Things Women Should Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy occurs when a woman’s egg is fertilised by a sperm, grows into the woman’s womb, and develops into a baby.

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase of life but can be challenging and sometimes complicating, because during pregnancy everything a woman does, eats, or drinks would definitely has an impact on her and the baby either positively or negatively.

Below is a list of what women should avoid during pregnancy;

Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks include beer, wine, liquor, or mixed drinks. Taking any kind of wine during pregnancy can affect the baby’s growth which might have physical or behavioural problems that can last for the rest of the child’s life.

The major problem caused by alcohol during pregnancy is fetal alcohol syndrome, and children with this syndrome may be born small, might have problems eating, sleeping, seeing, and hearing and such children might also have trouble getting along with others, and controlling their behaviour, thereby needing special teachers and schools or medical care all their lives.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that is most commonly found in tea, chocolates, and coffee.

Though the use of caffeine enhances alertness and attentional performance, caffeine crosses the placenta, increasing the mother’s blood pressure and is harmful to the growing baby because the child’s metabolism is still developing.

Smoking

Cigarette contains roughly 7,000 chemicals when burned which is really terrible for pregnant women and their baby and can also lead to cancer.

Exposure to smoke during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, and some other birth defects.

Sitting Or Standing For Too Long

During pregnancy, being in the same position for a long period of time can be problematic because it can lead to various problems such as swollen ankles and vein problems.

Avoid Sports That Can Lead To Abdominal Pain

Pregnant women should avoid sports like gymnastics, outdoor cycling, hockey, soccer, basketball, snowboarding, and skilling.

These exercises have a high risk of causing abdominal pain and making a pregnant woman start feeling nauseous, dizzy, and short of breath.

However, some women may find it difficult to avoid these things, therefore the following tips would make it easy to adhere to them;

1. Instead of smoking or taking alcohol during pregnancy, it can be replaced by having a cup of herbal or decaffeinated tea. Pregnant women should also try as much as possible to avoid places that allow smoking so that they won’t feel tempted, and also freeing themselves of smoking environments is an important part of quitting.

2. When seated or standing for a long period of time, try taking short breaks as often as possible.

3. If it’s impossible to get rid of caffeine totally, it is advisable to take a moderate level of caffeine a day which is 150 to 300 mg.

4. Light exercises such as walks are also advisable instead of sports that have high risks of abdominal pain.

Finally, pregnant women should always remember that they won’t be pregnant forever, as all the off-limit food and activities will be back to normal.