Pregnancy: 7 Precautions Every First Time Dad Should Know During Pregnancy

When your wife says, "her period is late" and she's having pregnancy symptom, that could mean she is pregnant. If you want to be sure, follow it up at home using home pregnancy test that you can get at the drugstore. If your pregnancy test is positive, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Welcome to the world of parenthood.

Positive sign: Pregnancy test. Image from BabyMed

Now that you're wife is pregnant, you as a would-be first time dad is responsible to take care and support your wife during pregnancy. It is wise to have knowledge about special precautions for pregnant woman, to make sure mommy and unborn baby will be as healthy as possible.

So proud dad-to-be, here are things you need to know during pregnancy.

1. Pregnant mom should not take any medicines, herbal or other supplements unless advised by a doctor

Nausea is common during early pregnancy. Though it's a common symptom, nausea which sometimes followed by vomiting is such uncomfortable condition. That's why mommy tend to look for medicine to relieve the pain and control nausea and vomiting. Unless a medication has been specifically prescribed, do not take any medicine because some drugs can harm your baby during different stages of a pregnancy. I've found out that the minty, fresh scent of eucalyptus oil is helpful in relive nausea.

2. Pregnant mom should take prenatal vitamin

It's a great thing if both you discover about the pregnancy early. By knowing so, you could take important steps early to do a consistent medical care and ensure your unborn baby is healthy. Make sure your pregnant wife takes her prenatal vitamin. Most women experience morning sickness during pregnancy. If she don't eating well due to nausea, vomiting, and lose of appetite, her diet might not meet requirements for iron, folate, calcium and other nutrients. That's why prenatal vitamins are recommended to make sure pregnant mommy get all the nutrients she and the baby need.

3. Pregnant mom should limit caffeine intake

Moderate amount of caffeine is safe during pregnancy, but you might want to advise your pregnant wife to avoid the drinks altogether. Caffeine intake during pregnancy can affect the developing baby. Caffeine can pass back and forth across the placenta and may decrease blood flow to the placenta, which may harm the baby. A study conducted at the University of Leicester find out that consuming caffeine during pregnancy risk the unborn baby with leukemia in childhood. It would be difficult to stop drinking caffeine altogether. You can help your wife do "cold turkey". Put away coffee pot from the house and stay away from her favorite coffee shop. Have her drinks a lots of water and other beverages, like fruit juice, instead.

4. Pregnant mom should not carry heavy objects

Nothing more than 25 pounds. Pregnant woman should be extra careful when carry heavy objects. Carrying heavy objects makes her more likely to fall because her additional weight makes her hard to find balance. Lifting heavy things has also been known to cause miscarriage in early pregnancy. Make her happy and comfortable by helping her with a housework.

5. Pregnant mom should avoid artificial food additives

Monosodium glumate (MSG) or ajinomoto used in Chinese restaurants, or  artificial food colorings which often used in Indian sweets and curries must be avoided. Processed food items, such as hot dogs, and foods containing sodium nitrate, such as cured meats like ham or bacon are a no-no during pregnancy. These substances may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). These mutagenic substances can expose the unborn baby to hazards.

6. Pregnant mom should avoid hot baths

Sitting in a hot tub seems to be a great relieve especially relieve a muscle tension related to pregnancy. But hot baths and saunas are not recommended during pregnancy as this can potentially cause overheating and affect the development of the baby. Pregnant mom should take a warm bath instead, remind her to check the temperature before she get in.

7. No alcohol safe level and cigarette exposure to pregnant mom

Pregnant pause: A pregnant, cigarette smoking woman worrying about the effect of construction noise
on her unborn baby. Image from Snopes

Smoking during pregnancy can causes a lack of oxygen that can slow growth and weight gain in the womb. As a result, baby will born with low birthweight. Low birthweight is when a baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces. A low birthweight babies are more likely to have trouble to keeping warm and have breathing problems. Other health problems are infections, feeding problems and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Get your pregnant wife to quit smoking while she's pregnant. If you're the one smoking, avoid being around her when you smoking as second hand smoke can also affect a pregnant woman and expose the unborn baby with SID risk, according to a research. 

Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can also harm the unborn baby. Premature delivery or even a miscarriage is a distinct possibility.

Back to you, do you think I have missed some important points here? 

In the comments below, please add what other precaution you have taken to make sure your wife and your unborn baby stay in a pink of health. 

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