KEEP CALM AND STAY SAFE
Before you even realise you’re pregnant, your body is already protecting the precious life inside you. Here’s how you can help it...
Natural lethargy, nausea and vomiting are some of the first (protective) signs that your body gives you, indicating your pregnancy and stopping you from eating, drinking and doing anything potentially harmful to your developing baby. We all know about the food we need to eat or avoid, supplements to take or avoid, and to steer clear of X-rays during pregnancy. Smoking and alcohol are well-known teratogens and should be avoided at all costs. But there are other hazards out there to be on the lookout for, which may surprise you.
KITTY CAT CARE
The simple act of cleaning out your cat’s litter box can pose an unseen threat to your baby. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single cell parasite called toxoplasma. This parasite is commonly found in the faeces of cats. It can be prevented, tested for and treated if caught during pregnancy. With proper precautions, a healthy cat is not a particular risk to a pregnant woman. The care of a sick cat should be left for someone else, as should the care of a litter box. If a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, her baby can become infected, suffering widespread damage especially to the brain and eyes.
STAY BALANCED
Yes – you’re looking to baby-proof your house from potential hazards to your baby, but those very same things can cause you a problem while you’re pregnant. Things like loose, slippery rugs with no underfelt need to be moved or removed or make sure they are flat enough not to cause you to trip or slip on them. Any liquids on the floor must be cleaned up immediately, otherwise slipping, losing your balance and falling over is a reality. During pregnancy your centre of gravity shifts, and as a result you’re more likely to walk into things, or misjudge things as your tummy gets bigger. It becomes harder to maintain your balance in the case of a fall than when you aren’t pregnant. And exchange your high heels for flatter shoes, as high heels exacerbate backache, foot strain and problems with balance.
EXERCISE RIGHT
Although exercise is highly recommended, it must be done under the supervision of a person that knows how a woman’s body changes during pregnancy. Moderate exercise poses no threat to a healthy pregnancy, but remember that you not only have the baby to think about here. The changes in your body influence the impact exercise has on you. Strained joints, backache and breathlessness may all be exacerbated if you exercise incorrectly. While you must do abdominal exercises, you must take care not to overstretch your already expanding recti muscles. Proper exercise can enhance good posture, lead to better breathing and decrease aches and pains typical of pregnancy. Horseriding, kickboxing, martial arts, road cycling and gymnastics are just a few sports and activities that pose a danger to your body and that of your baby.