Guide to Ensuring Safety During Pregnancy – Tips And Alternatives

Pregnancy is a blessing. But to make this journey blissful you need to ensure your utmost safety during these nine months of pregnancy. From moving furniture to driving your car, from going to the salon to go for a dining out, some safety concerns will always follow you during pregnancy. While these concerns are good to worry about, there are some misconceptions too.

Pregnancy does not restrict you from doing what you love, whether it is gardening or cycling. It just requires you to follow some precautions while doing these activities. Here are some common activities and lifestyle choices, their safety concerns, and precautionary steps for you. If you follow them sincerely, then you are being true to this blessing, called pregnancy.

Home Environment Safety

Talking about safety, safety begins at home. Therefore, at first, you will need to check if your home environment is safe for you during pregnancy or not. Here are the basic safety tips you need to follow at home to ensure maximum safety during pregnancy.

1. Air Conditioners

With the increase in global warming air conditioners are becoming unavoidable. During pregnancy, you may feel an urgent need for them due to the bodily changes experienced. Increased blood supply to your skin can also make you sweat more. (1)

Benefits

• It helps you sleep comfortably at night which is very important during pregnancy
• It lets you breathe cool and fresh air
• Reduces air pollutants
• Saves you from too much exhaustion by cooling your body

Risks

Unthoutful use of ACs with very low-temperature settings can make you catch an easy cold as your immunity stays down a bit during pregnancy. (2)

• All the exposure can make your skin and eyes dry
• This artificial cold atmosphere can make you dehydrate soon.
• Without maintenance, the dust and pollutants stored inside ACs can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and even asthma.

Is Air Conditioner Safe During Pregnancy?

The safety of air conditioners during pregnancy depends on your use. They are safe and even beneficial if you use them moderately. But rapid use without proper maintenance can make you fall sick.

Tips for Safe Use

• Keep the temperature within 24 to 26 degrees Celsius always
• After every 3 hours turn off the AC and go out to get fresh air or open your windows
• Make sure that your air conditioner gets monthly servicing or cleaning

2. House Painting

You may feel it is the right time to paint your house before welcoming the baby. You may even want to paint the nursery yourself. But is it safe for you during pregnancy? Well, let’s discover through these pointers.

Hazards of Paint Fumes

• Long-time exposure and inhalation of chemicals used in paint fumes can even lead to birth defects. (3)
• A 2019 study on 67,503 births in Japan finds a significant correlation between exposure to home renovation and genital abnormality in male children. (4)
• Regular exposure to painting fumes is harmful to your respiratory system too
• While the hazards related to painting fumes are alarming enough, you can do a bit of painting if you want but of course, after ensuring proper safety measures.

Safe Painting Practices

• Always wear a mask while dealing with paints or renovations
• Wear full sleeves and gloves to avoid skin contact with the chemicals
• Avoid drinking or eating near the place of painting
• Ensure that the place is well-ventilated. Keep the windows wide open.

Is It Safe to Get the House Painted During Pregnancy?

It is a daunting and unsafe task to paint your house when you are pregnant, especially during the first trimester. Studies state that paint fumes can cause birth defects in babies. However, if painting is unavoidable, it is better to follow a few practices to ensure maximum safety.

Alternative Options

• Use paints with zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) labeling
• Choose water-based paints
• Instead of painting sprays use the traditional method of painting through brush

[Read: Painting While Pregnant]

3. Moving Furniture

Moving furniture or lifting them is something you should purely avoid during pregnancy. Lifting heavy objects can directly impact your health and that of your baby.

Risks of Lifting Heavy Weights

• Lifting heavy furniture can lead you to risk of miscarriages and preterm labor (5)
• Lifting or moving furniture improperly can strain your pelvic muscles
• As your center of gravity shifts during pregnancy, you may easily tumble and fall while moving furniture

Is It Safe To Move Furniture During Pregnancy?

Moving or lifting heavy objects is not safe during pregnancy. However, you can try your strength on moving furniture that is not heavy, and only if necessary. Follow the tips and be free to ask for help.

Tips and Considerations to Avoid Risk

• Squat or bend on your knees to move or lift furniture to maintain your center of gravity
• Make your back straight and avoid making a jerk or sudden move to abstain from muscle strains
• Always take help and avoid doing it all alone
• Avoid lifting heavy furniture

Personal Care And Beauty

During pregnancy, your inner child may want some pampering and care. Some hair treatments and nail paints, some tan removals, and peeling of dead cells are what you may want to feel special during this time. But are they safe? Let’s see here.

1. Hair Treatments

While getting a new haircut is completely alright, chemical-based hair treatments are best avoided when you are pregnant. A chemical called formaldehyde, present in hair straightening and smoothing products, phthalates, and oxybenzone present in hair colors is a harmful chemical that can alter your hormone levels during pregnancy. (6), So it is better to avoid chemical-based hair treatments when pregnant.

Is It Safe to Get Hair Rebonding Done During Pregnancy?

Getting a hair rebonding may not be safe when you are pregnant. Although applied on the scalp, the chemicals used can potentially travel down and harm the fetus. So, it is always better to understand the risks and stay away from such chemical-based treatments during pregnancy.

Safe Alternatives and Timing

• You can avoid the chemicals and yet get smooth or colorful hair. Try alternatives like;
• Use colorful hair strands to highlight the hair
• Use hair straighteners or curls
• Apply natural substances like yogurt, egg yolk, etc on hair to get the natural luster

Risks Associated With Hair Rebonding and Other Hair Treatments

Hair rebonding is a popular hair treatment that gives you frizz-free sleek and shiny hair. However, it is not advised during pregnancy because

• The products used for rebonding mostly contain formaldehyde or chemicals similar to it.
• Such chemicals can directly transfer to your growing baby through your bloodstream and cause congenital disorders.
• Inhaling such chemicals can make you feel sick, dizzy, and nauseous.
• Chemical-based hair straightening and smoothing treatments also pose potential risks to the fetus.

[Read: 5 Harmful Chemicals to Avoid During Pregnancy]

2. Tanning

While getting into the sun ensures some vitamin D, tanning is also what you cannot avoid along with it. Tanning comes when the harmful UV rays react with your skin, and make it darker.

Tanning During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

So, whether you tan on the beach or take the treatment indoors in a tanning bed, it is not good during pregnancy. Your skin gets more vulnerable to radiation due to the pregnancy hormones. Here are a few risks associated with tanning when pregnant.

Risks Associated With Tanning (Indoor And Outdoor)

While some women keep wearing sunscreens to avoid tanning, some love the darker shade it provides to their skin. But the UV rays you get, whether out in the sun or inside a tanning bed, are equally harmful.

• Exposure to UV radiation can cause skin cancer or malignant melanoma. (7)
• It can break down folic acid, which directly links it to neural tube defects called Spina bifida in newborns. (8)

3. Nail Care

You may find your nails are getting irresistibly longer, thanks to the pregnancy hormones again. This may lead you to the nearest salon for nail care. But is it safe during pregnancy? Let’s check it out.

Manicures and Pedicures During Pregnancy – Are They Safe?

Yes, manicures and pedicures are safe if you consciously avoid chemicals while having them. Even if you are applying a nail polis make sure it does not have formaldehyde. But cleaning, and massaging your nails is completely safe and even good for blood circulation.

Risks Associated With Manicures And Pedicures

While manicures and pedicures may give you an intense feeling of relaxation and satisfaction, there are a few risks too. They include

• Going to the salon for such treatment can increase hygiene concerns and even direct infections if they do not use sterilized products
• Exposure to chemicals in a poorly ventilated place can make you nauseous
• Harmful chemicals used in nail paints including formaldehyde can directly harm the growth of your baby

[Read : Nail Changes During Pregnancy]

Safe Alternatives For Nail Care

• If your sole purpose is to feel relaxed then ask your partner to give you a foot massage. It will be more satisfactory. Other safe alternatives are;
• Instead of going to the salon call the professional at home.
• Pick water-based non-toxic products and read the labels carefully.
• Eat more eggs and nuts to provide biotin to your nails.
• Drink more milk to offer them strength through calcium.

4. Chemical Peels and Bleaches

Acne and blemishes are common during pregnancy. Increased sebum and melanin production as a reaction to hormonal changes makes your skin susceptible to them. (9) While these may demand some peel-offs, do restrain as they have risks too.

Are Chemical Peels and Bleaches Safe During Pregnancy?

As the word chemicals is associated, hence chemical peels and bleaches are not safe during pregnancy. Try out organic alternatives. You can also opt for topical brightening skincare with pregnancy-safe ingredients in it.

Risks Associated With Chemical Peels And Bleaches

• Deeply penetrative peels and bleaches with thick concentrations of chemicals can get into your bloodstream through skin pores and affect the fetus.
• Your pregnancy-inflicted sensitive skin can get burns or scars due to hyperpigmentation through these peels and bleaches
• They can react adversely with medicines for acne that include azelaic acid
• Ingredients of peels can result in allergy outbursts

Safe Skin Care Alternatives For Pregnant Women

Instead of chemical peels and bleaches try organic skin care. You can make a homemade pack of honey and cinnamon and apply it on your face as they can effectively kill P. acnes Aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, green tea, etc. are other effective alternatives for peels and bleachers. They can equally cleanse and brighten your skin.

Outdoor Activities

Pregnancy doesn’t mean you should be restricted to a very few activities. While you can enjoy as many outdoor activities as possible, it is also important to consider the safety of you and your little one in the womb. Here are a few common activities and safety tips for you.

1. Watching Movies in Theaters

While movies are a great source of entertainment, watching them in theatres is a personal choice when you are pregnant.

Is It Safe to Watch Movies in Theater During Pregnancy?

Watching movies in the theatre is comparatively safe. But choose the topic of the movie you are going to watch. It should be on something that gives happy feelings only. However, it is always better to avoid theaters and loud noises after the second trimester, here is why

Potential Risks

• Action movies with excessive sound can make your baby frightened as their hearing system develops after 24 weeks.
• If the content of the movie is too dangerous or saddening then your feelings will be conveyed to your baby too
• Sitting for 2 to 3 hours in the movie theatre may not be comfortable for you and the baby

Safe Movie-Going Experiences

It will be best if you take a subscription and watch movies at home with all the comfort. If going to the treater choose the ones with a relaxing chair and leg support. Avoid going to the theatre in the third trimester.

2. Climbing Stairs

Climbing stairs is something you cannot completely avoid during pregnancy. However, following some safety precautions will minimize the risk of accidental falls and injuries on stairs.

Is Climbing Stairs During Pregnancy Safe?

Climbing stairs is safe during the initial months of pregnancy. Climbing a few stairs occasionally is even good for maintaining your pregnancy weight gain and hypertension on a check. However, it may not be that safe as you go ahead in pregnancy and your growing belly starts shifting your center of gravity. So climb carefully following all the safety measures to minimize the risk.

Safety Considerations

• Limit the number of stair climbs at a time to avoid exhaustion
• Wear well-grip shoes while using stairs
• Make sure there is enough light on the stairs when you go up or down
• In the case of a carpeted staircase, make sure it is fixed well to the floor

Proper Techniques to Minimize Risk

• Hold tightly to the railings while going up or down the stairs
• Wear clothes that do not entangle your legs while climbing
• Take it slow by taking one step at a time

3. Cycling

Cycling is a great way to relax your body and mind. However, here too you will have to maintain proper safety techniques to ensure safety.

Is Cycling Safe During Pregnancy?

If you do cycling before pregnancy then you can safely do it during it too. However, you will have to minimize or stop it as you go towards the third trimester to avoid mishaps while cycling when you are pregnant.

Safety Considerations

• Choose less bumpy routes preferably flat and smooth ones
• Check the condition of your cycle, its brakes, and tires before riding
• Do it only if your test results are fine and your doctor approves it

Proper Techniques to Minimize Risk

• Always do cycling at a moderate pace
• Wear comfortable clothes and safety gear
• Grip well and be cautious on turning points

4. Swimming

Swimming is one of the safest pregnancy activities you can continue doing throughout. However, it also comes with some safety considerations.

Is Swimming Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, swimming during pregnancy is safe if you are a swimmer already. The lack of risks related to falls and trips makes swimming the most appropriate workout option for pregnant women.

Safety Considerations

• Avoid breaststrokes while pregnant as they can strain your neck and lower back
• Avoid diving inside as you may get dizzy suddenly during pregnancy

Proper Techniques to Minimize Risk

• Start with a shorter duration then increase it if your body allows
• Only use the strokes you are an expert in
• Give time to cool down after swimming

[Read : Scuba Diving During Pregnancy]

5. Walking

Walking is the most pregnancy-friendly workout or activity. This low-impact activity will keep you in shape while ensuring all parts of your body move in sync.

Is Walking Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, walking when pregnant is considered safe and is highly recommended to avoid complete inactivity. CDC advises women to take at least 30 minutes of mild to moderate activity-based exercises during pregnancy and postpartum. Walking can be the best way to follow this advice.

Safety Considerations

• Just like cycling choose a safe plane less crowded path for walking
• Wear sneakers or palm shoes to support your feet
• Keep a water bottle to hydrate while you take a break during a walk

Proper Techniques to Minimize Risk

• Walk straight with your head high and shoulders relaxed.
• Take a break every 5 to 10 minutes or whenever you feel a little bit exhausted
• Take shorter steps than your usual walk to maintain balance, especially in the last trimester

6. Gardening

Nurturing the plants is a healthy and rejuvenating activity you must try during pregnancy. Get first-hand oxygen directly from the source. However, consider the safety precautions to avoid possible hazards during gardening when you are pregnant.

Is Gardening Safe During Pregnancy?

Gardening is safe if you safely do it. Consider the techniques to get a risk-free gardening experience while pregnant.

Safety Considerations

• While gardening you may get into contact with insects and microbes causing mild infections to severe conditions like toxoplasmosis. (10)
• Gardening requires you to bend multiple times or use strength to dig the soil which can exhaust you completely
• Pesticides that you use to let those bugs away are very harmful to your health during pregnancy

Proper Techniques to Minimize Risk

• Protect your skin from such microbes and insect attacks by wearing full sleeves and gloves
• Wear a hat to protect your head from the sun
• Put the plants on a standing platform of your height to avoid bending

Travel Safety

Pregnancy does not confine you inside your home. You can travel anywhere you want. But of course, while considering maximum safety for your upcoming baby.

1. Airport Scanners

Airport scanners and other screening objects are safe for you to pass on while pregnant. While they do not pose risks for your baby taking some precautions is always good when you travel.

Airport Scanners During Pregnancy: Are They Safe?

Yes, scanners at the airport are quite safe for pregnant women. The radiation you may face during these screenings at the airport is much lower than what you get from your smartphone

Safety And Recommendations

• For safety, you can talk to your doctor about the radiation of these scanners, whether you should avoid them or not
• You can talk to the airport authority to convey your concerns and ask for a radiation-free scanning

Different Types of Scanners

You will generally find three types of scanners in airports including metal detectors, x-ray scanners, and millimeter waves. Metal detectors and millimeter waves are completely safe as they do not use ionizing radiations. While X-ray scanners use ionizing radiation, their dose is negligibly low.

[Read : Flying Fears During Pregnancy]

2. Riding a Two-wheeler

Often women prefer two-wheelers or any such personal mode of transport rather than public transport during pregnancy. If you are a passionate rider then staying away from the two-wheeler is difficult even during pregnancy. However, note down these safety tips while riding

Is Riding a Two-Wheeler Safe During Pregnancy?

Riding a two-wheeler is not unsafe during pregnancy if you are a careful rider. But avoiding riding, especially in the last trimester, is good to protect the baby from frequent two-wheeler shocks, as the amniotic fluid, working as a shock absorber decreases during this time.

Safety Considerations

• Driving a motorbike requires your focus and attention. If you are getting symptoms of pregnancy hypertension or preeclampsia then it is good not to ride.
• Even if you are not driving the bike but only riding, accidental falls can cause severe external injuries and miscarriage
• Two-wheeler shocks can make your back pain during pregnancy worse

Proper Techniques to Minimize Risk

• Wear a helmet and well-gripped shoes
• Avoid rush hours, long routes, and roads prone to accidents
• Take help to kickstart your scooter if it does not have auto-start
• Avoid riding two-wheelers on rain-drenched roads

3. Driving a Car

Driving a car with some precautions is something you can do throughout the pregnancy tenure. Here is what to keep in mind though

Is Driving a Car Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, driving cars are generally safe while you are pregnant. But always go with your instinct. If you feel low or dizzy it is better to pass on the steering wheel to your partner.

Safety Considerations

• The strong smell of fuel can make you nauseous
• You may feel suffocated inside the car
• Any sudden brake while you are in the driving seat can mean a direct impact on your baby bump

Proper Techniques to Minimize Risk

• Wear your seatbelts properly while securing the bump
• Drive only the cars that have airbags
• Avoid bumpy roads and adjust the seat according to your height and back comfort

Eating Out

Pregnancy with its all sorts of food cravings often leads you to fancy restaurants and roadside chat corners. But are these foods safe and hygienic for you right now?

1. Dining Out

Your tastebuds often insist you ditch your pregnancy diet. But before going for a dine outside consider these facts

Is It Safe To Dine Out During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to dine out during pregnancy. However, considering a few safety tips before choosing a restaurant and knowing the risks of unsafe foods is important. This not only helps you have a great experience while eating out when you are pregnant but also helps you be aware of the kind of foods capable of causing uninvited risks for you and the baby.

Food to Avoid During Pregnancy

• Unpasteurized milk or any other dairy product
• Raw or semi-cooked eggs and sprouts
• Alcoholic drinks and coffee
• Semi-cooked or stirred fish and meat

Tips for Choosing Safe Dining Options

• Search for a good restaurant with high ratings on hygiene and food quality
• Request the attendant to provide you with fresh and readily cooked food as you are pregnant
• Look at the menu carefully and select a nutrient-rich dish
• If you are allergic to certain foods, make sure they are excluded from your plate

Risks of Eating Out During Pregnancy

• The sandwiches and salads that you order can contain raw sprouts. FDA says raw sprouts often contain bacteria not safe for your health
• Raw or undercooked eggs in your Caesar salad dressing or custard is also not safe for the same reason
• Food prepared without maintaining proper hygiene and cleaning can bring havoc to your digestive system

Therefore if you cannot resist anymore to go for a dine-out, then go for it. But ensure the place you are going serves good food with good hygiene.

Whether you are a working mommy-to-be or a housewife, pregnancy is going to bring a lot of changes in your lifestyle choices. You will have to be extra careful in almost all indoor and outdoor activities of yours. While with proper safety measures, you can do most of the above activities, having your doctor’s consultation is always good for getting some personalized tips. Make your baby’s safety your first concern, and do the other things accordingly.

FAQ’s

1. How Can I Manage My Home During Pregnancy?

It would help if you managed your home more systematically during pregnancy. Make a routine of household chores you are going to complete each day. With the help of technology, you can use dishwashers, washing machines, or vacuum cleaners to manage your home easily.

2. What Outdoor Activities Are Safe During Pregnancy?

Walking and swimming are the safest outdoor activities during pregnancy. You can also do mild cycling and gardening with proper precautions.

3. How to Maintain Your Beauty During Pregnancy?

To maintain your beauty during pregnancy, drink more water; this not only helps you stay hydrated but also makes your skin glow. Since pregnancy is a delicate phase and the change in hormone levels may make you susceptible to even natural products, it is always better to opt for mild skin and hair care products. Try to limit cosmetics with harmful chemicals and go for natural care.

4. How to Maintain Your Beauty During Pregnancy?

To maintain your beauty during pregnancy, you can apply natural ingredients like turmeric, yogurt, aloe vera gel, and besan on your skin. For hair, try to use mild paraben-free shampoo and other products. Try to limit cosmetic products with harmful chemicals and go for natural care.

Reference

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