It is necessary to eat well during pregnancy, as it not only benefits the mother but it also benefits the child in long run. Good diet, proper exercise, and sound mental health along with other factors mentioned below are all that are required for safe pregnancy.

Fast food which is a cause of obesity can also give rise to complication during pregnancy. A pregnant woman requires 300 calories more than her usual caloric requirement. However diet plan should be decided by a consultant. Food that can cause obesity should be avoided. A research has shown that eating food high in fat and sugar during pregnancy can rewire your baby’s brain and turn them into a junk food addict even before birth. Due to many electronic instruments like washing machine and mixer for household work, today’s women are hardly exposed to exercise. Further late marriages cause complications in pregnancy. All these factor have increased the number of patients opting for caesarean. However, avoiding caesarean can be beneficial both for baby and mother in future. Mothers who had surgical deliveries have a much higher risk of experiencing dangerous problems with placenta. Further folic acid supplement are good in the first trimester. Omega 3, vitamin D3, and calcium too are useful.

Pregnant women with diabetes should take special precautions since kidney and other organs are likely to be afflicted. This is because diabetes during pregnancy affects glomeruli filtration rate.

According to the study published in Journal Environment International, exposure to metals like nickel , arsenic, cobalt and lead can disturb women’s harmone during pregnancy. They can cause preeclampsia in women and also problems at birth such as pre term birth and low birth weight in babies.

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of prematurity spontaneous abortion and perinatal mortality and hence should be better avoided. Further babies of women who smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk of obesity irrespective of their mother’s weight.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy causes low birth weight, and learning and behavioral disorders.

Pregnant women should avoid coffee since it contains caffeine. However if one is used to coffee , they can have one cup of coffee. Further tea and chocolate too contains caffeine. Hence one should not over do with tea and chocolates. They should also avoid Green tea since it increases the metabolic rate and affects digestion.

Papaya has magnesium , potassium, niacin, protein and natural fiber, however unripe papaya should be avoided during pregnancy. Un Ripe can cause uterine contractions leading to early labor.

As far as Air travel is concerned decision depends on various factors. Will the flight have frequent rest breaks, whether you will be able to eat and drink fluid well, further how stressful will be the journey and lastly how important is the journey.

As far as the car travel is concerned pregnant women should avoid driving long distance and the seat belt should not be tight.

Liquorice which is a confectionary flavored with the liquorice plants root extract should be avoided by expectant mothers

Proper prenatal oral care is necessary since there is link between gum disease and premature underweight birth

In the first three months of pregnancy x-rays, dental anesthetics, plain medications and antibiotics should be avoided unless highly necessary.

Another research concludes cell phones during pregnancy can cause behavioral problems to her offspring. The study also found that the risk is even higher if the offspring starts using mobiles themselves by the time they are seven.

Further a proper sleep is required by mother. Sleep not only is required for good mental health but lack of proper sleep in last trimester may lead to obesity in offspring. Further the would be mothers should not lie flat on their back for a long period of time. Sleep on the left side to allow for the best blood flow to the fetus and to one’s uterus and kidneys. Further there are pregnancy mattresses and pillows to help you sleep better. Further exposure to air pollution by mothers can lead to respiratory disorders in the offspring’s.