Things To Avoid During Pregnancy

Congratulations to becoming a MUMMY :).

Once the news of your pregnancy spreads, advices starts pouring in out of nowhere. The elderlys will have a list of Do's & Dont's, our friends will share their wonderful experiences with us, the phone keeps ringing and the phone bill starts rolling too :). We can't deny we have suddenly become the centre of attraction, the 'talk' of the month?? Everyone suddenly seems so 'concern' and (let's not deny) it sorts of gets into our nerves. Ok, take a deep breath, and RELAX. We are supposed to stay HAPPY and CALM.

There may be many lists of Do's & Don'ts, varying from different age groups; some may be true, some merely myths. Follow your heart, no one can really force you to adhere to their list - You are the mother, you take the shots now.

Nothing is more important to an expectant mom than the health and safety of her unborn child. Fortunately, you can protect your baby by avoiding risks that can complicate a pregnancy or cause harm to your baby. Followings are a list of medically proven of things pregnant women should avoid. Let's stay focus on this instead.

Avoid Stress.
Stress can cause constipation, back pain, insomnia, and even lead to preterm or low birth weight. Stress can deter the growth development of your child.

Avoid tobacco smoke.
Smoking is extremely harmful to your unborn baby (as well as to yourself) and must be completely avoided. Avoid even 2nd-hand smoke. When you smoke, your baby gets less oxygen, causing your baby to grow more slowly and gain less weight. Tobacco smoke has also been linked to preterm labor and other pregnancy complications.

Avoid Over-the-Counter Medication.
Consult your gynae whenever you are unwell. Only medicines prescribed by your gynae is consider safe because everything you take passes through your placenta to your unborn baby also.

Avoid Caffeine.
During pregnancy, it’s wise to avoid coffee, tea, or sodas that contain caffeine, because when you drink caffeine, you’re also feeding this stimulant to your unborn baby. Caffeine stimulates the heart and brain, and is an addictive substance with drug-like qualities.

Avoid Vitamin A Supplements.
Vitamin A is abundant in so many foods. Too much of it during pregnancy can be toxic to the baby and may cause birth defects or miscarriage.

Avoid Pesticides and Paint.
During the first trimester, the baby's nervous system is growing rapidly, so it's especially important to avoid pesticides and toxic fumes during that time. Pregnant women should avoid stripping paint, in case it contains lead. Lead has been shown to harm the baby's developing brain and nervous system.

Avoid Saunas, Jacuzzis and Tanning Beds.
Pregnant women get overheated more easily due to their hormonal changes and the additional heat from the baby's body. Overheating from saunas and Jacuzzis will lead to babies with neural defects (when the brain and spinal chord don't form properly). Tanning beds should be avoided because stretched skin is more vulnerable to burning.

Avoid Fish Containing Mercury.
Fish known to contain mercury in their fatty tissues are: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, fresh tuna, sea bass, and tilefish. When a pregnant woman consumes large amounts of mercury, the baby may suffer brain damage.

Avoid Alcohol.
Alcoholic beverages of any and all kinds are not to be consumed during pregnancy. If you have a drink, the alcohol passes through your bloodstream into the placenta, and your baby has a drink of equal strength to your own. But because the baby is so much smaller and still developing, the alcohol can have devastating effects: your baby could be born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and/or have mental and physical defects.

Avoid being Superstitious.
Always keep your mind clear and not worry over unnecessary matters. When a mother always live in doubts, her health and mind will be affected and ultimately this affects your baby. Try asking the advicer, what is the logic and explanation behind their 'advice' - don't be surpised because most of the time, there is NONE.

Like I said, everything you do, everything you eat and drink, and everything you don't eat and drink has an influence on the development of your growing baby. Knowing what to avoid can help you make all the best choices for a healthy pregnancy. Be HAPPY and enjoy the journey!