is good to use traditional medicine: tea with honey and lemon, raspberry jam, sea buckthorn berries.

Other illnesses often require medication. It is necessary to be treated during pregnancy, including taking medications. Just let your doctor know about your situation, and he will select you drugs that are not contraindicated during pregnancy.

Sexual relations

In the second trimester of pregnancy, sex is not a contraindication if the pregnancy proceeds without complications.

Different women have different attitudes towards sex during pregnancy. For some, sexual relationships are a joy and pleasure. In this case, you can have sex, and it is useful. However, there are women who are psychologically unable to have sex while pregnant. Then it might be worth asking your partner to wait a little for the health of mom and baby.

Thus, sexual life in the second trimester of pregnancy is not contraindicated, it all depends on the well-being and psychological state of the expectant mother.

Sports and fitness

Moderate exercise during the second trimester of pregnancy is very beneficial. Contraindication during pregnancy is only extreme sports and heavy power loads.

Continue to swim, do yoga, exercise therapy.

Outdoor walks are highly recommended.

However, potentially hazardous sports should be excluded. You should not ski or ride a bike, even if you feel well!

Travel

The second trimester of pregnancy is the best time to travel! Just follow the recommendations of doctors during the trip and enjoy new experiences!

Choose a form of transport where you can get up and stretch when necessary.

You can also travel to exotic countries if you take precautions.

Flight is not a contraindication during the second trimester of pregnancy. However, take care of yourself in flight: wear anti-varicose tights, loose clothing, drink plenty of fluids during the flight, fasten the seat belt under your stomach.

Contraindications in the third trimester of pregnancy

The third trimester is the most difficult period for a pregnant woman. The child is already large, and the size of the abdomen is a significant inconvenience. The body of the future mother is being rebuilt and preparing for the upcoming birth.

There are many more contraindications in pregnancy in the third trimester than in the second.

What should not be done in the third trimester of pregnancy?

Power

In the third trimester, a woman begins to experience various inconveniences associated with digestion, such as heaviness in the stomach, heartburn, constipation. Therefore, it is necessary to review the diet and diet during this crucial period.

One of the most important tasks during this period is to monitor your own weight. Excess weight is an additional burden on the body, which can lead to complications during pregnancy.

However, keeping your weight under control does not mean starving! Diets during pregnancy are strictly contraindicated!

From the diet should be excluded foods that are not nutritionally useful, but only lead to excess weight. Such products include cakes, pastries, pies, buns, sweets, cookies.

Preference should be given to dairy products, lean fish and meat, cereals, fruits and vegetables.

Eat a balanced, varied diet in small portions.

Overeating is also a contraindication during pregnancy. You should not take part in feasts at this time.

Drinking mode

As for drinks, some of them are contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy.

First of all, these are any drinks containing alcohol, as well as energy drinks, sweet carbonated water, especially Pepsi and Fanta, strong coffee and tea.

Preference should be given to drinks such as herbal teas, natural juices, fruit drinks and compotes with a low sugar content. It is also recommended to drink ordinary mineral and table water.

In terms of fluid intake, gynecologists currently do not limit fluid intake during the third trimester. If a woman has edema, then this is not due to fluid intake, but to a violation of the kidneys, which can lead to a severe complication, preeclampsia.

If edema occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor and take medical measures.

Medicines

Some medications are still contraindicated during pregnancy in the third trimester. However, the list of drugs, the use of which is possible, is expanding more and more.

Therefore, doctors often postpone the treatment of certain diseases until the third trimester, when a woman can undergo drug therapy without harming either her health or the health of her unborn baby.

The rule for taking medications in the third trimester remains the same for the entire duration of pregnancy: before taking this or that drug, carefully read the instructions and consult a specialist.

Physical activity

The physical condition of a woman in the third trimester imposes many restrictions on physical activity.

Contraindications during pregnancy during this period are weight lifting, strength exercises, active and potentially traumatic sports.

The child grows, takes up more and more space in the woman's body, and it becomes more and more difficult for her to move. Shortness of breath appears, previously normal movements become difficult: bending or climbing stairs.

However, exercise during the third trimester of pregnancy is not a contraindication. On the contrary, walking, swimming, special exercises for pregnant women are useful.

You should rely on your own well-being. Physical education should please, improve mood and not cause severe fatigue.

Sex life

Sex in the third trimester of pregnancy is not contraindicated. However, sex should be treated with caution, given that not all methods are appropriate at this time.

In addition, at the very late stages of sex can become a stimulation of the onset of labor. Sometimes gynecologists even advise resorting to this method to start the process of childbirth.

Therefore, if a woman is at risk of premature birth, it is advisable to refrain from sexual activity during this period of pregnancy.

Sexual activity in the third trimester of pregnancy is recommended if desired and sensibly, if there are no complications.

Summing up all of the above, it should be noted that pregnancy is a special crucial period in a woman's life, which imposes a number of restrictions.

Contraindications during pregnancy are caused by the peculiarities of this period and do not prevent you from leading a normal life and enjoying your position.

Second trimester of pregnancy (13 to 28 weeks)

The beginning of the second trimester is traditionally considered one of the calmest. Walk more. Walking is very helpful. Sit down to rest only when you are tired. Movement in the fresh air improves the supply of oxygen to the fetus, which is very necessary for its normal development.

Nausea disappears, appetite improves. Do not eat a lot of salty, refuse marinades, smoked meats, if you have not done this before. The increased need of the child's body for proteins and vitamins begins. The daily diet should include meat or fish (boiled or stewed), dairy products, especially cottage cheese, eggs. Do not forget about vegetables, fruits, greens. An excellent source of vitamin C is sauerkraut (rather than salted) cabbage. Salads from carrots, cabbage, beets, apples, green radish should be on your table every day.

At 17-20 weeks you will feel your baby's first kicks. From them you can determine how comfortable the baby feels. Intense tremors are a signal of lack of oxygen. Maybe you haven’t walked for a long time or, on the contrary, you are engaged in hard physical labor. Get out into the fresh air or lie down to rest and you will immediately feel how the child has calmed down.

But the lack of movement is an alarm. See a doctor immediately!

The fetal need for calcium sharply increases - intensive growth of the skeleton has begun. If you don't have enough free calcium in your body right now, you could lose your teeth. To prevent this from happening, start taking calcium supplements in consultation with your doctor.

At this time, toxicosis of the second half of pregnancy may occur, the child suffers greatly from it. Therefore, if the doctor suggests hospitalization, do not refuse. Toxicosis can, if not be avoided, then at least reduce its manifestations. Be sure to follow your diet. Completely exclude salty, smoked, fried, spicy, canned food, chocolate. Do not eat a lot of grapes and drink fresh milk. Limit flour and rich products. As before, your diet should include boiled meat and fish, oatmeal and buckwheat porridge, vegetables and fruits

Periodically, once a week, check for fluid retention in the body. It is allowed to release liquid 200-300 ml less than what was drunk.

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