Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. You are creating a new life, and your body is growing and changing to accommodate this new person. However, it can also be quite challenging, especially when dealing with common carelessness during pregnancy. Here are some things that many women do during pregnancy but should be avoided at all costs:
No Dieting
Dieting during pregnancy is a bad idea for several reasons. First, it can cause you to lose weight too quickly and gain it back after the baby is born. Losing weight too fast can lead to health problems for you and your baby. And if you gain weight in unhealthy ways, such as eating junk food or sugary drinks instead of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, this could increase the risk of certain birth defects.
Additionally, dieting during pregnancy may make it harder for some women to get pregnant again after their first baby is born. Women who diet during their first trimester are less likely to conceive within one year than those who did not diet during this period.
If you’re trying for another child but aren’t getting pregnant because there’s something wrong with one or both of your fallopian tubes, consider putting off any big changes.
Avoid Toxins
There are several ways to avoid toxins in your environment. First, you should ensure that the air you breathe is as clean as possible by using an air purifier. If possible, try using natural cleaning products instead of chemical-based ones at home. Avoid smoking or using marijuana during pregnancy. Both are harmful to developing babies’ brains and bodies.
Look into what ingredients go into the personal care products you use daily, especially those that come into contact with eyes or genitals. If they contain parabens or phthalates, opt for brands free of these chemicals.
Avoid Painkillers and Non-Prescription Medicines
Painkillers and non-prescription medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are not recommended during pregnancy. They can harm the baby’s development, especially when used in large quantities or over a long period. The risk of harm is even higher if you take more than one painkiller.
Many people are unaware that acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause autism and ADHD in children. However, according to the CDC, approximately 10% of kids between 6-11 years have been diagnosed with ADHD during their school careers.
A report by FDA states that taking too much Tylenol (acetaminophen) can cause liver damage. At the same time, news published in Insider claims that the daily dose of Tylenol for pregnant women must not exceed 3,000 mg.
You may be aware of the recent lawsuit filed against Johnson & Johnson. In a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, it was alleged that there is a causal link between exposure to Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy and autism and ADHD in children. In addition, the Tylenol ADHD lawsuit claims that J&J knew about this link but did not warn consumers about these risks.
Also, avoid herbal remedies such as ginseng or chaparral tea; these have been linked to miscarriage and stillbirths. If you need some relief from joint pain during pregnancy, try alternatives such as heat therapy, rest, and relaxation exercises like yoga or tai chi.
No Caffeine
Caffeine can affect the fetus and cause miscarriage. Studies have shown that exposure to caffeine during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, stillbirths, and a more than 50 percent chance of miscarriage.
Avoiding caffeine is especially important for women pregnant with twins or multiples. Excessive consumption of coffee could lead to one or both babies being born prematurely. In addition, healthy pregnancies require a great amount of energy. The last thing you want is for your baby’s development to be harmed by something as simple as having too much caffeine.
Avoid Stress
There are a lot of things that can cause stress, but the main point is that stress isn’t good for you. Stress can cause you to eat, drink, and smoke more. You also get less sleep and don’t exercise as much. According to Statista, nearly 25.8% of women in the US had a mental illness in the past due to stress.
It means that when you are expecting a child, you must try not to let yourself feel stressed out all the time. Instead, take some time off work, if possible, until after your baby is born and then take it easy for a few weeks post-delivery before returning to full-time employment again.
If you’re having a hard time dealing with stress, you can do many things to help. One thing is to try talking about your problems with someone who understands what you are going through. You may also want to consider seeing a professional counselor or therapist who can help you work out some of these issues before they start causing problems in your life.
No Smoking or Alcohol
You can avoid two things at all costs during pregnancy, smoking and alcohol. First, the effects of nicotine and alcohol on the developing fetus are well documented, with studies suggesting that they can have a tremendous impact on fetal development.
A study supported by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program says that smoking before or during pregnancy was consistently associated with ASD traits, causing symptoms of social impairments. Another study found that children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy were more likely to be overweight later in life.
Avoid Exposure to Germs and Sickness
You should stay away from people who are sick. Even though you may be excited to meet and greet everyone, your body isn’t ready for the germ-filled environment of a party or other social gathering. The last thing you want to do is contract an illness that could harm your growing baby.
Washing hands often is one of the easiest ways to avoid getting sick while pregnant. But, unfortunately, germs can be everywhere, like on door handles, grocery carts, restaurant menus, etc.
Don’t share food or drinks with others. There’s nothing worse than picking up a piece of cheese from someone else’s plate. It can contain harmful bacteria that could make you feel ill if consumed by an expecting mother or her unborn child.
It is Important to Stay Healthy During Pregnancy
You may have heard the phrase “eating for two” during your pregnancy, but did you know that it is necessary to be careful about what you eat and drink? Also, do not forget that while having a healthy diet is necessary for the first trimester of pregnancy, it becomes more so as the delivery date nears.
It is, therefore, crucial to stay healthy during pregnancy by eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients from all food groups.
It is necessary to stay healthy during pregnancy. It will allow your body to grow and develop properly for you and your baby. Discussed above are some of the most common mistakes which can harm your baby and lead to critical health conditions later in life, such as diabetes and obesity. Ensure you avoid these mistakes while planning your pregnancy.