How to Avoid Common Risks While You’re Pregnant

How to Avoid Common Risks While You’re Pregnant

Pregnancy is a crucial period that requires utmost care and attention. As an expectant mother, you should prioritize your health and that of your baby. There are certain risks that you should avoid taking to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. 

This article highlights some of the risks you should never take while pregnant and ways to steer clear of them:

Avoid Consuming Alcohol and Smoking

One of the most dangerous risks you should never take while pregnant is consuming alcohol and smoking. Alcohol can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), in which the baby may develop mental and physical abnormalities. Smoking, on the other hand, can lead to premature birth, stillbirth, and other complications. It can also reduce the oxygen flow to your baby, leading to developmental delays.

It is important to note that secondhand smoke is also harmful to your baby. Therefore, you should avoid being in an environment where people smoke. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, seek help from a healthcare provider to quit.

Exercise Caution When Taking Medication

Taking medication during pregnancy can be risky. Some medications can cross the placenta and reach your baby, leading to birth defects and other complications. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication. This includes over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, antihistamines, and cough syrups.

Additionally, you should avoid herbal supplements and alternative therapies that have not been approved by your healthcare provider. These supplements may contain harmful substances that can harm your baby.

If you need more reasons to exercise caution while taking medication during your pregnancy, you should study the Tylenol Lawsuit. As described in this lawsuit, acetaminophen exposure from the Tylenol pain medication has been found to cause Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders in children of pregnant women.

According to TorHoerman Law, one of the law firms dealing with the Tylenol lawsuits, the settlement amounts for this case are being considered in a range between $50,000 and $500,000. This shows just how grave the situation is with this pain medication. Therefore, there’s no scope for pregnant women to ignore the impact such medication can have on their pregnancy. 

Limit Your Caffeine Intake

Caffeine is one kind of a stimulant, and it’s not good for your baby. When you’re pregnant, it can reach your baby through the placenta. 

A high quantity of caffeine can result in low birth weight for your baby. Therefore, during your pregnancy, you should limit your caffeine intake. Consume less than 200 mg per day. 

You should also be mindful of the caffeine content in other beverages, such as tea and soda.

Instead of caffeine, you should opt for healthy drinks during your pregnancy. Of course, that decision must also be made after you’ve consulted your doctor. 

Avoid Certain Foods

During pregnancy, your immune system is weakened, making you susceptible to foodborne illnesses. There are certain foods you should avoid to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Some of these foods include raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood. These products may contain harmful bacteria, such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli.

You should avoid certain types of fish that contain high levels of mercury. Mercury can lead to delays in brain development as well as damage to the brain in your baby. 

Avoid Certain Activities

During pregnancy, your body undergoes several changes, making you susceptible to injuries. There are certain activities you should avoid to reduce the risk of accidents. These activities include contact sports such as soccer, basketball, and hockey. You should also avoid activities that involve jumping or sudden movements, such as horseback riding and skiing.

It is also important to avoid activities that expose you to harmful chemicals and radiation. For instance, you should avoid painting and using pesticides. If you work in an environment that exposes you to harmful substances, you should inform your employer that you are pregnant.

Get Regular Prenatal Care

Regular prenatal care is essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Such type of care usually involves regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. This is mostly for monitoring your and your baby’s health. The doctors will also conduct tests to check for any infections and abnormalities.

When you’re pregnant, you’re in a very delicate stage. The slightest of carelessness can cause you and your child a lot of harm. Thus, keep these tips in mind to avoid any complications in your pregnancy. 

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