Housework to avoid while pregnant
Being pregnant does not take away the numerous house chores that are often in the home. However, this is not the time to be a strong independent woman. Rather, it is the time to ensure the safety of both you and your unborn baby. Some tasks threaten this safety, and hence should be avoided at all costs.
It is okay to engage in lightweight activities as it is required that you stay active physically but you should ensure you are taking extra care during this period. The second and third trimesters especially, are the most crucial stages in pregnancy so listen to your body and immediately stop tasks that make you uncomfortable.
You should steer away from activities that involve the following;
Lifting heavy objects
Chores that involve lifting and moving heavy objects should be slashed from your to-do-list. This includes moving furniture, lifting laundry and even lifting your grown child. You are at a higher risk of injuring yourself when pregnant because of unstable weight. Also heavy lifting puts a strain on your back, putting you and your baby at risk.
Standing for long periods
The weight gained during pregnancy does not support standing for too long. This can place you at a risk of preterm birth or miscarriage. Standing to a point you feel short of breath is dangerous both to you and your baby. Sitting for prolonged periods might also lead to blood clots. Hence, it is advisable that you create a balance between walking, sitting and standing during your pregnancy.
Bending
Housework such as mopping, doing laundry or sweeping causes you to bend for a prolonged time and might cause a strain on your back. If you have to pick up something, place your legs apart and bend your knees rather than your back. Also, as a result of the misplaced center of gravity that comes with a pregnant belly, bending is likely to throw you off balance.
Read also: Six questions that can help you avoid child labour
Chemicals
Refrain from cleaning using detergents that contain chemicals. Use other alternatives such as baking soda and vinegar for such tasks. Pesticides are also harmful to your baby and that urge to do away with pests should wait till someone can handle it for you.
Photo courtesy: Emirates 24/7
Also, during your pregnancy, you might want to prepare the nursery in wait for your baby. It is okay to plan the décor but refrain from painting the room. This applies to any other rooms you want to repaint in the house. Wet paint contains fumes that are harmful to you and the baby and if you can, get someone else to do it.
Cleaning your pet’s litter
Pet litter, particularly that of cats, contains harmful toxins that pregnant women should avoid coming into contact with. This toxin, known as Toxoplasma gondii, can be transmitted to your unborn child and put you both at risk. This threat is also posed by eating undercooked meat and food straight from the garden. Take caution when handling your cat’s litter or better still, get someone to do it.
Climbing high places
Any activity that requires you to reach for objects or spaces that are high up should be evaded. Pregnancy shifts the body’s center of gravity hence increasing risk of imbalance and falling over. If you really need something that is out of your reach, ask someone else to get it for you.
Take home..
During pregnancy, you should accept help as much as you can and this includes house chores too. Avoid strenuous activity and make sure you get as much rest as possible. Keep in mind that you should also engage in light activity to keep you fit. Overall, take note of what can and what cannot harm you.
