02/01/2015
Pregnancy – all you need to know about it
* Is it safe to make love during pregnancy?
Yes, absolutely. If you are having a normal pregnancy and unless your doctor has advised you not to make love for any particular reason, it is safe. Most of the couples worry a lot about this. The strong muscles of the womb and the amniotic sac are designed to keep your baby safe when you make love during pregnancy. The thick mucus plug also protects your baby from any type of infection.
* Can I use an Indian style (Squat toilet)?
Yes, these are considered more hygienic as compared to the western style toilets. If you have a habit of using the Indian style toilet, there is nothing to worry about. You can keep using it during your pregnancy too. Squatting may also increase the strength of your abdominal muscles and thigh muscles, so that your body is prepared for natural labour. It also helps to pass the stools easily and prevent constipation. However, try not to strain during passing stool when you are pregnant no matter which type of toilet you use. Also always keep the toilet clean.
* Can I use a two or three wheeler?
It is advised not to use a two-wheeler or three-wheeler as they don’t have seat belts or air bags that can lessen the impact of an accident, if it happens. Heavy traffic and bumpy roads have greater effect on the foetus when you use a two or three wheeler as compared to car, bus or train. If possible, avoid two-wheelers and three-wheelers altogether. If you can’t avoid using these, follow some safety rules such as ask your spouse, a relative or a colleague to drop and pick you up, wear a helmet, ride on a slow speed, do not travel during peak hours, choose the roads that have less bumps, do not travel in high heat or extreme cold, rains can make the roads slippery so be very careful, ask for help to kick-start the scooter and learn about the hospitals that fall in your way so that you can reach them, if you feel unwell.
* Can I go outdoors or eat during an eclipse?
Most of the Indian families believe that a pregnant woman should not go out or eat during an eclipse. It is believed that doing so can result in various diseases in the child such as cleft lip or birthmarks. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove this. Not eating during an eclipse for long hours can result in acidity and aggravate problems like vomiting, dizziness and weakness. It can harm your baby. If your family believes in these superstitions too, you can be indoors, if possible but it is not advised to be hungry for longer hours. There are many other countries where eclipse is viewed as a natural phenomenon and the pregnant women do not stay indoors or stay away from food, yet the babies turn out to be perfectly fine.
* Can I eat papaya?
Yes, a moderate amount of ripe papaya (very well-ripened) is safe to eat during pregnancy. It contains Vitamin A and C that is beneficial for a pregnant lady however, unripe papaya is not safe to eat during pregnancy. Unripe papaya contains latex that may cause uterine contractions and miscarriage. Never eat an unripe papaya, papaya skin or papaya seeds during pregnancy.
* Is it safe to drink coffee?
Yes, a moderate amount of caffeine is not harmful for the baby. The safe dose would be not more than 200mg of caffeine per day. This is equal to two cups of coffee and four cups of tea. Remember that cola drinks, energy drinks, chocolates etc. also contains some caffeine. Taking greater amounts regularly can risk your pregnancy.
* Is tulsi (basil) safe during pregnancy?
Though there has been very less research on this, it is advised not to take tulsi when you are pregnant. Tulsi may increase the flow of blood to the pelvic area and uterus which may lead to bleeding or miscarriage.
* Is it safe to drink saffron milk?
Indian woman are often advised to drink saffron milk during pregnancy for having a fair complexioned baby. Though, it may not help you to have a baby, who has a fair complexion, it can surely increase the health of you and your baby. The complexion of the baby depends entirely on the genes of the parents. You can consume saffron in moderate amounts with milk to increase the taste of milk and boost your appetite by adding it to kheer, lassi etc. However, a greater amount of saffron is also not advised during pregnancy. Just a few strands are sufficient. Also take care that your saffron is not adulterated.