These guidelines apply to your entire pregnancy, from positive home pregnancy test through delivery.

Everyday Activity

• No lifting over 10 pounds.
• Minimal stairs.
• Limited standing and walking.
• No housework.
• No increase in altitude or long car trips.
• Get lots of rest.
• No bending.
• No baths. Sit down in the shower if you can (use a plastic lawn chair if you don’t have a seat in your shower).
• Use unscented soap.
• No professional singing (puts undue pressure on the diaphragm and all the muscles around the uterus; singing for fun is fine).
• Avoid nipple stimulation, including letting hot water run on your breasts in the shower (it stimulates the uterus).
• No sex or orgasm
• Use antibacterial wipes after you use the toilet to prevent chances of infection.
  

Diet & Supplements

• Get adequate protein in your diet (minimum is 60 grams of protein daily).
• Minimize sugar intake; reduce intake of carbohydrates.
• Keep taking your prenatal and folic acid supplements.
• Take extra Zinc, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C, on top of prenatals (ask your health care practitioner for dosage).
• Drink water (2 to 3 liters per day).
• Drink unsweetened or fruit-juice sweetened (not corn-syrup sweetened) cranberry juice, or take cranberry capsules to prevent urinary tract infections.
• Eat yogurt (including soy yogurt with live cultures) or take acidophilus supplements to help your body naturally fight off infection.

Other

• Monitor for unusual vaginal discharge, urinary tract infections, etc.
• Monitor for preterm labor

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