Pregnancy represents a period of radical changes in a woman's life. It is a time of privileges, marked by indulgence from certain points of view, but also by restrictions. And all this for the benefit of the mother and the new life that is about to come into the world. Dr. Camelia Mihalca, obstetrics-gynaecology primary care physician, has some recommendations that she makes to expectant mothers during the nine months of pregnancy and that they should keep in mind.

People interested in more tips for better preparation while expecting a child can schedule an online consultation and receive relevant information.

Drink coffee, but in moderation!

Coffee is allowed during pregnancy. The World Health Organization recommends 200 ml of coffee per day during pregnancy. "That means two weaker coffees. Coffee is not contraindicated during pregnancy, but the quantity matters. A moderate amount like the one recommended by the WHO improves mood, can fight constipation, and some studies show it can even prevent postpartum depression. But drank in large quantities has negative effects", explains dr Camelia Mihalca. This means that it can cause behavioural problems in babies whose mothers have overdosed on coffee, because unborn babies do not have the ability to metabolize caffeine. Some studies have also indicated that too much coffee can trigger abortion or premature birth. In short, the recommendation is one cup, maximum two a day, while the mother is pregnant.

Alcohol is totally contraindicated!

If with coffee pregnant women are allowed to consume it in moderate quantities, as for alcohol, here the doctors are categorical: it is not allowed! Because it can cause uterine contractions that can trigger abortion or premature birth and because it can negatively influence the mental development of the baby.

No raw/undercooked food!

During pregnancy, it is recommended to eat meat, eggs, fish, seafood, but all well cooked. The expectant mother is not allowed to eat anything raw. Dishes like steak tartare, fish ceviche, sushi, raw oysters and the like are totally off limits. Raw or undercooked meat can transmit certain bacteria, viruses or parasites that can cause great problems for the fetus. Thus, the mother can get sick with: tapeworm (parasitic worm that can reach several meters inside the intestine and which robs the mother's body of all the nutrients that should normally reach the fetus), trichinosis (trichinella spiralis which gives the mother high fever and can cause abortion or premature birth), toxoplasmosis (caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii) which, during pregnancy, is extremely dangerous because it causes brain, eye and heart malformations in the fetus, and some of these malformations are incompatible with life and lead to miscarriage. "Raw or undercooked meat, raw or soft eggs, sauces, mayonnaise are not recommended. Salmonella can be taken from the eggs, and this gives the mother fever and intestinal manifestations, which leads to complications. Of course, it can be treated with antibiotics, but these are not recommended during pregnancy and it is good not to risk it", adds the doctor Camelia Mihalca.

Sports are allowed during pregnancy, if there are no medical contraindications

The pregnant woman can practice sports, but she must adapt to the trimester of pregnancy in which she is. Especially swimming is very good for expectant mothers, because it improves the condition of the spine and reduces back pain that can occur during pregnancy. There are sports programs adapted for pregnant women that can help them both during pregnancy and during childbirth. However, each pregnant woman has her own particularities, that is why it is good that the practice of sports is approved by the obstetrician who follows the pregnant woman during the 9 months. There are also pregnant women who are not allowed to exercise in order to avoid pregnancy loss. They are advised to do light exercises at home in bed. For the rest of the pregnant women who have a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, the amount of physical exercise adapts to each trimester of pregnancy - more exercise in the first trimester, less and lighter in the last trimester.

 Pregnant women can travel by plane

Flying is not prohibited during the first months of pregnancy. The pressure and altitude at which passenger planes fly do not influence the progress of the pregnancy, especially when the pregnant woman does not have any health problems. But even here there are exceptions: flying is not recommended in the last trimester of pregnancy, because birth can be triggered at any time.

Pets are allowed, but within certain limits

Pregnant women do not have to give up their pet as long as the animal is up to date on vaccinations and stays indoors only and does not come into contact with other animals. It's more difficult with dogs because they have to be taken out and can bring diseases! Also, do not give raw meat to animals - dog or cat - during pregnancy. Certain hygiene rules must be observed: washing hands every time we pet an animal. The best is to avoid touching the cat/dog's mouth or other pets that aren't ours - dogs, street cats etc. If the cat does not stay alone in the house, then we avoid contact with it. The risk of getting toxoplasmosis is very high in cats! "Pregnant women must never change the cat's litter box or clean up after pets during pregnancy. Pets are OK, as long as they are only kept indoors and we follow the rules of hygiene, otherwise they can transmit microbes and parasites that endanger the development and health of the fetus. So be very careful!" warns doctor Camelia Mihalca.

 If you would like to know more about how to manage your life during pregnancy, you can quickly get an answer through an online consultation link activ ginecologi, without the need to go to a doctor's office.

Remember!

Sport practiced during pregnancy in moderation:

• improves blood circulation

• increases the supply of nutrients to the child

 • improves the state of mind of the mother through the hormonal release of endorphins responsible for the state of happiness.

Sports that can result in falls are prohibited: skiing, skating, mountain biking, hockey etc.

Foods prohibited during pregnancy: raw meat, raw eggs or in the form of mayonnaise or soft-boiled eggs, cheeses with mold from unpasteurised milk, raw fish or raw seafood. • If you eat meat of any kind, it must be boiled/cooked for at least 20 minutes at 56°C or more.

Air travel: is not recommended during the last trimester of pregnancy, as labor can occur at any time.

Alcohol is totally prohibited, it can trigger premature birth or negatively influence the mental development of the baby.

Coffee: consumed in moderation; one cup, two a day.