Tips for pregnancy

Fresh air does you good

Recharge your batteries! Get outside in the fresh air – it’s invigorating and helps banish tiredness.

Diet during pregnancy

Eat a healthy and balanced diet – high-quality carbohydrates, healthy fats, sufficient protein and fruit and vegetables. Make sure you drink plenty of water or unsweetened tea. You should also watch how much sugar you eat and don’t eat double portions. Although your energy requirements are a bit higher, you don’t need to eat for two. Read about which foods you should avoid during pregnancy.

Harmful substances for unborn babies

Before taking any medicines, ask your doctor whether they are safe for women during pregnancy. This also applies to herbal supplements such as valerian. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and drugs as these substances have a very harmful effect on your unborn child. A smoke-free environment is best for your baby.

Prevent toxoplasmosis

The infectious disease toxoplasmosis is transmitted by small parasites and is harmless for most people. Symptoms are mild and usually disappear within a few weeks. During pregnancy, however, you should avoid getting the disease for the first time as it can be passed on to your unborn child. Anyone who has already been infected – in Switzerland, this is about one-third of all women of child-bearing age – will have the antibodies. The disease is usually contracted by eating meat or poultry that is raw or not cooked properly. So, during pregnancy it’s best to avoid these, and expectant mums should wash their hands and kitchen utensils thoroughly when processing raw meat.

Cats and toxoplasmosis

The toxoplasmosis parasite multiplies in cat intestines. So, if you have a cat at home, it’s best to leave the cleaning of the litter tray to someone else. Or use gloves. Cat owners must be particularly careful about hygiene during pregnancy.

Physical activity and sport

Get moving! Regular sport and exercise is also recommended during pregnancy – as long as your doctor gives the OK. Strength and stamina will also help you get through your pregnancy as smoothly as possible. But don’t push yourself to the limit. Suitable sports during pregnancy are yoga, swimming, cycling and walking.

Breaks instead of stress

Stress can have a negative impact on pregnancy, so it’s a good idea to take breaks several times a day. Put your feet up, read a book, take a nap or enjoy a spa break.

Travel and holidays

If you feel good, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t travel while pregnant. The second trimester is the best time to take longer trips, because most women are full of energy then. You can also fly during the first trimester, but you should talk to your doctor first. Generally speaking, longer journeys, whether by car or by plane, can be exhausting in both the first and last trimester of pregnancy.

Employer and labour law

Inform your employer that you’re pregnant. It’s best to do so from the second trimester, when the risk of a miscarriage is lower. Familiarise yourself with the pertinent points of the labour law (Art 35ff ArG) so you know when you can take time off in case of sickness or exhaustion.

Comfortable clothes and shoes

You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe or only go out of the house in a tracksuit, but it’s a good idea not to wear tight clothes or high heels. Flat shoes help you maintain a healthy posture and reduce the risk of leg cramps and back pain.

Look after your body

Take good care of yourself. Regularly rub cream on your body, especially your stomach, hips and thighs. As well as being like a mini spa treatment for you, it also helps prevent stretch marks and makes the skin more elastic. This will help it regenerate better after the birth.

Take care of your teeth

Take even greater care when cleaning your teeth during pregnancy as they are more susceptible to decay at this time, and gum inflammation or poor oral hygiene are risk factors for premature delivery. Hormones loosen the body’s tissues, which is why pregnant women suffer more from bleeding or inflammation of the gums. You should make an appointment to see your dental hygienist and use a soft toothbrush. And don’t bleach your teeth during pregnancy.