Special care during pregnancy

• Breast: Wash your nipples and areolas with warm water, preferably without soap. Areolas have gland openings that secrete a sebaceous substance that cleans and lubricates both areolas and nipples. This substance should not be removed by soaps or chemicals, as removal may bring about cracks in the nipple and areola during breastfeeding. Warm air –supplied by a hair dryer, for example– applied on the nipple and areola has a protective effect. Apply creams containing vitamins A and E on the nipple but not on the areola, and pull the nipple lightly two or three times a day to prepare these soft tissues for your newborn’s vigorous suction. These simple measures have proven successful in reducing significantly the occurrence of nipple pain or cracks during the first breastfeeding days.
• Skin care: To prevent atrophic striae, apply moisturizing creams containing vitamins A and E on abdomen and thigh skin. A daily lukewarm shower is advisable. Baths are not recommended.
• Varix prophylaxis: Do not use elastic bands and avoid overweight. Do not remain standing for long periods of time.
• Mouth and tooth hygiene: Seek dental care from the beginning of pregnancy as oral infections may cause serious puerperal infections.
• Hygiene of genitalia: Wash external genitalia and surrounding areas with water and a soft antiseptic soap on a daily basis. Perform vaginal douching only if prescribed by your physician.
• Vaccination planning: You will be administered only an antitetanic vaccine during pregnancy, in weeks 24 and 28.
• Physical activity: You may keep your usual physical activity, except for that demanding excessive effort. Walking improves blood circulation. It is important not to remain standing for lengthy periods of time.
• Take an 8-hour night sleep and a 1- or 2-hour nap in the afternoon (relaxing is quite beneficial, even if you don’t manage to sleep) on a firm bed in a well-ventilated room.
• Gymnastics is convenient only if authorized by your physician.
• You may have sexual relations throughout the pregnancy.
• Although travels do not expose you to miscarriages or early birth, you’d better not travel during the first three months of pregnancy or near your due date.
• Use loose clothing hanging on the shoulders and wide, flat footwear.
• Wear protective gloves when gardening. Do not handle pet or animal manure, especially cat excrement.