Pregnancy is an exciting and often overwhelming time. While there’s much to look forward to, it’s important to be aware of the things that can put your baby at risk. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the things that pregnant women should avoid in order to reduce their risk of miscarriage.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is one of the most dangerous things you can do while pregnant. Studies have shown that smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of a miscarriage. In fact, pregnant women who smoke are two to three times more likely to experience a miscarriage than non-smokers. Furthermore, smoking during pregnancy has been associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. Therefore, it is best to avoid smoking all together during pregnancy.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women avoid alcohol completely as there is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. Heavy drinking (more than two drinks a day) has been linked to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a condition that can cause physical and mental disabilities in newborns.
In addition to avoiding alcohol during pregnancy, the CDC also recommends that women who are trying to conceive should avoid alcohol consumption as well. This is because it can be difficult to determine the exact time of conception, so avoiding all alcohol consumption is the safest bet.
If you are currently pregnant or trying to conceive, it’s essential that you avoid alcohol completely. Doing so can help ensure the health of your unborn baby and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Limit Caffeine
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks and some cold medicines. Research suggests that moderate caffeine consumption (less than 200 milligrams per day) does not cause miscarriage or preterm birth. That’s the amount in about one to two cups of coffee. But pregnant women should limit their intake and avoid energy drinks entirely.
Of the 1,063 pregnant women interviewed in one study released by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 172 experienced a miscarriage during their pregnancies. The investigators found an increased risk of miscarriage when women consumed 200 milligrams or more of caffeine per day. Caffeine can also cross the placenta to your baby, so it’s best to avoid it as much as possible while pregnant.
If you’re trying to conceive or already pregnant, it’s important to limit your caffeine intake to reduce your risk of miscarriage. Consider swapping out caffeinated beverages for decaffeinated versions or water instead. You may also want to speak with your healthcare provider about the safest ways to get your caffeine fix during pregnancy.
Avoid Unpasteurized Foods
When you’re pregnant, it’s important to be extra careful with what you eat. Unpasteurized foods can carry a range of bacteria, such as Listeria, which can cause serious illnesses and even miscarriage. Foods that should be avoided include unpasteurized milk, cheese, and fruit juice. You should also avoid raw eggs, fish, and meat, as they can cause food poisoning and increase the risk of miscarriage.
It’s also important to be aware of the risk of toxoplasmosis, which is an infection caused by bacteria found in raw and undercooked meats. While it is usually harmless in non-pregnant people, it can cause stillbirth or organ damage to your baby. To avoid toxoplasmosis, it’s best to wash your hands after handling raw meat and vegetables and avoid eating raw or rare meat during pregnancy.
The risk of miscarriage can also be increased by other things, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and high levels of stress and anxiety. In addition, pregnant women should limit their exposure to certain herbs and supplements, soft cheeses and deli meats, hot tubs and saunas, heavy lifting or high impact exercises, cat litter and cat feces, unnecessary x-rays or CT scans, and environmental toxins. Taking care with what you ingest is a very important part of a healthy pregnancy.
If you have oral sex, your partner must not blow air into your vagina
This can result in an air embolism, an air bubble that develops in a blood vessel of the body. If this air bubble makes it to the heart or lungs, it can be life threatening.
Refrain from Raw Seafood and Sushi
Raw seafood and sushi are not safe to consume during pregnancy as both can contain bacteria and parasites that can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Raw seafood, such as sushi and oysters, is best avoided entirely, as it could contain harmful bacteria or parasites that could cause food poisoning or even lead to a miscarriage. Most types of cooked seafood are ok in moderation. In order to ensure safety, make sure the seafood is thoroughly cooked and not undercooked, as it can still contain parasites. Additionally, pregnant women should limit their consumption of canned tuna and other types of fish that are high in mercury.
Keep Away from Certain Herbs and Supplements
Pregnant women should be aware of the potential risks associated with taking certain herbs and supplements during pregnancy. Herbs such as ammi visnaga, berberine, bitter melon, black cohosh, and blue cohosh can all induce uterine contractions and may lead to a miscarriage. Melatonin and St. John’s wort can also be harmful during pregnancy, as they can interfere with the body’s hormone levels. Additionally, it’s important to avoid meal replacement products, as they may contain too much sugar or caffeine. Finally, certain herbs are known to be toxic in pregnancy, such as blue cohosh and pennyroyal, and should be avoided at all costs. It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or herbs during pregnancy, as they can be dangerous for both mother and baby.
Avoid Soft Cheeses and Deli Meats
Soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, feta, goat cheese, and blue-veined cheeses, may contain Listeria bacteria. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may lead to a miscarriage or stillbirth. Deli meat also has been known to be contaminated with listeria, so it is best to avoid it during pregnancy.
It is important to note that not all soft cheeses are necessarily unsafe for pregnant women. Hard cheeses such as cheddar and Parmesan, as well as mozzarella and cream cheese do not need to be avoided. However, it is always best to read labels carefully and make sure the cheese is made with pasteurized milk.
When it comes to deli meat, it is best to steer clear of any uncooked or undercooked versions. If you do decide to eat deli meat, make sure it is heated to at least 165°F before consumption. The same goes for hot dogs. It is also important to keep deli meats away from other foods and surfaces in order to avoid cross-contamination with bacteria.
Stay Away From Hot Tubs and Saunas
Hot tubs and saunas can be a great way to relax, but during pregnancy it’s best to avoid them. High temperatures can be life-threatening to an unborn baby and may cause birth defects. There is no evidence to suggest that occasionally using saunas, jacuzzies, hot tubs and steam rooms during pregnancy causes miscarriage. However, the heat can raise a pregnant woman’s core temperature to an unsafe level, leading to an increased risk of birth defects. So avoid hot tubs, Jacuzzis and saunas in early pregnancy. Also, exercise can cause a pregnant woman to become overheated (over 101°F/38.3°C), so be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks if you start to feel too hot.
Refrain From Heavy Lifting or High Impact Exercises
It is important for pregnant women to avoid heavy lifting or high-impact exercises. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women avoid any activities that involve lifting heavy objects, especially if it is done in an awkward position. This can cause strain on the back and pelvic muscles, which can increase the risk of a miscarriage. Similarly, high impact exercises such as running and jumping should be avoided during pregnancy as these can increase the risk of trauma or injury to the abdomen. Low-impact exercises such as swimming and walking are safer alternatives during pregnancy.
Limit Exposure to Cat Litter and Cat Feces
It’s important to avoid contact with cat litter and cat feces during pregnancy, as cats may transmit toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can lead to miscarriage, serious malformations of the baby and low birth weight. The concern with cat litter is that it may contain a type of parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can be transmitted to humans if they come in contact with contaminated cat feces or litter.
If you have a cat and must change the litter box while pregnant, take precautions to limit your exposure. Wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. It’s also important to make sure the litter box is changed daily in order to limit the risk of exposure. Additionally, feed your cat only commercial dry or canned food, and keep them indoors at all times. Avoid any contact with stray cats or kittens, as they may be carriers of the parasite.
Skip Any Unnecessary X-Rays or CT Scans
It’s important to remember that any type of exposure to radiation can be dangerous during pregnancy. X-rays and CT scans are usually not recommended during pregnancy, as they could expose your baby to radiation. If you need an X-ray or CT scan while pregnant, talk to your doctor first and make sure that the benefits outweigh the risks.
If you or your baby have to have an X-ray or CT scan, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of radiation exposure. Your doctor may suggest wearing a lead shield over your abdomen to protect your baby from radiation. Additionally, you should let your doctor know if you’re pregnant, as this will help them adjust the settings of the machine to make sure that your baby is as safe as possible.
Avoid High Levels of Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are very common issues for pregnant women, but it’s important to try and keep them under control. While there is no evidence that stress and anxiety can directly cause a miscarriage, high levels of stress for an extended period of time can lead to poor health and interfere with your ability to care for yourself. This can in turn lead to other complications during pregnancy.
It’s important to take care of your own health during your pregnancy, so try to find a way to manage your stress levels. Talk to your doctor about what resources may be available to you, such as counseling or support groups. Other helpful tactics include deep breathing, yoga, and exercise. If possible, try to limit your exposure to high-stress situations and get plenty of rest.
Take Care When Cleaning with Chemicals
Pregnant women should take special care when handling cleaning products, as many of them contain chemicals and toxins that can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Glycol ethers, phthalates and other chemicals found in cleaning products have been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage, decreased male fertility and birth defects. To avoid these risks, pregnant women should use natural cleaning products whenever possible, or wear gloves when using chemical-based ones. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid aerosol and spray cleaners, as the vapors can be inhaled and cause further harm. Finally, pregnant women should always ensure that their cleaning products are stored in a safe place out of reach of children.
Steer Clear of Environmental Toxins
Environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and solvents, can cause birth defects, developmental delays, and miscarriages. To reduce your exposure to these toxins, make sure to avoid any activities or places that may be contaminated. This includes avoiding contact with industrial waste and chemicals, lead paint, and drinking water from wells near industrial sites. Also, be sure to ventilate any areas where you might be exposed to fumes from cleaning products or other chemicals. When using products such as drain-o or tin foil, make sure to do so in well-ventilated areas. These products create a chemical reaction that can generate toxic gases and even detonate if not handled properly. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the environmental toxins in your food. Avoid raw meat and unpasteurized foods as these are more likely to contain bacteria or heavy metals that can cause harm to your baby. Finally, be sure to limit your exposure to environmental toxins in your workplace by following any safety protocols and wearing protective gear when necessary.
Conclusion
Pregnancy can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time for many women. While it is important to stay healthy during pregnancy and make sure you are taking care of yourself, there are also certain precautions you should take to protect your baby. Avoiding certain activities and foods that can cause miscarriage is one of the most important steps you can take.
It is essential to talk to your doctor about any of the activities or foods that you should avoid during your pregnancy. Your doctor can help you come up with a plan that will ensure both your safety and the safety of your baby. By following these precautions, you can make sure that you are doing your best to keep your baby safe and healthy.
