What to avoid when pregnant

Introduction:

There have been cases of complications during pregnancy, stillbirth, deformation of the emerging baby and other heartbreaking health issues connected to pregnancy. For some issues no one is to be blamed, while the mother is to be partially blamed for some. This write-up is based on revealing some things that an expectant mother needs to avoid for the safety of her child and her safety too.

What is pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a condition when a female species houses an offspring in her womb (uterus) as a result of fertilisation for the required period of time before delivery. The offspring might be biologically related to her or not related to her in the case of surrogacy.

How can one get pregnant?

During sexual intercourse between couples, the semen containing spermatozoa (sperm) is released by the male into the female body. This sperm, alongside the jelly-like semen, swims into the female uterine or fallopian tube; the female system aids this movement. If the female currently ovulated or is ovulating (the process of releasing a matured egg or ovum from the ovary), the sperm and the matured egg or ovum would meet, and the sperm would fertilise the matured egg or ovum at a point in the uterine tube called the ampulla. If there is fertilisation, the formed embryo will move to the uterus (womb) and implant (stick to its wall). From there it would grow with time. The essence of implantation is so that the baby can derive blood, oxygen and nutrients from the mother through her womb.

Things to avoid when you are pregnant:

Over-the-counter drugs (OTC drugs) – OTC drugs are drugs purchased and used without a doctor’s prescription. Every drug a pregnant woman should take must come from her doctor and no other place. Taking drugs without your doctor’s prescription is dangerous for you and your baby, no matter the drug. Some drugs have been proved to cause birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Such drugs are isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) (an analogue of vitamin A), antipsychotic and antianxiety agents (major and minor tranquillisers, respectively), etc.

Neglecting the drugs from your doctor – This is a major practice of pregnant women during their antenatal. They feel that they feel okay and therefore do not need the drugs, but they do not know that their doctor also knew that they felt alright and yet gave the drugs to them. They are ignorant that the drugs are needed for their wellbeing and that of their baby, as some of the depleted nutrients are resupplied by the drugs.

Alcohol – Alcohol consumption is strictly discouraged during pregnancy, whether high or moderate. Alcohol consumption is detrimental or harmful to the development of the embryo (unborn child) and has been linked to mental retardation, growth deficiency and other health issues of a child.

Cigarette smoking – This is also an issue because women addicted to the habit of smoking do become pregnant. In fact, smoking before pregnancy can cause harm to the yet-to-come pregnancy. Smoking causes intrauterine growth retardation (the baby could not grow well inside the womb) and premature delivery and behavioural disturbances.

Dirty and infectious environment – Several viruses have been linked to birth defects. Living in such an environment can expose a pregnant woman to these viruses, which would affect her child adversely. These viruses include rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex and varicella. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can also cause birth defects. Water and food contaminated with heavy metals like organic mercury and lead can also adversely affect the child.

Radiation – Women working where there is possible exposure to radiation should take protective measures because ionising radiation kills rapidly proliferating cells of the embryo in the womb.

Nutritional Deficiencies – A pregnant woman should feed well to avoid any nutritional deficiencies that might interfere with the baby’s normal development. The doctor’s or nutritionist’s advice should be taken strictly on the proper diet to be taken. An example of these deficiencies is vitamin deficiencies. Poor maternal nutrition can cause low birth weight and birth defects in the child.

Obesity – Research also showed that prepregnancy obesity (body mass index (BMI) > 29 kg/m²) can increase the risk of having a child with a defect called neural tube defect, which affects the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) of the child.

These and many others should be avoided by a pregnant woman. Remember, your doctor’s advice is paramount in every health-related issue.

Your health and that of your child are important, so live healthy and positive.