During pregnancy, you must take the utmost care of yourself as you are not only responsible for your own well being but for that of the life growing inside of you. During pregnancy there are several household chores that should be avoided.
Pregnancy is a delicate phase in a woman’s life. Carrying a new life inside your womb means you have to be meticulous. Whatever you do can affect both you and your baby’s health. And you do not want to make any frivolous mistake that can turn out to be dangerous. You not only need to evaluate what you eat in a day but also need to consider the activities you perform when you are pregnant. Some activities are safe to perform, while there are others that you must avoid at all cost. We have listed 6 household chores that every pregnant woman must avoid during those critical days.
What To Avoid
- Avoid carrying heavy loads:: Your healthcare provider will provide recommendations on how much weight is safe to carry. As you belly grows and you back has added pressure, carrying extra weight can easily strain your back and make you more uncomfortable. Be aware when carrying: laundry baskets, buckets and the vacuum.
- No cleaning the litter box: Handling cat feces should be completely avoided during pregnancy. Cat feces can contain a parasite that causes the infection toxoplasmosis which can cause vision loss, brain damage or can even be deadly to your developing baby.
- Avoid chemical-heavy cleaning products: Chemicals in pesticides and harsh cleaning products with strong fumes have been linked to neural tube defects and deformities of the heart and limbs. Opting for natural cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon will be a safe alternative. If you must use the chemical products makes sure you wear gloves, cover your mouth to avoid inhalation and ensure the room is well ventilated.
- Avoid standing for too long, bending constantly or climbing: Standing too long, especially during the later stages of pregnancy can be problematic. Standing for too long can: Disrupt the blood flow, increase the risk of high blood pressure, add extra stress to your base and cause swollen feet
Sciatica
Bending too much can affect your back and possibly lead to sciatica which is a painful swelling of the sciatic nerve that runs down the back to the leg. It is not advisable to climb on stools or ladders during pregnancy. With your growing belly, your center of gravity changes making you more susceptible to falls. Consider buying a some extra support with maternity compression.Your insurance might cover it!
