Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation for most couples. And while there aren’t many things that pregnant women can’t do during pregnancy; A few lifestyle changes need to be implemented so that the health of the baby and the mother is not compromised in any way. The first four months of pregnancy are supercritical, so extreme care should be taken during this period as the chances of miscarriage and miscarriage are also very high. This article focuses on things that every woman should avoid during pregnancy, depending on her risk factor.Also read – Health Tips: 5 Ways to Manage Diabetes This Summer
Food and drink
Nutrients are needed for the growth and development of the fetus. This is mainly derived from the mother’s diet, which is why a proper balanced diet is important during this time. In addition to focusing on a healthy and nutritious diet, so that the organogenesis (development) of the fetus can take place easily, the diet needs to be rich in vitamins and proteins to help in blood formation. During pregnancy, it is important to focus on home-cooked meals that are fresh and nutritious and reduce the intake of junk and processed foods that are high in calories and do not provide any nutrients. Here are some things a woman should avoid during pregnancy. Also read – 6 New Ways to Improve Your Summer Health
Drinking alcohol – high risk
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is not only dangerous but also irresponsible. If a woman is pregnant and drinking alcohol, it crosses the placenta and affects the fetus and causes fetal alcohol syndrome. These include disorders such as physical abnormalities, intellectual disabilities, behavioral problems, seizures, impaired growth, developmental delays and loss of coordination and fine motor skills in the unborn child. Research on how safe it is to consume alcohol during pregnancy has not yet been conclusively proven, so it is best to avoid drinking alcohol throughout the period. Also read – Health Tips: 4 nutritious and strong foods to keep you fit and healthy
Food items to avoid:
Fish items such as fish, unpasteurized food, raw eggs and sprouts are fraught with dangers. A small amount of mercury is commonly found in almost all food items and this is not dangerous. However, fish contain relatively high levels of mercury, which can be dangerous as it can affect a child’s vision and hearing. Larger fish such as swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel are best avoided; However if you like to eat fish you can eat small fish like cod, tilapia, shrimp and salmon. Other foods that a woman should avoid during pregnancy include:
- Unpasteurized foods, including juices and dairy: Unpasteurized products (especially dairy products and juices) can sometimes contain Listeria and other bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
- Raw eggs: Raw eggs contain salmonella. In addition to raw eggs, pregnant women should avoid any foods that contain raw eggs, such as baked cookie flour or homemade Caesar salad dressing.
- Some soft cheeses: Some types of soft cheeses contain unpasteurized dairy, mainly imported soft cheeses such as Brie, Feta and Queso Blanco.
- Lunchmeat and deli salads: Daily meats and foods, such as pre-made chicken salads, may contain listeria which can reach the fetus and be fatal.
- Raw meat and fish: Raw meat and fish, including sushi and raw oysters, sometimes contain Salmonella and Toxoplasma gondii. Pregnant women are at increased risk of contracting these pathogens, which can lead to dehydration, fever, and intrauterine sepsis (blood infections), which can be fatal to the entire fetus.
- Papaya and Sprouts: When eaten in semi-ripe or unripe form, some fruits like papaya can lead to health problems and harm the baby. Make sure all fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed and cleaned before use. When it comes to sprouts, it is best to consume them when they are fully cooked. To avoid health risks, it is best to germinate these at home instead of buying them from the market
Caffeine – Moderate Risk:
Moderate amounts of caffeine are considered okay during pregnancy, remember it can pass through the placenta. Some studies suggest that high doses of caffeine may cause miscarriage, although these data have not yet been confirmed. To prevent any complications, caffeine intake should be limited, and women should switch to naturally caffeine-free beverages such as herbal teas, milk and water to meet their hydration needs.
Drugs- High risk
Medications and supplements, both prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC), are dangerous to take during pregnancy. This is because the unborn baby in the womb shares the blood supply with the mother, and if the drugs pass through the bloodstream, it can cross the placenta and have a detrimental effect on the baby’s health. No prescription is 100% safe to take during pregnancy, but some are necessary – and more secure than others. If a woman must take medication during periods, be sure to do so only after checking with a doctor or gynecologist. Also, if a woman is taking medication with a doctor’s prescription, she should not stop just because she is pregnant but should consult a doctor for a course of future treatment.
Other Risks – Medium and High Risk:
- Do not go for any Botox treatment during pregnancy. This is because, during Botox treatment, toxins are introduced into your bloodstream, which is avoided until the baby is born. Avoid any beauty treatments including tanning salons, hot stone treatments, body wraps and saunas or steam rooms in which the woman needs to be exposed to high or concentrated heat levels.
- With the approval of a specialized doctor, a pregnant woman can maintain a safe exercise routine during pregnancy. However, risky sports activities such as skiing, horse riding or ice skating should be avoided. Also, remember that sports like soccer, baseball and tennis, where the chances of getting hit in the abdomen are high, should be avoided during pregnancy. Remember, keep moving as much as possible, because it is not good to sit or sleep for long.
- Smoking is dangerous for everyone and so much more if the person is pregnant and can result in bad consequences like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Premature Delivery and Childhood Asthma. Remember that second hand smoke is also dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
- Pregnant women should avoid situations in which there is unnecessary contact with X-rays and products containing lead, mercury and pesticides – these are associated with congenital malformations and miscarriages, so it is best to avoid them.
- As the abdomen grows in pregnant women, their center of gravity changes. In such a situation they can sometimes find themselves a little shaky on their feet. For better comfort in such a situation it is best to avoid heels and choose flat and flip-flops
- Remember, as a woman you should enjoy the duration of your pregnancy. Even if you miss doing some of the activities listed above or have a craving for food, these activities will be available soon, once the pregnancy period is over. More importantly, be sure to consult your doctor if you have any concerns and need any additional input.
(Inputs by Dr. Sushma Tomar, Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan)
