Pregnant women are often urged to refrain from engaging in certain activities, such as alcohol consumption and smoking. It’s good to prioritize your health and safety over everything else; so what should you avoid doing? Here are some suggestions for staying safe during pregnancy.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
It is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience sleep disturbance during their journey. However, insufficient sleeping can have adverse effects on both mother and child – such as decreased appetite leading to weight loss and possibly even some fetal anomalies.
Not getting enough rest could spell trouble for your baby; however, experts say that most women can expect to sleep about eight hours throughout the duration of their pregnancy. As such you should aim for a good night’s slumber each afternoon.
Smoking
Tobacco use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature birth and infant mortality. Research suggests that those who smoke experience more difficult labor and delivery outcomes as well; these statistics can be alarming.
Tobacco also poses health risks for your baby, including impaired fetal growth and development as well as potential cleft palate formation. If you’re wondering if your efforts to quit during pregnancy could contribute to a healthier child later on – think twice before packing up those cigarettes.
Certain Medications
Certain medications may pose problems for expectant mothers. Take heed if you’re using any of these:
Anticoagulants like warfarin or heparin: These medications are often administered to prevent blood clots, and some women may experience bleeding during pregnancy; however, this can necessitate stopping or altering dosing.
Hormones: Most illicit drugs have the potential to interfere with your reproductive system; however, certain hormones present in oral contraceptives may be particularly risky during pregnancy. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) such as estrogen and progestogen-based therapies can cause severe abnormalities such as development of mammary glands in fetuses – an alarming discovery that could come as a great shock.
Naltrexone: This opioid antagonist is used to treat substance use disorders; however, it’s possible that its use could induce fetal distress leading to low birth weight.
Tylenol: Tylenol, while commonly used to treat pain and fever, has been linked to potential fetal autism in some studies. Recently, it has been subject to a lawsuit due to its potential links to autism and other neurological conditions in children.
It’s also good to avoid certain cough syrups as they may contain alcohol.
Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and her unborn baby. It can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and even fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD is a group of conditions that can cause physical, mental, and behavioral problems for your baby. It is important to note that there is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy.
The effects of alcohol on a baby’s development start in the first few weeks of pregnancy, before most women even know they are pregnant. It can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the baby, leading to a reduction in growth. It can also cause birth defects, learning and behavior problems, and even mental health issues.
In addition to the potential health risks that alcohol can pose to an unborn baby, drinking during pregnancy can also put the mother’s health at risk. It can increase the risk of high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. It can also weaken a mother’s immune system, making her more likely to contract illnesses and infections.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can have serious, long-term consequences for both mother and baby. It is important for pregnant women and those trying to conceive to completely avoid alcohol consumption.
Raw Fish
Pregnant women should steer clear of consuming raw or undercooked fish and shellfish. These foods may contain high levels of mercury that could put an infant at risk for developmental issues including speech delay and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Seafood and fish are a great source of protein-rich calories that can help keep you satiated when you’re pregnant. However, it’s essential to ensure that all types of seafood are cooked before eating as some varieties such as blue crab and Alaska king crab have elevated concentrations of methylmercury – an unavoidable neurotoxin that can be particularly harmful during pregnancy.
When pregnant, it is important to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both mother and child. It is important to consult with your doctor and follow their recommendations regarding medications, hormones, and lifestyle modifications.
