7 Important Precautions To Take During Pregnancy

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During the whole period of 40 weeks of pregnancy, the first three months are always considered crucial as the fetus develops its primary organs during this period. Pregnant women are generally told a list of dos and don’ts during their first trimester, as it is considered the most vulnerable time for the baby. However, there are certain things that need to be followed throughout the period of pregnancy to safeguard the health of both the mother and the child.

1. Don’t Bend And Lift Heavy Objects

The moment you announce the arrival of a new member of your family, this advice comes first before everything else. Although we are hearing it for ages, most people do not give much thought to why pregnant women should not lift heavy objects.

When a woman conceives, her bones and ligaments tend to loosen up, and her joints are not as stable as they were before. So when you carry anything more than 20 pounds, you are more likely to trip and fall.

Also, when your belly grows as you progress in your pregnancy, your centre of gravity moves forward, which puts more pressure on your lower back. Another reason is that when you bend and lift heavier objects, a significant amount of pressure may be placed on your baby which can induce premature labour.

Also Read: Pregnancy Pillow: What Is It & Why Do You Need It?

2. Avoid Long-Distance Travelling During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, when you travel long distances, this may increase the risk of miscarriage. As we know, the fetus gains its fundamental growth in the first 3 months and wobbling due to travel can disturb fetal development, which may result in miscarriage. Morning sickness is more common during the initial months of pregnancy, which can be problematic when travelling long distances.

As you progress towards the time of labour, it is advisable to avoid travelling. When you pass your 37th week of gestation, your water bag will become weaker and more vulnerable to withstand the jiggling caused by travel. While the safest period to travel during gestation is considered the second trimester, some women can develop certain infections like UTIs, so they should avoid travelling as well.

3. Avoid Smoking And Alcohol Drinking During Pregnancy

As it has been scientifically proven that smoking and the consumption of alcohol have a lot of repercussions for the child, complete avoidance of alcohol is advised by the WHO during pregnancy. The problem is that there is no safe level of consuming alcohol, so it is strongly advised to steer away from alcoholic beverages, including wine and champagne.

Smoking can lead to serious health issues for babies in the womb. Babies born to moms who smoke and consume alcohol may weigh less than babies born to moms who do not drink and smoke. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can also result from smoking and drinking during pregnancy.

Also Read: Pregnancy and Partying I What you need to know?

4. Give Up Caffeine And Other Carbonated Drinks

Ideally, we should all be avoiding caffeine as it causes sleeping problems, nervousness, anxiety, irritation and other heart-related issues. During pregnancy, giving up caffeine helps mothers and children stay away from many health issues. Likewise, carbonated drinks also contain toxins and chemicals which can hamper the growth of the child. Opt for fresh juices, smoothies, or water instead.

5. Say No To Junk And Processed Food

All packaged foods contain chemical agents to preserve colour, texture and flavours added. When these processed foods are consumed by women during pregnancy, they can affect the child adversely. These additives may increase the risk of hormonal imbalances and long-term health issues. Junk food is also not advised to be eaten during pregnancy period.

6. Don’t Take Any Unprescribed Medicines

As a layman, we are unlikely to know how the chemical composition may affect your body. Many of the pills and syrup we tend to take contain alcoholic content and other chemicals, which can be harmful to your unborn baby.

Before taking any pills (even the ones taken by you very frequently), ask your doctor. Physicians also advise avoiding any over-the-counter pills during pregnancy.

7. Avoid Fishes That Contain High Mercury Levels And Seafood

Fish and other seafood are considered excellent sources of protein and many nutrients that your body needs. Fish that are high in mercury levels shark, swordfish and king mackerel, should be cut down during pregnancy. Though fish like tuna are popular as they are rich in Omega 3, consumption should be limited to 2 to 3 times a week.

Other kinds of seafood like crabs, shrimp, prawns, starfish and lobsters can cause allergic reactions to your skin. Certain seafood may trigger allergic reactions, producing agents in your body and activating unwanted acid secretion.

Besides this, the freshness of seafood, which reaches the market only after several days, is also questionable.  So these foods are preserved with a chemical, which is again harmful to you and your baby. When you do prefer to have fish, then choose freshly caught fish from trusted sources.

Conclusion

There are a number of emotions you must be feeling when you find out that you are pregnant. You will become completely cautious about everything around you. But remember, one step at a time, there’s no need to stress yourself out. Enjoy each phase of your pregnancy, whether it’s happy or painful. You are a strong woman, and you’ll be an even stronger mother.

Were you aware of these precautions during pregnancy? Did you follow these precautions during your pregnancy? Share below!!

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