Taking care during pregnancy

Eating

Pay attention to what you eat.

• Eat healthily: lots of fruit, vegetables and grains (potatoes and bread) and dairy products (milk and cheese);
• Eat a lot of small portions per day instead of a few big meals (easier to digest);

  Some foods, soil, and dirty cat litter can contain germs that are dangerous for the foetusFoetusFertilized egg when showing the main features of a baby (after the 3rd month…Read more (riskRiskPossibility that something unpleasant may happen, for example a disease.Read more of infectionInfectionInfection occurs when a germ enters the body and causes damage. A germ…Read more with toxoplasmosis and listeria):

• Do not eat raw eggs;
• Do not eat raw or smoked fish;
• Do not eat raw or medium rare meat. Wash your hands after cutting raw meat;
• Eat cheese and drink milk bought from the supermarket (no unpasteurised milk);
• Wash raw fruit and vegetables very well;
• Wear gloves if you work in the garden or clean out the cat box. Wash your hands afterwards.

Drinking

• Drink sufficient water (1.5 to 2 litres every day). 
• Do not drink too much coffee, tea or cola.
• Do not drink alcohol.

Medicines, drugs and vitamins

• Do not take any medicines without asking your midwifeMidwifeA trained person who helps a pregnant woman before, during and after delivery.…Read more, gynaecologistGynaecologistDoctor specializing in health care during pregnancy, contraception and women's diseases. A gynaecologist…Read more or general practitioner.
• Do not smoke.
• Do not take drugs.
• Take the vitamin called “folic acid” during the first 3 months of pregnancyPregnancyThe time when a woman is expecting a baby. The pregnancy begins when…Read more. Ask your midwife or gynaecologist for it. You can start taking this when you plan to get pregnant. You can buy it at a chemist or pharmacyPharmacyShop where you can get medicines with a prescription from your doctor. Read more.

Exercise and outdoor living

• Be active: walk, cycleCycleNumber of days between the first day of a woman's menstruation and the first…Read more, swim. etc.

• Rest when you feel tired.

• Stay out of the sun.