What should you avoid doing during pregnancy?
Especially during a first pregnancy, you often feel uncertain – what am I allowed to do? What do I need to be aware of? What am I no longer allowed to do? And the more you read, the more uncertain you become…
Therefore, I would like to provide you with the most important "no-go's" and corresponding alternatives. However, since every pregnancy and every expectant mother is different, please feel free to ask your doctor, midwife, or a prenatal trainer if you have any concerns.
Generally speaking, the further along your pregnancy progresses, the more your body will automatically slow down and exert itself less, because with a large belly and reduced lung capacity, it can become really strenuous to, for example, walk up a small hill or quickly do the weekly shopping. And that's perfectly fine, because now you're a twin. Do what feels good and what you're comfortable with.
You should pay attention to the following points during pregnancy:
Anything that puts additional pressure on the pelvic floor and the center of the body (e.g. jumping, heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements) should be avoided in order not to put additional strain on the pelvic floor (it already has to work harder than usual and carry your baby).
Now is not the time to try new, extreme sports! You can usually continue doing what you did before pregnancy, adapted to your needs.
Contact sports or sports with a high risk of injury (skiing, inline skating, karate, etc.) should now be put on hold. Choose alternative sports such as walking, pregnancy exercises, or swimming. Heavy lifting (over 5 kg) is now off-limits, and Dad, Grandpa, or the neighbor will have to carry the groceries home. Don't hesitate to ask for help—during pregnancy, you'll be met with unusual politeness, consideration, and thoughtfulness. Everyone around you is happy to help, and you should definitely accept and enjoy it. 🙂
– From advanced stages of pregnancy, you should avoid rolling up straight (additional strain on the diastasis recti) and prolonged, continuous lying on your back (e.g., throughout the entire night) (pressure on the vena cava, circulatory problems).
There are many different opinions on the topic of jogging and horseback riding. I distinguish between "occasionally" and "regularly." If you jogged or rode occasionally, irregularly, or once a week before pregnancy, I recommend switching to walking or strolling. The pressure on the pelvic floor and the risk of injury shouldn't be underestimated. If you have always jogged or ridden regularly (at least twice a week consistently for at least a year) and you feel well, you can continue jogging/riding with significantly reduced intensity (e.g., no sprints, no cantering) until the last trimester (consult your doctor, midwife, or trainer for advice). Walking is an alternative to both sports; with the correct technique, it is just as strenuous and effective.
– Stretching the torso upwards, for example when cleaning windows – the future dad has to do that now?? (You can relax and watch him while enjoying a juice spritzer)
– Renovating: Even if the nesting instinct kicks in (and yes, all mothers experience it by week 35 of pregnancy at the latest – no one is immune) – let the father work with varnishes, paint, and wallpaper paste. The fumes aren't good for either of you, and once everything is renovated, you can decorate and put things away (isn't that much nicer?).
– You can indulge in certain foods like sushi, raw ham, raw minced meat, or unpasteurized dairy products after you've finished breastfeeding – unfortunately, these products are off the menu during pregnancy. The question about mozzarella/feta comes up very often: Read the packaging carefully! Most are made from pasteurized milk, and you can eat those 🙂
Detox programs, extreme diets, alcohol, and cigarettes are all off-limits! There's no alternative, because by abstaining, you're laying the foundation for your baby's health.
Otherwise, anything that makes you feel good is allowed.
Choose classes specifically designed for pregnant women (look for well-trained instructors with additional qualifications in prenatal training), exercise with other pregnant women, and enjoy this time with your little miracle growing inside you! It's a wonderful time that you should enjoy to the fullest without driving yourself crazy with too much reading and Googling.
Have a wonderful time!
Your Daniela