Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, adequate nutrition and hygiene, are important for the health of a pregnant woman and the normal development of the fetus.
Any emotion of the mother is transmitted to the fetus. Pregnancy is not a disease. It is one of the most beautiful and pleasant periods in a woman's life. Symptoms caused by pregnancy, such as vomiting, nausea, heartburn, mood changes, create discomfort for women, although, with the right approach and advice, you can overcome these minor problems.
Our readers should remember the advice of a gynecologist for a safe and comfortable journey during pregnancy.
In this interview, pregnant women will learn about the activities that are harmful or harmless for safe rest in sea or mountain resorts
The head of the outpatient department, obstetrician-gynecologist of the clinic of the National Center of Surgery "New Life", Tatia Tskhomelidze is talking about this topic.
"Pregnant women really need rest, relaxation, the sun and the sea. Pregnancy is a physiological condition that requires attention, so swimming in the sea, the river, the pool or the lake is not prohibited for them, but rules of safety must always be considered, " says Dr. Tatia.
Pregnancy and swimming
As Dr. Tatia explains, swimming is allowed in ecologically clean water reservoirs and pools.
It should be noted that swimming improves blood circulation, relieves swelling, reduces the blood pressure and shortness of breath, prepares the body for childbirth.
"If your doctor allows you to go to the sea, we will not stop you. Saltwater enriches the body with useful substances and supplies the pregnant woman with positive emotions. There is no risk of falling, overheating, dehydration during swimming. There is no workload on the joints. If you know how to swim, you can swim throughout pregnancy, if you can not swim, you can do exercises in the pool, where the water is not deep or relax on the beach. You must remember that hypodynamia during pregnancy can cause fat accumulation, constipation, weakness of labor, decrease in tone, so swimming is one of the pleasant and useful sports for pregnant women, " says the obstetrician-gynecologist.
What shouldpregnant womentake into account during the rest in the seaside resort
Of course, there are a number of safety rules that must be taken into consideration not only by pregnant women.
If you are going to a seaside resort from Tbilisi, it is better to go by train.
"It is advisable to go for 1 week or 10 days instead of 2-3 days, as long-distance trips are uncomfortable and tiring for pregnant women. As for tanning, it is best to get it in the morning hours from 10 to 11 and after 16-17 hours, swimming is allowed at the same time. Water should be clean, in order to prevent infection. Try not to swallow water. Do not eat unhealthy food. Everyone likes to buy corn, nuts, etc. on the beach, however, this is not recommended for pregnant women. Consume food and beverages that contain saturated fatty acids and trans fats, low in cholesterol, sugar, and salt. The high salt intake is associated with the risk of high blood pressure. Reduce the intake of salt to 1 teaspoon per day. Give preference to low-fat foods especially in summer. Consume low-fat cottage cheese, other dairy products (if, of course, you don’t suffer from lactose intolerance), don’t consume fatty milk or dairy products. Eat frequently, in small portions. You can eat a large number of fruits and vegetables, but do not forget to wash them thoroughly. 70% of the human body consists of water. Water promotes self-cleaning of the body, regulates body temperature in accordance with the temperature of the environment, plays an active role in fat metabolism, eliminates fat with sweat and thereby ensures a constant metabolism. Water is important for the body, even more during pregnancy, especially at sea and during hot summer days - the daily amount of fluid intake should be 2 liters. It should also be taken into account that water can not be replaced by other beverages, such as coffee, tea, juice, etc., "- says our respondent.
Pregnancy and hot/cold coffee
Pregnant women are often interested in whether it is possible to drink coffee, this question becomes more relevant during hot summer days and rest.
We asked Dr. Tatia whether it is allowed to drink coffee during pregnancy and is it recommended to have cold coffee?
"Based on medicine, according to the protocol, a pregnant woman who takes caffeine in large quantities (> 300 mg/day) should limit her daily intake of caffeine to avoid termination of pregnancy and the risk of giving birth a low-birth-weight baby. Caffeine is included in coffee, tea (partially), in soft drinks, chocolate. A cup of coffee contains 60 mg of caffeine, although some brands of coffee contain 150 mg of caffeine in 1 glass, 250 ml of tea or a soft drink
Pregnancy and walk
"Try to walk more along the seaside. During the pregnancy, the need for oxygen increases by 25-30%, so it is recommended that pregnant women walk outdoors at any time of the year, for 1-1.5 hours and always before bedtime. Sea air is very useful. Special exercises are also useful, which will keep you in a good physical shape and mood. You can have fun during pregnancy, but do not forget about sleep (8-9 hours of sleep) "- explains Dr. Tatia.
Pregnancy and suntan, pregnancy and vitamin D
Vitamin D promotes absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc in the intestines. For humans, the most important are vitamins D3 and D2. Synthesized vitamin D, obtained through food and sunlight (in the form of a tan on the skin), is not biologically active. Its activation requires an enzymatic transformation in the liver and kidneys. There are no specific recommendations on the amount of time for the suntan (which would be sufficient to adequately form vitamin D and would not increase the risk of cancer). Nevertheless, in the body of people who are in the sun for a certain time, vitamin D is synthesized in an adequate amount.
"According to the antenatal protocol, pregnant women are not recommended to receive vitamin D supplements. They should take healthy and balanced food. Vitamin D is found in fish, milk, eggs. It should also be noted, it is not recommended to consume liver or its products during pregnancy (since the liver contains a large amount of vitamin A), B6, C, D vitamins, and zinc. In the morning from 10 to 11 hours and in the evening after 16-17 hours, walk and enjoy the sun rays, of course, consider all the safety rules, " she says.
Pregnancy and suntan
Remember that the skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy and becomes as soft as a child's skin. Melanocytes, cells responsible for the production of pigment, are more active and become more sensitive to various irritants, especially sunlight, that is why skin burns, dehydration and the risk of heatstroke increases during pregnancy.
"It is necessary, especially during pregnancy, to protect the skin from direct exposure to sunlight. It is not recommended to stay in the sun for a long time. Use special accessories such as a hat, glasses, t-shirts made of natural cloth, umbrellas, sunscreens with high protection filters. In general, not only during pregnancy, excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays and sunburns contribute to the rapid aging of the skin, reduce the protective mechanisms of the immune system and further increases the risk of developing skin cancers, "says Dr. Tatia
What should be the water temperature for pregnant women?
As the obstetrician-gynecologist explained in an interview with us, the water temperature should be warm, not very cold or hot, since very hot water can cause an increase of the heartbeat, slow blood flow to the placenta. This can be one of the risk factors for abortion.
"The temperature of the water should be equal to the normal body temperature. It is considered that 37 C. is acceptable. Warm water procedures are useful. The water relaxes the spine, hardens back and chest muscles, improves blood circulation and mood, reduces swelling," says the obstetrician-gynecologist.
At what time of pregnancy is it forbidden to swim in the sea?
It is not prohibited but recommended and the best period is the second trimester because in the first trimester the process of attachment of the fetus occurs, therefore it is necessary to be especially cautious to avoid the termination of pregnancy and other risks.
It is better to abstain from active swimming at the end of the 8th month. Of course, this decision is better to be discussed with a personal obstetrician-gynecologist, because he/she knows the general health state of a pregnant woman better than anyone else.
Pregnancy and a mountain resort
A mountain resort, like a seaside resort, is a good place to rest.
Every pregnant woman gets used to the environment in her own way. For some, the sea climate is unacceptable, for some - mountains. Mountain air is especially curative.
"In comparison with the polluted air in the city, the air in the mountains is crystal clear. Also, it is characterized by a low oxygen content. Air is most beneficial in Shuamta (at an altitude of 1200-1500 meters above the sea level).
If the pregnant woman has dizziness, headache, general weakness, if you think that your body receives insufficient oxygen, then it is best to change the environment. Rest in the mountains is associated with an increase in blood pressure, but if the pregnancy goes physiologically and there are no complications, the pregnant woman follows the healthy diet, sleep well, walks, then rest in the mountains does not cause a particular harm.
Before any trip, always consult with your personal doctor, because he/she knows your general health state better than anyone else "says Dr. Tatia.
The clinic “New Life” address: Tbilisi, Digomi Lubliana street №21a
You can contact the Call Center of “New Life” at 577 05 99 00;
If you have some questions, you can contact the obstetrician-gynecologist of the clinic “New Life” Tatia Tskhomelidze at 577 11 91 00;
Wish you health!
The head of the outpatient department and obstetrician-gynecologist of the clinic of the National Center of Surgery "New Life", Tatia Tskhomelidze is talking about this topic.
