We all know that smoking, eating raw meat, and drinking alcohol during pregnancy are bad for your baby. But did you know the following? Read these 5 things you shouldn't do during pregnancy.
Don't paint walls
The advice is not to paint walls. Turpentine-based paint contains hazardous substances that are easily inhaled. This is not good for your baby's nervous system. However difficult it may be with nesting instincts, skip the painting for now. Water-based paint is harmless, so you can happily use it in the nursery. Or ask a handy grandpa, grandma, father-to-be, or uncle to paint for you.
A bath, sauna or jacuzzi that is too hot
When you're pregnant, it's wise to keep your body temperature below 1 degree Celsius. This can cause stress for your baby. A nice warm bath or jacuzzi is fine, but make sure the water isn't warmer than 37 or 38 degrees Celsius. You also need to be careful with sauna use during pregnancy. If you regularly used a sauna before your pregnancy, you can return between the 4th and 7th month of pregnancy. Don't stay in for longer than 10 minutes and avoid sitting in the hottest part of the room. If you're not used to sauna use, it's advisable to wait until after your pregnancy.
High heels
Do you love wearing high heels? Super pretty and feminine. But maybe it's better to put on your best sneakers during your pregnancy. Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity. This puts pressure on your lower back and can lead to back pain. Wearing high heels can exacerbate this.
Under the sunbed
As much as we all love to lie in the sun, why not try the winter alternative: a tanning bed? Tanning is not recommended during pregnancy. Just like in a sauna, your body temperature rises and can cause stress for your baby. Be careful with the real sun too! It's not dangerous for your baby. But when you're pregnant, you burn more easily and produce more pigment. So you could develop dark patches on your skin. We call that a pregnancy mask. So apply plenty of sunscreen and stay out of direct sunlight.
Cleaning the litter box
This might sound the craziest of the five, but it's true. Cat feces contain a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. This is the same parasite that can be found in raw meat. Toxoplasmosis is unpleasant for you; it makes you tired and you might have a slight fever. But it's much more dangerous for your baby. You can miscarry early in your pregnancy or your baby could be born with a birth defect. So, have someone else clean the litter box! Oh, how annoying...
Extra tip: don't forget to enjoy!
It might sound a bit cliché, or really cliché. But after reading about all the things you can't and shouldn't do, it's good to remember that pregnancy is also a lot of fun. The funny feeling of your baby kicking, how special it is to see your body change, and how many cups of tea your partner suddenly gets you :)
Disclaimer:
This blog by Bressyunderwear is not medically based. Consult a doctor if you have any questions.
