When a woman is pregnant, there are no hard and fast rules as to what they can or cannot do apart from consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes or marijuana. As every woman is different what may be problematic for one may not be for the other.
However, to ensure the health of you and your baby, here are a few things you should avoid when you are pregnant.
Some Food Items
The first thing that starts the Don’ts is food. You should avoid uncooked seafood and raw meat. Also, avoid rare or undercooked beef. They can be contaminated with salmonella and toxoplasmosis. Deli meat is also a no-no as it can be affected with listeria. It is a bacterium that can cross the placenta and impact the development of the body. This can lead to food poisoning as well.
Do not have fish with high levels of mercury or smoked seafood either. Be wary of food items that contain raw eggs, they can risk salmonella. soft cheeses and unpasteurized dairy can contain listeria. Focus on lean proteins, healthy fats, water, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant as well as a diuretic. This means that you will risk heart rate and blood pressure increase. Also since caffeine crosses the placenta, try to avoid it. Take it into moderate amounts such as 150- 300 milligrams in a day. Caffeine is also found in sodas, chocolate, and some medications.
Hot Tubs and Saunas
Relaxing in a hot tub might seem ideal to relieve yourself of your aches and pains. However, exposing the body to elevated temperature during the first trimester can lead to birth defects. Rather than a hot tub, go for a warm bath.
Secondhand Smoke
Whether you smoke cigarettes or weed acquired from weed dispensary Vaughan. It is not good for the baby. There are about 4000 chemicals in secondhand smoke and some of them cause cancer as well. The baby can be at a risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth weight, SIDS, or learning or behavioral issues in the child.
As for marijuana, even if it's medical, it should be avoided. Although any expecting woman who is feeling queasy or lost appetite would want to try anything, even marijuana to feel better and treat nausea. It is not safe for the baby due to the active THC. It can affect a baby’s development. Also if they have no problem at birth, they might get problems as they get older.
Alcohol
Since alcohol passes quickly from your bloodstream to the placenta, see that you avoid all kinds of beer, wine, and liquor during pregnancy. It can mess up the baby’s brain and organ development. Alcohol consumption can lead to birth defects, brain damage, premature birth, stillbirth, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Exposure to Wet Paint
There is a likelihood of toxicity due to paint exposure. That’s why it is recommended to avoid it. The chemicals and solvents in the paint determine the toxicity and exposure of the paint. Although household paints have low exposure levels, you should reduce your contact with the fumes.
Stilettos
Only wear heels with a 3-inch heel or less. Wedges, platforms, or kitten heels work the best. Your center of gravity changes when your belly grows. So, you will have an unsteady balance to an extent.
Some medications
There are a few medications that can harm your baby. So, before taking any prescription medication or over the counter meds, talk to your doctor.
Believing Everything You Hear or Read
There is tons of contradictory information in books, magazines, and even online. Do not believe everything that you read or listen to. Be reasonable and in case of confusion, talk to your doctor.
Kitty Litter
Wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling litter. Cat feces carry a rare parasitic disease, toxoplasmosis. Get someone else to change it for you. Also, gardening or eating raw meat increases the likeliness of contracting this disease.
Standing or Sitting Too Much
Do not sit or stand for too long. It can lead to issues. Take short breaks in between and move around.
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