Pregnancy Do’s and Don’ts
Don’ts of Pregnancy
Don’t smoke
The poisons from smoking such as carbon monoxide and nicotine enter your unborn baby’s body. Smoking has been linked to low birth weight, premature birth, miscarriage and even infant death in severe cases. Smoking can also cause long term health risks for your child – learning disabilities, growth problems, and frequent colds to name a few. Smoking is a total no-no during pregnancy. There are no two ways about it.
Don’t take stress
Stress is a known lifestyle risk for premature labor. Try to stay away from worries. Keep away from avenues which induce a sense of worry. Let your partner deal with the not-so-important issues in life and let him handle the stress. Any amount of stress is not worth it.
Don’t take unknown medication
Whether you are visiting the doctor for a minor ankle sprain, or buying over-the-counter pills for headaches, or you are buying herbal medicines, be very careful and make sure that your healthcare service provider is aware that you are pregnant. Ask your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication.
Don’t drink alcohol
Big night outs, binge drinking, too many shots, all day drinking escapades – forget all of these fun things for at least the year of your pregnancy. This includes prenatal and postnatal care. Heavy drinking is a strict no-no. Alcohol will reach your baby through the blood stream. It is a toxin and can have severe side effects. We really don’t know what the ‘safe levels’ are when it comes to consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The message is clear – to be safe, avoid alcohol!
Don’t change a cat’s litter box
A disease called Toxoplasmosis can be contracted via cat feces. Your feline friend may have the parasite which causes the disease in their system which you can inadvertently ingest if the parasite comes in contact with your hands. A slight brush of the hands across the mouth can lead to ingestion of the parasite. Here is the good news – you don’t have to give up on your two-eyed fur ball, just let your partner do the dirty work for a change.
Pregnancy will always remain the most precious and beautiful period of your life. Cherish it, so that you have a healthy baby. Even one mistake in pregnancy care can adversely affect the life of your bundle of joy.
