Introduction
Pregnancy is an exciting journey. But if you are pregnant for the first time, there are chances for you to have a lot of doubts and there is more room for mistakes to happen.
Although it is common for mistakes to happen, there are a few mistakes which one can easily avoid. In this article, let us discuss the mistakes to avoid during pregnancy in brief.
11 common mistakes to avoid during pregnancy
- Alcohol/smoke: As all of us are aware, it is important to stay away from drinking alcohol, smoking, or consuming any drugs while pregnant. It is also important to stay away from secondhand smoking, as exposure to secondhand smoke for a prolonged period of time can cause issues with the baby.
- Foods that affect digestion : It is important to avoid consuming certain foods, including:
- Foods with high mercury content, including king mackerel, swordfish, orange roughy, and shark fish
- Tinned or canned foods
- Processed food
- Sugary food
- Carbonated drinks
- Uncooked or undercooked meat
- Processed meat
- Raw sprouts
- Unpasteurized milk and soft cheese
- Prenatal supplements: It is very important to not miss out on any prenatal supplements that your gynecologist prescribes. To meet the requirements of the growing baby, the doctors prescribe prenatal supplements of certain vital nutrients, including folic acid, calcium, and iron. So make sure to not miss out on them.
- Caffeine: When talking about mistakes to avoid during pregnancy, caffeine is yet another thing that tops the list. Caffeine is said to cause indigestion and sleeping issues. It is also said to harm the baby’s development. Hence, it is important to limit your coffee intake to 200 ml, or 1 to 2 cups of coffee a day.
- Hot tubs: Using hot tubs or saunas is another one of the top mistakes to avoid during pregnancy. Sitting in hot tubs or taking a hot shower for a prolonged period of time can significantly increase the temperature of the body, leading to issues for both mom and baby. Hot tubs can also increase sweating, which causes dehydration.
Ignoring warning signs: Apart from all the mentioned things, it is important to not ignore certain warning signs during pregnancy, including:
- Heavy bleeding with or without cramps
- Changes in vision
- Trouble breathing
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- No baby movements or fewer than 10 movements in two hours
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Severe headache
- Severe insomnia
- Burning sensation while peeing
- Leakage of fluid
- Not getting enough sleep: Sleeping for a minimum of 8 hours is crucial during pregnancy. Lack of sleep is often associated with health conditions such as preeclampsia and anemia. It also makes you feel more restless and tired during the day.
- Being overly stressed: Stress is yet another thing that is a big no-no during pregnancy. As we all know, stress can cause a lot of health issues. And especially in pregnancy, stress can lead to issues including preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and a low birth weight for the baby. Ensure to practice breathing techniques, yoga, or other forms of stress relief methods to keep your stress levels under control.
- Sitting or standing for too long: Sitting or standing for too long during pregnancy isn’t advisable. It can lead to issues such as back pain, swollen legs, and ankle and vein issues. Healthcare experts suggest taking small breaks and taking some rest.
- Not packing your hospital bag: Although doctors give you an estimated date of birth, not all babies are born exactly on the estimated date. Around 90 to 96% of babies are born either a few days before or after their estimated due date. So to avoid last-minute packing and stress, it is important to pack your hospital bag with all the things you and your baby will need. Ensure to carry:
- Clothes for the baby
- Feeding wear for the mother
- Comfortable underwear for the mother
- Sanitary pads suitable for post-delivery
- Toiletry bag
- Nursing bra for the mother
- Socks for the mother and the baby
- Soft Towels
- Not verifying things with your gynecologist: All new mothers and mothers to-be are often bombarded with a lot of advice, both solicited and unsolicited. Although many of these pieces of advice come from past experience and knowledge, it is crucial to consult with your gynecologist if you are planning on trying out something new during pregnancy. Not everybody’s pregnancy is the same. So ensure to always check with your gynecologist before trying out anything new.
Other common mistakes to avoid during pregnancy
Wearing heels: It is better to stay away from wearing heels during pregnancy. Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, ligaments and joints in the body aren’t as stable and strong as they used to be. Swollen legs is yet another common pregnancy symptom, and wearing heels when your feet are swollen isn’t a great option.
Exposure to harmful chemicals: Prolonged exposure to chemicals during pregnancy can cause congenital issues in the baby and may also lead to health problems in the future. Hence, it is better to avoid exposing yourself to harmful chemicals, including certain cleaning products like acids, pesticides, and paint fumes.
Self medications: Self medication is definitely not advisable, especially during pregnancy. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Vigorous exercise: Although exercising during pregnancy is ideal for most people, do not overdo it. Do not perform strenuous exercises that make you uncomfortable. Consult with your healthcare professional before involving in any form of exercise.
Radiation such as X-rays: High doses of radiation is said to cause issues in pregnancy. It is suggested to stay away from any kind of high radiation, including X-rays.
Not miss out on any prenatal scans and appointments: It is essential to not miss out on any prenatal scans and appointments to ensure the health of your baby.
Conclusion
It is very common for pregnant women to have a lot of doubts and confusion, especially if it is their first time being pregnant.
The above mentioned are a few mistakes to avoid during pregnancy. Ensure to contact your gynecologist if you have any more doubts.
Visit Jammi Scans for consultation with the best gynecologist in Chennai, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact 73387 71733 for appointments.
Chennai women’s clinic & scan centre is now Jammi Scans.
