STAY SAFE & healthy
Protect yourself and the precious life inside you from potential harm, which can lurk in some surprising places.
PROPER EXERCISE CAN ENHANCE GOOD POSTURE, LEAD TO BETTER BREATHING AND DECREASE ACHES AND PAINS TYPICAL OF PREGNANCY
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. Most of us are familiar with what 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 if you’re pregnant. The care of a sick cat should be left to someone else, as should the care of a litter box.
If you become infected during pregnancy, your baby can become infected, suffering widespread damage, especially to the brain and eyes.
STAY BALANCED
Yes – you’re looking to proof your house against 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 over 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 who knows how your 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, take care not to overstretch your already expanding muscles. Proper exercise can enhance good posture, lead to better breathing and decrease aches and pains typical of pregnancy. Horse-riding, kick-boxing, martial arts, road cycling and gymnastics are just a few sports and activities that could pose a danger to your body and that of your baby.
WATCH THE MEDS
Headaches can plague you during pregnancy, and reaching for medication isn’t always the way to go. Taking painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage. Paracetamol is the safest painkiller to take, as there’s no evidence an occasional tablet can do any damage. But exercise caution; one study has found that taking paracetamol frequently in the second half of pregnancy could double the risk of having a wheezy baby, which is linked to the development of asthma.
Speak to your doctor before taking any pain medication. Try acupressure for natural pain relief.
STRAP IN!
Many women complain about using seat belts during pregnancy. Placing the belts correctly can go a long way in easing your discomfort. The diagonal strap should cross down between your breasts, and the lap strap should go below your tummy, snugly across the front hip bone on either side. The lap section should lie flat over your thighs and as low as possible under the belly.
It should never be allowed to ride upward.
Remove all slack from the belt, and ensure that it fits close to your body with no twists.
As pregnancy progresses, adjust your seat and steering wheel so that you can easily maintain control of the vehicle as you drive. Strive to position the seat with as large a distance as possible between the steering wheel and your belly.
STRESS LESS
Accumulated stress, which becomes distress, can cause headaches, pain and emotional turmoil that your baby feels and has no way of coping with. Longterm stress and domestic violence and abuse can prove toxic to your unborn child and could wire your baby’s brain in such a way that they’re anxious, fussy and may cry a lot. Any stressreducing exercises, such as relaxation techniques, breathing with intention, walking, swimming or talking things out with a counsellor or significant other is important.
A product like Natura Rescue tablets (see the sidebar) are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. ●