As soon as you saw those two lines or read the words pregnant on the test kit, I am sure you started worrying about the things you did the day before especially the glass of wine or cup or two of coffee you had at work. Finding out you are pregnant can be overwhelming and you are definitely bound to worry but remember too much worrying is also not safe for you or baby, what you put into your body or expose it to before and during pregnancy can affect both you and baby but worrying about it all through your pregnancy is going to make for a very very long 9 months, lol. Let’s see if we can narrow down a few things to look out for and continue the conversation on the app, shall we?

1- Alcohol and caffeine intake: Avoiding these two during pregnancy is a must. Scientists are not yet sure how much alcohol or caffeine (coffee, green tea, coke, and other soft drinks) is safe during pregnancy so a rule of thumb is to just avoid it altogether. I mean who doesn’t want peace of mind during and after pregnancy knowing you didn’t cause harm to your child? Less worrying right?

Since we are on the subject of food, let me add these; avoid unpasteurized cheeses, milk, and anything advertised as “fresh”; unpasteurized drinks and juices, apple cider; raw eggs, and foods containing raw eggs like raw dough, eggnog, tiramisu; raw or undercooked meats, shellfish, poultry, etc. All food should be well cooked before eating.

2- Fumes and chemicals and sprays: Painting, in general, may not pose any form of risk to your unborn child but fumes from oil paints sometimes contain traces of Lead and can cause Lead poisoning if inhaled and can be passed on to your baby.

Insecticide sprays also contain harmful chemicals that could put your baby at risk.

It is advised to always keep rooms well ventilated or wear a nose mask if you must use paint or spray. When using Coils or mosquito spray, leave the room for at least 15 minutes after lighting, open all windows and turn on the fan for a few minutes before staying in the room. If your work involves harmful chemicals and fumes, it is advisable to inform your boss/supervisor early on in your pregnancy.

Using strong-smelling chemicals like bleach, and varnish in an enclosed space over a long period can be harmful to your health, ensure proper ventilation or use face masks where possible, and use less harmful and organic alternatives like lemon, vinegar, and baking soda when cleaning. Outsource your cleaning needs where possible. When in doubt, avoid anything that smells harsh and seek medical/expert advice.

3- Heavy Lifting: Although there isn’t a specific weight limit to how much you can carry during pregnancy, it is worth noting that anything heavy over a long period can increase the chance of a miscarriage or preterm labor. Also, pregnancy causes a readjustment to your skeletal system to allow your body to be able to carry your baby’s weight. Your ligaments and joints are loosened because of this, putting you at the risk of sustaining an injury when carrying heavy objects. As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts forward too and this makes it easier to strain or hurt yourself. After delivery, you are advised to not lift anything heavier than your baby. Ask someone to help you with the lifting if possible and use proper lifting techniques when you absolutely have to lift something.

4- Caring for pets: To avoid infections like toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by parasites present in cat feces, you should avoid handling soiled litter or wear gloves and wash your hands immediately after. Report to the hospital immediately if you get bitten by a dog, spiders, snakes or any other animal and stay away from stray animals. Your baby may be at risk of serious infections. Check out our article: Are Pets safe during pregnancy for more.

5- Slippery floors: Approximately 27% of women experience a fall during their pregnancy, 75% of which occur during the third trimester. Although this is an accident that seems almost inevitable, it is:

• If the floor is clean and dry at all times

● Wear slippers with firm grips or good soles/ nonskid soles

● Get assistance when bathing and doing other house chores. Ensure bath mats and rugs are secured on the ground. Install handrails in the bathroom where necessary.

● Use hand rails when descending or ascending the stairs

● Avoid high heels or wedges.

● If by any chance you happen to slip and fall, go to the hospital immediately to check on you and your baby.

6- Infections and diseases: Try your best to avoid coming into contact with anyone with an infectious disease, either sexually transmitted or otherwise – Covid, Monkey Pox, etc.

● Practice safe sex and get tested for sexually transmitted diseases regularly, especially if you or your partner have multiple sex partners.

● Ensure you take all your medications and keep all your doctors’ appointments if you are being treated for a chronic disease such as HIV, tuberculosis

● Adhere to the Covid 19 guidelines/protocol and always wear a nose mask in public to protect yourself.

7- Vigorous exercises: Generally, working out during pregnancy is good unless your doctor specifically tells you otherwise due to your medical history/condition. Engaging in vigorous exercises is not advisable as this can put you at risk of having a miscarriage or preterm labor. 30 minutes of aerobics, 3 times a week is enough to keep you active and prepared for labor. Walking is as good an exercise as any especially if you were not active before pregnancy. If you were not previously exercising before getting pregnant, seek medical advice before engaging in any activity. Check out our article: Working out during Pregnancy for more tips.

8- Driving: It is safe to drive during pregnancy if you're comfortable doing so, however, it is advised to stop driving when your belly starts touching the steering wheel. Always wear your seat belt and ensure that your car is well ventilated. If you use an air conditioner, see to it that you're getting the best air in your car. Keep your car well maintained/serviced to avoid breakdown issues when needed.

Pregnancy puts some limitations on you and sometimes you're unable to do the things you used to do without help before the period, it is okay to ask for assistance at home, work or in running errands. Remember to rest as much as possible, stay hydrated and healthy always.

Join the discussion on all our Social Media pages and the Moms and Midwives app. Share your comments below.