11 Habits You Should Avoid During Pregnancy
If you are expecting a baby, you need to change some habits to take care of your health as well as the health of your baby. In this article, we present some of the habits you should avoid during pregnancy. Do not miss it!
Habits to avoid during pregnancy
In everyday life, we often carry out countless activities that in some cases are not as good or healthy. However, when you are pregnant, it is important to be aware of these habits to avoid problems.
Your doctor has probably already given you these instructions. However, you should definitely read this article to refresh your memory.
1. Smoking during pregnancy
One of the first tips pregnant women hear is “quit smoking”. According to the Spanish Association of Pediatricians , smoking during pregnancy can affect a baby’s development.
Among the most important problems that tobacco can cause are:
- Low birth rate
- Increased risk of premature birth
- Increased risk of deformities of the face, extremities, kidneys and heart
- Impaired lung function
- Increased risk of sudden death
2. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy
Another habit to avoid during pregnancy is to drink alcohol. If you used to go out with your friends, remember that you now have to drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol causes serious injury and triggers an withdrawal syndrome and developmental injuries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. This is because alcohol goes directly to the baby through the bloodstream. This drug is very toxic to babies.
Babies who are repeatedly exposed to alcohol may suffer from:
- Fetal alcohol syndrome, which includes a number of physical, cognitive and mental developmental problems
- Short stature and / or developmental delays
- Brain dysfunction
- Facial abnormalities
3. Eating raw fish
Eating sushi or other dishes that contain raw fish during pregnancy can put your unborn baby at risk. Did you know that you can get food poisoning or infections caused by the parasites in raw fish?
Consult your doctor and follow their instructions on consuming raw fish. Getting seriously ill due to anisakis, for example, can endanger your pregnancy and health.
4. Not drinking enough water
Although doctors recommend drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day, we often do not meet these daily requirements. Suffering from dehydration during pregnancy can lead to fatigue, cramps, constipation and heartburn.
However, the consequences for your baby can be more serious:
- Amniotic fluid problems
- Increased risk of premature birth
- Placenta problems, as the placenta is mostly composed of water.
5. Suffering from prolonged stress during pregnancy
Modern life causes people to do a thousand things a day. Since persistent stress can harm your baby, you should avoid stress during pregnancy. If you are stressed, you can try to relax by doing physical activities such as swimming or yoga for pregnant women.
A study concluded that pregnant women who suffer from prolonged periods of stress have an increased risk that their baby will develop physical or mental illnesses, such as ADHD / hyperactivity disorder.
6. Eating raw meat and sausages
The bacteria that cause toxoplasmosis and salmonellosis can be transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat (not only carpaccio, but also ham).
Although this disease may not be serious for you, it can lead to birth defects in your baby.
7. Eating raw eggs
If the eggs you eat are not completely cooked, you can get salmonellosis , an infection that can even cause miscarriage.
You should also be careful with mayonnaise and other preparations made with raw eggs.
8. To consume unpasteurized dairy products
Another habit to avoid during pregnancy is to consume unpasteurized dairy products. This is because unpasteurized milk and dairy products can contain bacteria and, among other conditions, lead to listeriosis, a disease that can cause miscarriage or problems in your baby.
9. Eating an unbalanced diet
Proper nutrition will prevent you from putting on a lot of unhealthy weight, in addition to providing nutrients to the developing embryo.
A diet based on fat and sugar is not nutritious. In fact, it would not be good for you even if you were not pregnant! During pregnancy , you should also avoid foods high in saturated fat and calories to avoid gaining too much weight.
This recommendation goes beyond just looking good. Excessive weight gain is associated with problems such as high blood pressure (and the risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, among other conditions).
10. Drinking too much coffee
While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that no link has been found between moderate coffee intake (less than 200 mg daily) and premature birth and miscarriage, other studies concluded that more than 200 mg may increase the risk.
11. Traveling by plane
Although flying is not contraindicated in a risk-free pregnancy, you should always consult your doctor before embarking on an adventure! During the first three and last two months of pregnancy, experts often recommend avoiding flights.
If your pregnancy is risky, you are not allowed to fly during the pregnancy to protect your baby. Consult your doctor before buying the flight ticket!
Aside from the list we shared in this article, you should ask your doctor what other habits you should avoid during pregnancy to keep you and your baby healthy. If at some point it becomes difficult for you to avoid these habits or others, remember that you will have your baby in your arms in just a few months.
