17 Things to Avoid during Pregnancy ...

If you’re pregnant, it will be helpful to know the things to avoid during pregnancy! Pregnancy is a wonderful time, and has so many benefits, but there are certain things that can be harmful to your health and the health of your child when you are pregnant! Read on to learn what these things are, and which things to avoid during pregnancy.

1. Alcohol and Cigarettes

Most people already know that alcohol and cigarettes are things to avoid during pregnancy, but they're always worth mentioning. Alcohol and substance abuse can have terrible health effects on unborn babies, leaving them with health issues they may struggle with throughout their whole lives. Avoid using alcohol or cigarettes when pregnant, and steer clear of secondhand smoke as well!

2. Too Much Junk Food

I know, I know, this one is so tempting when you’re pregnant! Every yummy piece of junk food you have ever liked in your life suddenly becomes your strongest craving! While it’s more than ok to indulge every once in a while, make sure you don’t overeat, and balance out your sweets and fast food with healthy, wholesome meals to give your baby the nutrients he or she needs.

3. Wearing High Heels

Now some women may argue this point, and if you choose to wear high heels when pregnant, that is totally your choice! But there are a few risks involved with wearing heels when pregnant. Your balance is off center when pregnant, so wearing heels could increase the chance of a fall. Heels can also increase swelling of the feet and ankles, as well as cause or aggravate back and hip pains.

4. Getting Overheated

When pregnant, it’s important to keep your body temperature controlled. When you get overheated, the baby suffers because the baby relies on you to keep their body temp regulated! So steer clear of hot tubs, very warm baths, tanning beds, and spending too much time in the sun. It’s a good excuse to prop your feet up and take it easy on a hot summer day!

5. Stressful Situations

It’s highly unlikely to be able to avoid ANY stress when pregnant, but you should try to keep your stress levels to a minimum. With rising hormones, becoming stressed out can really wear you out and it’s not good for the baby when momma has an emotional breakdown. Try to stay around positive, upbeat people, and avoid overloading yourself with too many activities.

6. Taking Certain Medicines

Something I recently learned is that pregnant women should not take Aspirin or Advil! Tylenol is the only acceptable painkiller to use when pregnant. And of course if you are sick with the flu or a cold, you should check with your doctor before you take any medications you aren’t sure about.

7. Having Caffeine

As most doctors will tell you, caffeine doesn’t have any horrible side effects on babies. In fact, many women have caffeine on a regular basis while pregnant! However, it’s not necessarily good for the baby. If you can bear to part with caffeine while you are pregnant, then go for it! At the very least, cut back on the amounts you consume.

8. Strenuous Activity

Don’t use pregnancy as an excuse to avoid any and all exercise; exercise is actually a good thing for pregnant women! You just need to use moderation, as with anything in life. Don’t overdo it, and don’t start any new or difficult training programs. Avoid extreme sports such as surfing, skiing, horseback riding, or rock climbing. Some good exercise routines for pregnant women include biking, walking, or swimming.

9. Inhaling Dangerous Fumes

There are lots of dangerous fumes women should avoid when pregnant, but if you have any questions, ask your doctor. The basic rule to remember is to keep any area well ventilated if you are using anything like nail polish, hairspray, or cleaning products. Some things to avoid altogether include bleach, paint or paint fumes, and secondhand cigarette smoke.

10. Deli Meat

Deli meat is known to carry the bacteria listeria, which can cause a miscarriage quickly. This means you'll have to give up your favorite roasted turkey, roast beef or ham from your favorite deli for awhile dear! Make your own at home in the slow cooker instead, which tastes much better anyway!

11. Fish

All fish and shellfish are known to contain mercury, even in small amounts. This can affect the central nervous system, which can harm the baby, and possibly cause brain defects. It is best to avoid all seafoods while being pregnant if you can.

12. Toxic Cleaners

It only takes minutes for something that touches your skin to be absorbed into your blood stream since the skin is the largest organ on the body. Avoid toxic cleaners however you can. They aren't only bad for you, but can cause toxicity to the baby as well. Make this the time you "green up" your cleaning routine and buy all natural products instead.

13. Soft Cheeses

Imported soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco should be avoided however possible. The only exception is if they aren't imported and the label says they are from pasteurized milk, which has been heated to remove bacteria. Imported soft cheeses aren't pasteurized, and can contain the bacteria listeria, which can cause a miscarriage through bacterial infection.

14. Handling Raw Meat

You'll want to avoid handling raw meat if you can while you're pregnant, since raw meat carries salmonella. This bacterial infection can cause major issues for you and your baby, and can weaken your immune system if it makes you sick. You want your immune system to be the best it can be during this special time, so handle your meat with gloves, or get your hubby to handle it for you. Also be sure to spray surfaces with a nontoxic spray after any meat touches the counter, sinks, etc.

15. Raw Eggs

Raw eggs carry salmonella just like meat, so if you eat eggs, be sure to avoid a runny yolk, or consuming them raw. You can still eat them, as long as they are cooked well to kill the bacteria in raw eggs.

16. Unwashed Veggies

You need to eat your veggies, but be sure to wash them first! They can contain harmful contaminants from the soil that trigger a toxicity syndrome known as toxoplasmosis, which can cause birth defects, low birth weight, or even a possible miscarriage.

17. Handling Your Cat's Litterbox

My mom actually avoided handling our cat's litter box when she was pregnant with my brother and me. The reason why is that cat urine omits ammonia, which is toxic, and cat feces can cause toxoplasmosis, due to the bacteria in the feces. Don't scoop your cat's litter box while you're pregnant. Even the fumes alone that it omits have been found to be highly problematic for pregnant women, causing everything from toxicity to a miscarriage.

This is a list of things that should be avoided when you are pregnant, but don’t beat yourself up if you have already done any of these things or been accidentally exposed to something that could be potentially harmful. Just check with your doctor and he can tell you if you have reason to worry! Babies are well protected in the womb, but we should still exercise every precaution to take care of them. What things do you recommend avoiding when pregnant?

Sources: americanpregancy.org