Pregnancy can be one of the most sensitive phases a woman will experience throughout her life. There are many activities that women have to avoid and foods that should be taken in moderation. This is for a reason, as pregnant women are more exposed to illnesses and viruses that are usually okay when they are not pregnant! Once you are exposed to these unhealthy conditions, they are not the only ones affected by it as pregnant women now do everything in pair!

An estimate of 1 in every 6 pregnancies end up in miscarriage

It’s best to consult your physician the moment you find out that you are pregnant. They will inform you of the dos and don’ts while you’re pregnant, and these will be drafted according to your health status. You’ll also be checked to estimate the maturity of the baby and your due date. But if you still don’t have time to schedule an appointment, here are the basic activities that you have to avoid for a safer pregnancy.

Getting into a hot tub and sauna

We always find taking long baths to be relaxing but this is not very ideal if you are pregnant. A pregnant body is warmer than usual because there is more blood near the surface of the skin and the presence of hormones. This means that the body will only need a slight rise in temperature to overheat. If this happens, there is a higher chance of fainting. Fainting can decrease the blood flow, decreasing the amount of oxygen that will enter the bloodstream and can affect the baby.

Doing the nursery

Fumes in paint can be harmful to pregnant women and the child she’s carrying

Parents can sometimes get too carried away the moment they find out that they’re pregnant. They start preparing the baby’s things and baby-proofing the house. One of the common activity is also doing the nursery. It’s okay to buy cribs and tidy up the room, as long as it should not be painted the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Paints contain toxic and it can be easily inhaled, posing harm to you and your child.

Over-exercising

Too much of everything is always bad for our health. Although pregnant women are encouraged to stay active, exercising for prolonged hours can be a bad thing. There are many exercises that are pregnant-friendly such as swimming and Pilates. Stay away from exercises that require you to lift heavy stuff and jumping. These activities can cause discomfort, worse, it can end up in miscarriage.

Caffeine consumption

If you are the type of person who needs caffeine to jump-start the day, you might want to minimize it’s intake. Caffeine is the most consumed stimulant by the general mass. Drinking or eating food with this stimulant can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. There is also a higher risk that the baby’s growth will be disrupted, like the formation of the brain and its metabolism. It’s best to avoid caffeine as much as possible, especially in higher percentages like caffeine found in your daily coffee. Caffeine can also be found in chocolates and other foods so be vigilant in checking food labels.

Tanning and whitening products

If the Westerns have tanning behavior, the Easterners also have the whitening. Both vanity procedures can pose a major risk during pregnancy. Tanning beds and sprays contain Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a non-toxic chemical that sits on top of our skin that can possibly cause irritations and allergies. The whitening products usually contain glutathione, a chemical that reduces melatonin. Since pregnancy can spike up the hormones, there are chances that it will react negatively, causing shortness of breath, cardiovascular constriction, and abdominal pain. Never risk your and your baby’s health just to fulfill your vanity needs.

Foods high in allergen

Eggs Benedict contains raw egg and runny yolk that can be a source of salmonella

The list of food that you should avoid includes raw eggs, raw foods, shellfish, and soft cheeses. Eating raw eggs can increase your risk of getting salmonella. Stay away from soft boiled eggs, undone sunny side up, and sauces with raw egg yolks like Hollandaise. Include sushi and sashimi on the list of your banned foods. Shellfish like shrimps, oysters, lobsters, and crabs are high in allergen that can trigger an intense allergic reaction.

Being pregnant makes your body vulnerable to many things. Make sure to avoid the activities listed above as much as possible. The pregnancy will only last for nine months, it’s not too long of a time to make some temporary sacrifices.