Important Things to Avoid During Your Pregnancy

Wondering what to avoid in pregnancy? There are several things that pregnant women should not do to ensure the health and safety of their developing baby. Let’s discuss this in detail.

Pregnancy is a beautiful yet critical journey for every woman. It is a time full of excitement and joy for you and your family. In this stage, your body experiences distinct changes and this is why you must take some precautions for a healthy pregnancy. During these nine months, you have to make some changes to your daily routine to keep you and your little one healthy.

To have a healthy pregnancy, you must schedule regular visits with your gynaecologist, follow a nutrition-rich diet, and avoid alcohol, smoking, and certain activities to ensure the health of you and your baby.

Let’s take you through what to avoid in pregnancy:

01. Heavy Lifting

It is advisable to avoid carrying heavy objects during pregnancy. Carrying heavy objects and prolonged sitting can lead to preterm labour, low birth weight, and muscle strains. Therefore, you should ask for help from others during your pregnancy when carrying heavy objects.

02. Too Much Caffeine

Caffeine is a chemical mostly found in tea, coffee, energy drinks, and cola that affects the nervous system and causes irritability and sleeplessness. A large amount of caffeine consumption increases the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. However, 300 mg of daily caffeine intake is appropriate, a quantity greater than this is considered harmful to the foetus.

03. Smoking

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy complications. Smoking damages the tissue, lung, and brain of the unborn baby. Tobacco smoke containing carbon monoxide can harm an unborn baby and also keep the developing baby from getting enough oxygen.

Some of the problems associated with smoking during pregnancy include low birth weight, miscarriage, early birth, and placental problems. Try to quit smoking, as it is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your baby.

You may also like this: Pregnancy care: Why antenatal check-ups are essential during pregnancy? (thegyneclinic.com)

04. Intense Activity

Regular exercise during pregnancy comes with multiple benefits. However, some exercises are not suitable for pregnant women and should be avoided to prevent miscarriage.

Activities that pose a high risk of falling and abdominal injury, such as cycling, jogging, and running, are a big no for pregnant women. Although there are some exercises like walking and low-impact aerobic classes that you can perform to keep your mind and body healthy.

05. Medications

Ask your healthcare provider before taking any medicine, as it may cause harm to you and your baby. Some medicines without prescriptions may cross the placenta and reach the developing baby. Some medicines, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), must be avoided by pregnant women. This leads to adverse effects such as congenital disabilities or other pregnancy complications.

06. Certain Foods

Some foods should be avoided during pregnancy as they might harm your baby and make you ill. Pregnant women should be more cautious about their diet. You should eat freshly prepared food for you and your developing baby’s good health. Certain foods should be avoided while pregnant, including the following:

-Uncooked meat

-Pre-packaged salads

-Alcohol

-Raw eggs

-Unwashed fruits and vegetables

-Some cheeses, including pasteurised or unpasteurized soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, and Chevre.

-Raw sprouts

-Junk foods

Conclusion

During pregnancy, it is very important to avoid certain things that can harm your body and the developing baby. We have discussed some activities, such as exercises, including jogging and running, and that heavy lifting should be avoided during these days. When you’re pregnant, it is essential to take care of your diet. Start consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, which provide nutrition for your baby.

For a healthy pregnancy, consult Dr. Neha Gupta, the best Gynecologist and Obstetrician in Noida, for expert prenatal care and guidance.