During pregnancy, it’s important to eat healthily, avoid certain foods, exercise, and take prenatal multivitamins. However, there may be other surprising things to consider.
Before the arrival of your newborn, it is your duty to ensure their growth in a nurturing and healthy environment. The following set of guidelines regarding pregnancy do’s and don’ts can provide clarity on which aspects require attention and which ones should not cause undue concern.
Don’t smoke
Babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have lower birth weight and a greater risk for learning disabilities. These children are also more likely to try smoking at a young age and become regular smokers earlier due to physiological nicotine addiction.
Don’t drink alcohol
Alcohol can significantly affect your baby’s development and may cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in newborns if consumed during pregnancy.
Symptoms of FAS include:
- infant with low birth weight
- learning disabilities
- behavior problems
- lagging patterns in terms of growth and development milestones
Even small quantities of alcohol can pose a concern. It seems that there is no safe threshold for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
If you require assistance in ceasing alcohol consumption while pregnant, it is advisable to promptly consult your physician. Seeking help at the earliest opportunity is likely to contribute to the improved health of your baby.
Refrain from Consuming Deli Meat
Deli meats, such as hot dogs, sausages, smoked salmon, and other cured meats, have the potential to cause foodborne illnesses, such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. The slicing of these meats increases the surface area for bacterial growth, making thorough cooking crucial to reduce the associated risks.
Additionally, consuming pasteurized (not raw) milk and cheese is important. Furthermore, the practice of washing produce is essential for eliminating harmful bacteria.
Avoid Consuming Unpasteurized Dairy Products
Calcium is crucial for babies’ growth. Pregnant women should avoid getting calcium from unpasteurized dairy like raw milk as it may contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria, posing serious risks including illness, miscarriage, and life-threatening consequences.
Don’t sit in a hot tub or sauna
Though relaxing, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, and saunas can be dangerous for expecting mothers, as research suggests that using them during the first trimester may double the risk of miscarriage. Soaking in hot water can raise body temperature and lead to problems with the baby, including an increased risk of birth defects.
Avoid Contact Sports
Contact sports during pregnancy can raise the likelihood of placental abruption, a serious condition that can lead to preterm birth, pregnancy loss, or stillbirth. Pregnant individuals are more susceptible to injury due to hormonal changes that loosen the ligaments in the body.
Changing a litter box
Pregnant people should avoid changing their litter box. Cleaning dirty litter boxes can put a person at risk of toxoplasmosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, if a pregnant person passes toxoplasmosis to the fetus, the baby may develop severe symptoms, including:
- blindness
- intellectual disabilities
- brain damage
- eye damage
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