If you want to avoid gaining weight more than recommended, avoid eating more than 300 extra calories a day. Speak to your doctor about any necessary adjustments to your diet.
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Avoid lying on your back for a long time
Because the uterus is now quite large, lying on your back for an extended period of time can put pressure on your spinal cord and the primary blood vessels around the area. Many pregnant women find it more comfortable to lay down on their left side.
Say no to tobacco and alcohol
Chewing tobacco and active smoking delays fetal growth and increases the chances of going into preterm labor. For your baby’s protection, it is best to also stay away from friends and relatives who smoke near you.
Moreover, drinking too much alcohol can disturb the baby’s brain development. Pregnant women are also advised to limit their coffee intake to one or two cups per day. This is because caffeine can penetrate to your baby’s placenta and cause a heart rate spike.
What to ask the doctor
By the 18th week of your pregnancy, see the doctor for an ultrasound to check the baby’s development. By this time, you can also discover your child’s sex.
During this week, you may want to ask your doctor some questions to make sure your second trimester of pregnancy is as healthy as the previous one:
“What are the over-the-counter medicines that I can safely use?”
Whether you want to ease body pain or relieve constipation, consult your doctor first before taking any new medication.
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