10 things you must never do when you’re pregnant or you’ll regret forever

Last Updated on 2016-05-20 , 11:55 am

There are many advice available when it comes to what not to do during pregnancy. Sometimes, it overwhelms a new mommy due to the sheer volume of information that she will get everywhere – the internet, from their moms, aunts, cousins, friends, the list goes on.

We attempt to simplify the list so that it is easier for new mommies to find out what not to do when you are pregnant.

Limit or avoid these food
Raw cheese, meat and fish with high mercury content should be avoided. These food can cause severe problems with your body and baby. Cheese and deli meats can cause havoc to your immune system during pregnancy and will make you sick. Fish with high mercury content is harmful to your baby as the mercury content can potentially stop the development of the brain.

Limit exposure to toxins
When we say toxins, it includes smoking habits and inhaling second hand smoke. It affects your baby and can cause health problems later on for the child. You should also avoid paint fumes when you decorate your nursery. If you have to be around, choose to use low VOC paints.

Avoid alcohol and uncertified medicine
Alcohol can have a devastating effect on your developing baby and you should avoid drinking at all cost. It is not worth the pleasure of drinking if you are going to harm your baby. You should also use medicine with care. Take only medicine that are certified safe by your doctor. You should never self-medicate if you are having a flu while pregnant.

Avoid pet reptiles such as turtles
These reptiles can transfer the salmonella bacteria through their faeces. If possible, do not touch them. If need be, make sure you wear gloves and wash well after handling your pet.

Keep your body temperature at a healthy range
Your baby is not able to sweat and cool down in the womb. Overheating your body can raise the baby’s temperature to dangerous level and harm your baby. Avoid sauna and hot showers. They will raise your body temperature as well as your blood pressure. Drink plenty of water during hot weather and try not to go out of the office/house at the hottest time of the day.

Check your stress level
Keep an eye on your stress level. Avoid major changes in your life such as moving house or changing jobs while you are pregnant. Practise healthy relaxation workout every day to reduce stress to a minimum.

Minimise exposure to low level electromagnetic fields
Radiation may impact the way DNA replicates or how cells grow and perform hence, you should take caution. Things like hand phone and computer emits small amount of radiation. While it should be relatively safe for the baby, you should try to avoid excessive use of such. Microwaves ovens emit microwaves radiation and you should not stand directly in front of the microwave when you are using it. Move away from the microwave when it is in use.

Avoid Caffeine
Even though there are mixed reviews on how caffeine can affect your baby’s health, it is still better not to take the risk. Replace your daily caffeine fix with herbal teas if you need to have a drink. If not, warm water is the best for you during pregnancy.

Avoid drinking tap water
While tap water in Singapore are generally safe to drink, try not to drink from the tap during your pregnancy. Tap water have been linked to miscarriages hence it is the safest to drink only boiled water.

Avoid taking Vitamin A supplements
Overdose on vitamin A can increase the risk of your baby having birth defects or other problem. It must be noted that natural sources of vitamin A are ok. It is the artificial supplement that harms the baby.

We hope that these 10 points help you to better understand what not to take during pregnancy and we wish you a happy pregnancy and a beautiful healthy baby!

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