Habits prohibited in pregnancy

During the pregnancy It is essential that the future mother follow a healthy lifestyle, based on the follow-up of a varied, healthy and balanced diet, stay active and practice physical exercise on a regular basis (only the one she can carry out, and that obviously does not involve of much physical effort, such as walking).

But, in addition to these two basic recommendations, there are some Prohibited habits that the future mother should avoid, reduce or eliminate drastically during the 9 months of gestation, since they have a very negative influence on the correct development of both pregnancy in general and the fetus in particular.

If you are pregnant (congratulations!), Or if you plan to be pregnant soon, here are some habits to avoid during pregnancy. Take note and get to work !.

Alcohol

If you drink alcohol during pregnancy can cause damage to the mental and physical development of your baby. Why? Very simple: alcohol is able to reach the fetus through the placenta, which can cause the child to grow more slowly, present congenital problems or weigh less at birth.

The Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SEGO) advises avoid alcohol before, during and after pregnancy, since the studies carried out have not made it completely clear which is the moment in which most affects the baby. On the other hand, there is no minimum amount that does not pose a risk for pregnancy, so the basic recommendation is simply to leave it altogether, and not consume any drinks or drinks during pregnancy.

What if you've drunk alcohol before you knew you were pregnant? If so, do not worry, in those early days of pregnancy it is quite likely that alcohol did not cause any problems in the embryo.

Smoke

As with alcoholic beverages, there is no safe level of tobacco use during pregnancy. In fact, it has been proven that smoking a few cigarettes a day the future mother exposes the fetus to more than 7,000 toxic and harmful substances, which affect their proper development and growth.

And what consequences does it produce on the fetus? When there is tobacco smoke in the environment, that the future mother inhales in addition to inhaling the one corresponding to her own cigarettes, the fetus receives less oxygen, so that your heart beats and the growth of your lungs is altered. On the other hand, decreases the circulation of blood through the placenta, which influences that the fetus receives less nutrients.

It has been scientifically verified that the babies of smoking mothers have an increased risk of infection, and of having other health problems:

Having nicotine withdrawal syndrome at birth, which causes the baby to be born very irritable.
Die of sudden infant death.
Being born with congenital malformations, such as: cleft lip, cleft palate and cardiac malformations.
Suffer respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, otitis and pneumonia.

As we indicated before, there is no minimum quantity that we could consider as "safe level of tobacco consumption". Therefore, the recommendation is simple: stop smoking before, during and after pregnancy.

Sausages and undercooked meat

Although it has only been related to cats, did you know that you are more likely to be infected with toxoplasmosis by eating contaminated undercooked meat and contaminated sausages, as well as freshly contaminated vegetables?

The truth is that although pregnancy is an infection that is not very important, during pregnancy can cause malformations in the fetus, and in the first months of pregnancy can cause abortion.

How to prevent it? Always eat cooked meat very cooked, roasted or fried. Avoid the raw sausages and opt only for cooked sausages. When it comes to fresh vegetables, wash them thoroughly before eating them.

Hot baths and saunas

Although at other times can be beneficial and therapeutic, especially when it comes to reducing anxiety and stress and help us relax our mind, during pregnancy you should avoid exposing yourself to high temperatures, such as hot baths and saunas.

Why? High temperatures produce excessive vasodilation, what can cause fainting and dizziness.

However, many gynecologists and obstetricians agree that one month before delivery the future mother can use the jacuzzi, yes, as long as the water is not too hot and the jets do not go directly to the abdomen.

X-rays (x-rays done)

Surely, when you have gone to the dentist, at some point you will have noticed a notice paper that they usually put on, and that indicates that if you are pregnant, you notify the dentist. The reason? During pregnancy, X-rays should be avoided (for example, get an x-ray).

In this sense it is always advisable to inform the health professional, since in case the test is not of vital importance it is likely to be suspended and left for when you give birth. But in the case that the test must be done yes or yes, then apply the lowest dose, with the shortest possible time and always protecting those areas more sensitive. That's why it's always important that you inform him. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.