What to Avoid While Pregnant

Share

Print

Save to My Bee

Many women often acknowledge that pregnancy is one of the most joyous periods in their lives, with the excitement and expectation of the arrival of a new member of the family. Nevertheless, pregnancy also brings with it numerous risks associated with food and drinks, exercise and other physical activities, medicines, and more. A pregnant woman needs to have thorough knowledge regarding what to avoid while pregnant.

The following is an overview of the chores to avoid not only during a specific trimester but also throughout the entire pregnancy, in order to ensure a safe and healthy maternity for both the mother and the child.

Tasks That Involve Paint and Solvents

Exposure to chemicals contained in paint and solvents can lead to Gastroschisis, a condition where the baby's intestines protrude through an opening in the abdomen. Aside from that, paint and solvent can also contribute to brain damage for the unborn infant. Although it is unlikely that a one-time exposure would endanger the child, a pregnant woman should not take chances. Thus, chores to avoid that are linked to this risk include cleaning out a garage where such materials may be stored, peeling off old paint, and interior decoration or remodeling.

Cleaning the Oven

Oven cleaners contain toxic substances that can harm an unborn baby. The fumes expelled through the cleaning process can also lead to dizziness on the part of the pregnant woman, and in extreme instances may cause her to be injured from a fall if rendered unconscious by the chemicals.

Cleaning Floors, Toilets, and Rooms with Disinfectants, Pesticides, and Similar Chemicals

The powerful chemicals in pesticides and cleaning agents can affect an unborn child's nervous system, particularly if exposure occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy when the baby's bodily organs are rapidly developing but extremely vulnerable.

Lifting and Moving Heavy Furniture

Carrying and moving heavy fixtures around the house can lead to physical exhaustion and overexertion. It increases the risk of premature birth. Moreover, it exposes both mother and child to physical injury.

Changing Cat Litter Boxes

In a household where there are no cats, this is obviously not a threat. But for those pregnant house owners who do have cats, cleaning or changing the litter box presents a serious danger from a condition called Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease transmitted from animals to humans. It causes birth defects or miscarriages.

These are generally what to avoid while pregnant. In the event that they are unavoidable, it is advised that necessary precautions should be taken, such as providing plenty of ventilation around the area, wearing protective clothing, gloves, nose and mouth covers, and taking plenty of rests between tasks. However, as much as possible, risky chores to be avoided during pregnancy should be assigned to other family members in order to ensure a safe and healthy maternity.