Below are some things that are crucial to avoid throughout the length of one’s pregnancy to ensure the baby’s growth is protected and they stay safe and healthy!
- Raw Fish
Consuming raw fish puts a pregnant woman at risk for many different infections and harmful parasites, which in turn, puts the baby at risk. The risk for infections such as listeria infections is significantly heightened during pregnancy. This means that it is best to try and avoid consumption altogether. Unfortunately, this means sushi should wait until after the pregnancy is over.
- Hot Tubs & Saunas
Being exposed to extremely high temperatures while pregnant can lead to problems for an unborn child. However, a warm bath is totally acceptable if needed to relax!
- Cat Litter
While there is a common misconception that women should avoid cats altogether while pregnant, it turns out that the cat’s litter box is the actual problem. If a pregnant woman cleans a cat’s litter box, it puts them at higher exposure to toxoplasmosis. This can cause serious defects with her unborn child and even cause stillbirth. Lesson learned – don’t let the pregnant lady clean the litter box!
- Alcohol
This one is more obvious, but alcohol is a big no-no for pregnant women. Consuming alcohol while pregnant increases the mother’s risk of miscarrying and the child developing disabilities or deformities. Fetal alcohol syndrome could also be developed, even if large amounts of alcohol are not being consumed– so avoid it altogether!
- High-Heels
This one is more for comfort reasons, but don’t put yourself through the pain of wearing extremely high heels while pregnant. With the combination of swollen ankles and a changing center of gravity, sneakers or smaller heels are a much safer option!
- Piercings and Tattoos
Even if a piercing or tattoo is done in a very sterile and clean environment, there is still a small potential risk for infection. A pregnant woman’s risk for any infection is automatically heightened, so it is best to wait on getting that tattoo or piercing until after the pregnancy. Though the threat may not be that great, it is best to be on the safe side!
- Unpasteurized Foods
When food is pasteurized, it is heated to a high temperature to remove any harmful bacteria or pathogens. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to infection, so they should not take the risk of consuming unpasteurized foods that could potentially still have these harmful bacteria or pathogens. Commonly pasteurized foods include many dairy products such as milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
Hopefully tips of what to avoid proved useful for you! For more information on what else should be avoided during pregnancy, check out these links below:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/foods-to-avoid-when-pregnant
https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-to-avoid-during-pregnancy-a-comprehensive-guide-4942479
