What Not to Do During Pregnancy

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Lots of things change when you’re pregnant. 

Like regular day to day things you could do before, you may not be able to do now. 

And since so many things are cautioned during this time it’s a good idea to know what the no-nos are when you got a bun in the oven.  So that you can help keep you and your baby safe!

Read on to find out what to avoid during pregnancy!

 

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Things Not to Do While Pregnant

 

Changing The Kitty Litter

Always hear people say that you can’t change the litter box when you’re pregnant? 

Ever wonder why? 

Well, cat feces can contain a rare parasitic disease called toxoplasmosis.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says passing this disease on to your baby could cause them to have blindness, intellectual disabilities, brain damage, and eye damage. 

So just to be safe, have someone else clean it for you!

 

Overheating

While pregnant avoid overheating by staying away from saunas, hot tubes, overexerting yourself, and sun-bathing for long periods of time. 

There’s a higher risk of birth defects and miscarriage from overheating during pregnancy. 

Especially during the first trimester. 

So when you want to relax and relieve some of those aches and pains, stick to warm baths only.

 

Wearing High Heels

Your center of gravity changes when you’re pregnant and wearing heels can increase your risk of falling. 

If you really feel the need to wear them, stick to shorter heels instead and leave those stilettos in the closet!

 

Eating Certain Foods

Foods you shouldn’t eat while pregnant are:

• • • Lunch/Deli Meats
    • Raw Fish
    • Raw Meats
    • Raw Eggs
    • Soft Cheeses
    • Unpasteurized Dairy and Juice
    • Fish that are High Mercury 

These foods should be avoided when you’re pregnant since they could contain listeria, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and other bacteria.  They could cross through the placenta and can be life-threatening to your baby. 

Studies have shown that exposing your baby to mercury can cause issues during development such as the brain and nervous system damage.  So just to be safe, avoid these foods for the next 9 months.

 

Heavy Lifting

You don’t want to pull a muscle or give yourself a hernia, so have someone else do the heavy lifting for you. 

Lifting heavy objects while pregnant has also been said to cause low birth weight and preterm labor. 

 

Alcohol

When you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid alcohol completely.  Alcohol can pass through the placenta and harm your baby.  Problems that can happen to your baby by drinking alcohol while pregnant include:

• • • • Seizures
      • Premature Birth
      • Brain Damage
      • Birth Defects
      • Miscarriage
      • Stillbirth
      • Developmental Delays
      • Behavioral Problems

Smoking and Second-Hand Smoke

Smoking is harmful to you and your baby.  Even second-hand smoke has negative effects on Mom and baby.  They can lead to problems such as:

• • • • • Miscarriage
        • Premature Birth
        • Problems with the Placenta
        • Low Birth Weight
        • SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
        • Congenital Abnormalities
        • Learning and Behavioral Issues

When you find out you‘re pregnant, it’s best to quit smoking asap and to avoid any second-hand smoke as much as you can. 

If you’re pregnant and want to quit smoking there are plenty of resources that can help you!

Any Kind of Skating or Boarding

Avoid activities like roller skating, ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding when you’re pregnant. 

They all have higher chances of falling and any type of fall when you’re pregnant could result in an injury.  So for the next 9 months, it’s probably best to take a break from these activities.

Consuming Too Much Caffeine

Caffeine can be found in other things besides coffee.  You can find caffeine in sodas, chocolate, tea, and some over the counter medicines. 

Having too much caffeine though may make increase the risk of pregnancy loss and low birth weight. 

But no worries!  You don’t have to give them up completely! 

Just keep your caffeine intake to 300 mg (milligrams) per day. 

 

Certain Medications

Before taking any new supplements or over the counter medications, speak with your doctor first. 

Some may be harmful to your growing baby. 

You can read this article that talks about Perscription Medications and Pregnancy here.

Painting

I know you’re super excited to get your baby’s nursery all decorated and ready! 

Just… no painting. 

Paint has chemicals and solvents and should be avoided when you’re pregnant.  Instead, have someone else paint it for you!  

But be sure to reduce your exposure to the fumes.

 

Some Cleaning Products

Watch out for certain cleaning products when doing your household cleaning. 

Some cleaning products can be full of harmful toxins and chemicals! 

Either buy a more natural and healthier cleaning product or have someone else do the cleaning for you.  And be sure to check for any warning labels for pregnant women. 

 

Getting a Tattoo

When you got a bun in the oven, it’s best to wait on getting that new ink. 

Typically tattoo shops won’t let you get a tattoo anyway if you are pregnant.  The reason for this is if you get an infection from your tattoo, the infection may go to your baby!

 

Sitting or Standing Too Long

Sitting or standing for long periods of time can cause vein problems as well as swollen ankles. 

So be sure to move and walk around when you can.  And keep your feet elevated when sitting to help with swollen ankles!

 

Drugs

Using illegal drugs or misusing prescription drugs while pregnant can increase the risk of congenital abnormalities, stillbirth, and pregnancy loss. 

It could even cause your baby to have Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) making them go through substance withdraw.  This can cause them to have symptoms such as seizures, sweating, trembling, and excessive crying.

 

(Please keep in mind that I am NOT a doctor or any other kind of medical professional.  I’m only a Mom who is going off of her own experiences and research.  If you’d like to know more you can read my full disclaimer policy here .)

 

Related Posts: Surprising Things You CAN Do When You’re Pregnant

Related Posts: 11 Things You Should Do When You Find Out You’re Pregnant

Related Posts: Best Free Pregnancy Apps

 

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