When a woman is pregnant, it is imperative that she takes care of both her own health and the health of her unborn child. During pregnancy, it may be necessary for pregnant women to avoid certain restrictions in order to ensure that the baby develops to its maximum potential and that the pregnant woman maintains her health until the delivery of the baby. What are the prohibitions for expectant women? Please review the following article:
Tips for Pregnant Women: What Not to Do
It is possible for pregnant women to continue enjoying their regular activities throughout their pregnancy. Pregnant women, on the other hand, might have to modify some behaviors and make adjustments to their way of life in order to preserve the health of both the mother and the baby.
Following are some activities to avoid during pregnancy:
Eat raw or undercooked foods
If you were a fan of raw or undercooked foods, such as oysters, sashimi, or undercooked eggs, prior to becoming pregnant, it is recommended to avoid doing so during pregnancy. Salmonella and toxoplasmosis, which are dangerous to the baby, can be present in raw foods.
Salmonella is common in raw foods, including unwashed fruit, raw eggs, and undercooked livestock. Symptoms of salmonella infection in pregnant women may include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. In contrast, toxoplasmosis is a condition that results from an infection with the toxoplasma parasite bacteria, which can lead to premature birth, infant mortality, and birth defects.
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Lifting heavy weights
It is recommended for pregnant women to avoid lifting hefty weights. Lifting hefty weights during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature labor, low birth weight, hernias, and pulled muscles.
If you need to lift something, do it correctly. That is, bend at the knees and keep your back straight while you lift from below. There's nothing wrong in asking a friend or family member for assistance if you are not sure of the proper way to lift anything.
Consume unpasteurized raw milk
Consuming unpasteurized fresh milk may increase the risk of being exposed to pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, toxoplasma, and listeria, which can lead to the development of listeriosis. Exposure to these microorganisms in pregnant women can lead to complications in the growth of the baby and premature labor.
Excessive stress
Do not underestimate the impact of stress during pregnancy. High levels of stress during pregnancy can lead to hypertension, therefore increasing the risk of preterm labor, preeclampsia, and delivering an underweight baby.
Emotional stress during pregnancy can have negative effects on cognitive development and lead to difficulties in focusing, attention disorders, behavioral issues, and unpleasant emotions in children.
Smoking and drinking alcohol
Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse are all harmful to physical health, including during pregnancy. Smoking may increase the risk of developing heart and pulmonary disease, as well as pose dangers to the baby, including:
- Premature birth
- Birth defects
- Placental disorders
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Increased risk of blood clotting
Pregnant women are also recommended to avoid being exposed to secondhand smoke, which is the smoke emitted by cigarettes in their surroundings. If a pregnant woman frequently finds herself in a smoking environment throughout pregnancy, it is advisable to consistently use a mask or minimize exposure to cigarette smoke.
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Careless consumption of medication
It is important for pregnant women to be cautious when it comes to the medications they take without restriction. There are some medications that are not suitable for pregnant women to take. It is important to steer clear of the following drugs:
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)
- Most herbal remedies
- ACE inhibitor class of drugs, to treat high blood pressure
- Some cold medicines during the first trimester
- Cold and flu medicine that contains certain ingredients
It is important to consult with a doctor in order to obtain the necessary treatment for pregnant women.
Exposure to animal waste
Becoming the proud owner of a pet, whether it be a dog or a cat, can bring about a sense of joy. On the other hand, pregnant women should exercise caution while handling pet excrement because it has the potential to increase the risk of toxoplasmosis.
While cleaning its mouth or feces, you might unintentionally inhale the toxoplasma parasite. Therefore, you should use caution while handling pet waste or playing with it.
There are numerous prohibitions that pregnant women should avoid in order to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. If you have any concerns regarding pregnancy, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the health of women and children? Click here!
- dr Nadia Opmalina