Developing an infection can be bothersome to begin with, but its effects can be amplified during pregnancy. Not only can it hurt you, it can also pose serious risks to your baby. Luckily, with a few basic tips and tricks, you can minimise your exposure to infections. Here is our pick of the top 7, to keep you and your little love safe.
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This goes without saying, but remind yourself to be fastidious about hand washing every time you return home, empty the dustbin or finish exercising. Maintaining good hygiene can keep germs at bay and shield you from infections. If you’re stepping out, remember to carry a sanitiser with you to clean your hands on the go.
Are you up to date on vaccinations? If you thought vaccines were only for newborns, think again. While some vaccinations are important before pregnancy – because they can protect your unborn child from life-threatening diseases – others are recommended during or after pregnancy. Vaccinations can envelop you and your child in powerful protection and save your little one from developing long-term health conditions.
Feel completely healthy? So do 1 in 4 women carrying the Group B streptococcus virus. This virus doesn’t display any symptoms, so you may never know you have it. However, it could put your child at risk during labor. Speak to your doctor about having the condition ruled out – all it takes is a simple swab test.
Easier said than done, eh? After all, you don’t see infections walking around with warning signs.
But what you can do is keep a distance from people you know who have contagious infections like the flu, rubella or chickenpox (if you haven’t already been vaccinated for the latter two).
Stagnant lakes, ponds and water bodies are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and should be avoided at all costs. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, malaria and chikungunya can be detrimental during pregnancy, easily transmittable to your developing baby. If you’re forced to travel to outdoor areas with open water bodies, cover yourself from head to toe in mosquito repellent.
Every single thing you consume can have a lasting impact on your body, so be aware of what goes inside. Make sure to inform your doctor of any medications you’re taking before seeking a prenatal vitamin course. Typical prenatal supplement courses include iron, calcium, folic acid, fatty acids and other minerals.
If you’re a proud cat parent, you’re likely used to throwing out dirty cat litter on a regular basis. However, contaminated cat litter contains harmful parasites that could make way for infections. Treat this as a convenient excuse to delegate litter box duties to the husband. Or, if you’re forced to do it yourself, be sure to wear gloves first.
With these seven tips, you can keep infections at arm’s length and secure your baby from bacteria and viruses. All it takes is a little extra care.
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