Month 2 I’m pregnant, now what?
Now that you’re pregnant, there are a few habits that you’re going to have to kick if you want the best for your baby.
Remember, it’s only 40 weeks of your life, and when you’re presented with your healthy bundle of joy at the end of it, you’ll be glad you made the following sacrifices.
STOP SMOKING
Not only is smoking very harmful for you, it’s especially harmful for your baby during pregnancy. The most serious complications of smoking during pregnancy – including stillbirth, premature delivery, and low birth weight – can be linked to nicotine and carbon monoxide (the two main cigarette ingredients) that work together to reduce your baby's supply of oxygen. So, if you want your baby to thrive in utero, then you’re going to let the ciggies go.
DON’T DRINK
BY TORI HOFFMANN
There is no amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and alcohol (which crosses the placenta) should not be touched during pregnancy, warn doctors. Essentially, any alcohol you consume is absorbed through your bloodstream and reaches your foetus within 20 minutes. It’s poisonous and toxic to your baby, and it may affect any of his or her organs, with the brain being the most vulnerable (yikes!). Other effects include facial deformities, heart defects and mental and/or behavioural problems. This is what is known as foetal alcohol syndrome, and the damage is irreversible.
POPPING PILLS IS A NO-NO
Almost all over the counter medications such as painkillers (apart from Panado), antihistamines, anti-inflammatories and decongestants should be avoided during pregnancy. However, if you’re on prescription medication for allergies, depression or a chronic illness, for example, then you need to speak to your caregiver about what you’re taking. Sometimes, the effects of stopping your medication can be more dangerous to you and your baby than simply adjusting your dosage – so get professional advice on this immediately. Also make sure your doctor knows you are pregnant and then when you are sick they can prescribe safe medications for you. Riding out your flu is also not good for your growing baby.
EAT WISELY
The general rule of thumb is if it’s raw don’t eat it (unless it is fresh vegetables or fruit, of course). Uncooked seafood (sushi) and rare or undercooked beef (biltong) or chicken should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis and salmonella – which can also be contracted through raw eggs. Also, deli meats and unpasteurised foods (for example, soft cheeses such as camembert and brie) have also been known to be contaminated with listeria, something that can cause a miscarriage and has the ability to cross the placenta, potentially infecting your baby and leading to infection or blood poisoning.