If you’re expecting, you’re probably hoping to hear a lot more “yes” in your life. Unfortunately, there are quite a few “no”s that come with that positive pregnancy test result. Most women can continue with their everyday activities during pregnancy and only need to make some minor lifestyle changes. There are a few products or lifestyle habits pregnant women and their partners should be cautious of during pregnancy. Not only does your body change while carrying your new addition, but the way you live also needs to change to make sure that little peanut is safe.
Here’s a list of the big no-no’s to avoid when you have a bun in the oven:
Changing a litter box or cleaning cats’ poop
You can change the litter box safely while you’re pregnant, but it’s better to have someone else do this chore if possible.
Cleaning dirty litter boxes can put a person at risk of toxoplasmosis. The parasite called Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) can be found in cat faeces or soil — or cat litter that is contaminated with infected cat faeces. If you had toxoplasmosis in the past, you’re generally considered immune, which can protect your unborn child from getting the infection. But if you first get toxoplasmosis when you’re pregnant, it’s possible you could get sick and pass the illness on to your baby. And if a baby catches toxoplasmosis in the early stages of pregnancy, it can cause serious birth defects, the baby may develop severe symptoms, including blindness,
intellectual disabilities, brain damage and
eye damage. Hence a pregnant woman should avoid changing a litter box.
Cleaning products
Check the labels of cleaning products to make sure there are no safety warnings for pregnant women. Harsh chemical solvents in many detergents and cleaning agents can trigger concerns during pregnancy.
Dry cleaning involves a strong organic solvent known as tetrachloroethylene which can lead to a miscarriage or birth defects if exposed to for longer periods.
Some mothballs and toilet deodorant cakes contain a substance called naphthalene. Exposure to very large amounts of naphthalene can damage blood cells, leading to a condition called haemolytic anaemia. It can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Newborn babies are particularly at risk of it. If you use cleaning products, glues, paint or any other household chemicals, follow the safety directions on the label. Make sure the room is well ventilated when you are cleaning — open windows and doors.
Unpasteurised products
There have been many reports lately that are suggesting that the process of pasteurization kills essential nutrients in milk and juices. However, when pregnant, it is better to take precautions and not consume unpasteurized beverages.
Soft imported cheeses like brie, feta, Gorgonzola, Camembert, Roquefort, and Mexican-style cheeses are all no-gos unless they say they’re made with pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized bowls of milk and cheeses put you at risk of Listeria, which is a nasty bacteria that can make pregnant women really sick. Unhygienic food can trigger unnecessary foodborne illnesses in not only you but also your family. Ensure that everyone living with you is also consuming hygienically prepared foods as an added precaution.
Raw eggs
Eggs that aren’t fully cooked put you at risk. Pregnant women should avoid any foods that may contain raw eggs, such as unbaked cookie dough or homemade Caesar salad dressing. Soft-boiled or raw eggs may carry salmonella bacteria, so it’s not a good idea to eat them while you are pregnant. Salmonella poisoning will not directly harm your baby, but it can make you very sick. You could have severe vomiting and diarrhoea, stomach pain, very high temperature and headache
dehydration. If you’re eating out or shopping from a bakery or market, it’s best not to buy sorbets, ice creams, meringues, mousses, and mayonnaise or desserts such as tiramisu. These foods often contain raw eggs. To reduce your risk of getting salmonella, thoroughly cook eggs until both the yolk and white are solid. Follow these guidelines :
- Boil a medium-sized egg for at least seven minutes.
- Fry eggs on both sides.
- Poach eggs until the white is completely set and opaque and the yolk is firm. This will take about five minutes for a medium-sized egg.
Gardening issues
Gardening while pregnant is an enjoyable way to get the exercise you need to stay healthy during pregnancy, but this form of exercise isn’t without risk. However, there are certain risks associated with gardening that you need to be aware of when you are pregnant. For pregnant women, gardening increases the risk of exposure to chemicals, such as herbicides and insecticides, are also risk factors for pregnant women gardening. An unborn child’s brain and nervous system develop rapidly, and significant exposure during this critical time can impact the baby’s development. Some tips to be safe are:
- Wear gloves, long sleeves, and long pants in the garden to avoid exposure to contaminated soil and chemicals. Take care not to touch your face, eyes, or mouth with dirty sleeves or gloves.
- Leave spraying and heavy lifting for someone else.
- Use of non-chemical methods to control garden insects and diseases
- Stay indoors while chemicals are sprayed in the garden.
