Pregnancy and childbirth can be a very memorable as well as a precious journey for expecting parents and everyone in the family, which is why every little step taken to protect your baby goes a long way! It is vital to understand that a pregnancy is not the sole responsibility of the mother and a lot of effort, care and attention goes into it from all the other respective family members equally.
While there are a lot many things that can cause risk to the mother and child during those 9 months, there are also a myriad number of appropriate precautions that can be taken to avoid mishaps and unnecessary miscarriages. While the journey can be an exciting experience, the road must be tread with caution every step of the way!
Here are a few tips that can help you avoid an unhappy event and foster healthy baby growth,
- One of the very first things to avoid as a precaution during pregnancy would be to ensure that alcohol is not consumed at all, whatsoever. Alcohol cannot be processed by a baby at the same level as a fully grown adult, which can cause serious complications. Most doctors emphasize on avoiding it for the first 3 months strictly since it can cause premature births, miscarriages and a number of other birth defects!
- Congenital heart defects and other heart issues are a common outcome if tobacco is consumed regularly during the pregnancy.
- Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for the development of your child and for a healthy delivery as well! Which is why you must ensure that folic acid, iron and calcium are a part of the diet to make it a healthy and balanced meal! These vitamins help avoid common neural tube defects.
- Whenever you travel, ensure you take extra care of where you are walking. Casual falls and injuries are a among the top few causes for a miscarriage! Wear a helmet, use the seat belt and take all necessary road travel precautions necessary.
- Always get it checked with your doctor if it is safe to consume certain medicines that you previously took prior to the pregnancy regularly. Unless you get your doctor’s approval, do not consume un-prescribed medicines, it can be dangerous for your baby.
- When consuming fish/chicken/mutton or any other form of meat, ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and cooked to avoid any possible contamination. Milk or cheese that is unpasteurized should also be avoided.
- If you are someone who is into fitness and heavy lifting, avoid vigorous exercises and bending. There are a lot of pregnancy friendly exercises that can help improve circulation and help with cramps and muscle pain! You can also practice certain yoga asanas that can relax and calm the body!
- High temperature is an inconvenient climate for the mother and child, it can cause harm to the fetus and make the mother dehydrated. Avoid being in the sun for too long, saunas or extremely hot baths.
- Radiation for the baby can be dangerous which is why x-rays are a no-no during pregnancy. Unless it is absolutely necessary try to avoid it.
- The FDA says that an additional 300 calories are required to be consumed by the mother, so ensure that your diet consists of your minimum caloric intake filled with sufficient protein, vitamins, whole grains and fats inclusive of the extra 300 calories to accommodate your child.
- Don’t miss out on your prenatal supplements which are extremely important for the fetus!
- Avoid strenuous activities like scuba diving, water skiing, paragliding, rock climbing, etc.
- While caffeine consumption is not a major hazard, however, drinking more than 200-300 milligrams per day is too much caffeine and must be reduced to avoid your pregnancy from being at risk.
- Fish can have a high level of mercury in it, which can cause brain defects in your child, try to avoid excess of non vegetarian food during the pregnancy!
- To avoid picking up infection from food items you eat, make sure fruits and vegetables are also thoroughly washed before eating it.
- Last, but not the least, during these covid times practice extra caution when stepping out or coming in contact with anyone in the contaminated environment. Use your masks at all times and make sure hygiene and safety are your top priorities.
While this article covers a number of precautions, there can always be something new that comes up because we live in a dynamic world, which is why you must update yourself everyday and read up about pregnancy do’s and don’ts regularly.
