Pregnancy is a period with extreme change, and although exercise would be beneficial, the best thing to do is avoid some house chores, as they might be a source of danger to mother and child. Knowledge of activities to avoid (and the reasons why they must be avoided) is very essential to healthy pregnancy. Further on, we have explored 10 household chores expectant women need to avoid, and what safer alternatives recommended by experts can be used.
Types of work pregnant women should avoid
1. Heavy Lifting
Picking up heavy items such as furniture pieces, bundles of large loads in laundry baskets, or grocery bags may put your back and abdominal muscles under pressure. Hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy also make ligaments and joints looser, thus the risk of injury also increases as pregnancy advances.
Reasons to Avoid It: Back injuries, pelvic pain, and the likelihood of falls could all occur due to this type of heavy lifting.
Hint: Ask other people to perform heavy-lifting tasks or find help in the form of assistive devices (carts or dollies).
A research article describing the same in the journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine stated that weight lifting of 12 kg or more workshops 50 or more times a week posed a risk of pre-term birth in women who could not work after the 32nd week of pregnancy. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
2. Cleaning of High Surfaces
Cleaning up high shelves, washing windows, or cleaning wall fans may not appear difficult, but they are risky activities to an expectant mother. Standing on a ladder or on a stool may cause one to fall, which may be catastrophic when pregnant.
Why To Avoid It: Pregnancy causes a problem relating to your balance, and climbing up on stools or ladders may raise the chances of falling.
Hint: Limit yourself in the cleaning of readily accessible surfaces. In case you need to access some high areas, consider asking another individual to assist you or just employ safer options such as a step stool that has a solid foundation.
3. Mopping and Washing the Floors on Hands and Knees
Although scrubbing the floor on hands and knees may seem like a quick way to clean, it will pose serious pressure on your knees, hips, and back. This pressure on your joints can also make you uncomfortable, especially as your pregnancy increases and your body starts to gain weight.
What is Wrong With It: The continued rubbing of your lower body and joints can cause discomfort and pain, and the scrubbing procedure results in more back and knee problems over time due to continuous labor.
Cheat: It is advisable to use a mop or an extendable cleaning device that allows an individual to clean the floors standing. In the event that kneeling is required, ensure that there are a lot of breaks to assist in resting and not too much bending.
4. Working with Harsh Chemicals
Most household cleaning chemicals have harsh compounds which may prove dangerous to you and your baby. You can also end up releasing fumes through products such as bleach, ammonia, and some air fresheners that can cause irritation to your lungs and skin. These chemicals may lead to negative effects on pregnancy when subjected to long-term exposure, such as respiratory difficulties and a high chance of miscarriage.
Not Good Reason: Unrefined chemicals may penetrate your skin as well as get inhaled, and thus, they may impact your lungs and general wellbeing.
Pro Tip: Use non-toxic and natural cleaning solutions, or DIY cleaners based on vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. In case you have to use chemical cleaners, make it well-ventilated and use gloves to protect your skin.
The CDC adds that one should avoid pesticides, household cleaners, and paint during pregnancy, as fumes may be harmful, particularly in the first trimester. (columbiadoctors.org)
5. Sweeping or Vacuuming
Vacuuming and sweeping are seemingly normal tasks, which may turn into physically demanding activities when you are pregnant. As your belly expands, vacuuming and sweeping over a long duration will strain your lower back, put pressure on your legs, and render you more tired.
Why Not To Do It: Vacuum cleaning and sweeping may cause strain on the back and hips as well as cause muscle fatigue. Even in the later periods of pregnancy, taking bent positions and reaching some parts of the floor may be a challenge.
Pro Tip: Try a lightweight vacuum or a battery model so that you do not strain yourself. Or, rather, assign family members with this task or find help so as not to overwork yourself.
Related: 50 Cute Foreign Baby Boy Names and Their Meanings
6. Scratching the Litter Box
Another task that pregnant women might forget is cleaning the litter box, but it can be disadvantageous. Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease carried in cat feces, may result in severe problems during pregnancy, such as a miscarriage and growth problems in children.
Why to avoid it: There is also a chance of contracting Toxoplasmosis when touching cat litter. This is not a good task to do even though the risk associated with it is low.
Hint: Have someone clean the litter box or use industrial gloves and wash your hands afterward, but preferably avoid contact with the litter box at all costs.
The FDA adds that pregnant women are not supposed to handle cat litter by themselves; this is to help lessen the chances of getting infected by toxoplasmosis, a disease possible when infected by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite present in the cat feces. (fda.gov)
7. Ironing Clothes
Ironing clothes can be an easy task at first, but it includes long hours of standing, which can cause problems on your lower back and legs. Also, you might get uncomfortable because of the heat of the iron, especially when you are in the later stage of pregnancy since your body becomes more sensitive.
Why Not To: Standing for a long period of time may result in leg cramps and back pains, and the heat of the iron may result in you feeling overheated, causing discomfort.
Hint: Do not iron, use a steamer instead, or get somebody to assist in this process to prevent straining.
8. Gardening or Caring for Soil
Gardening is very relaxing and a chance to enjoy the outdoor environment, but one thing that expectant women should exercise care about is when working with soil. Activities such as gardening and digging, lifting heavy pots, or exposure to pesticides may be harmful. There is also the probability that soil could contain dangerous bacteria or parasites that may alter your pregnancy.
The reason not to do it: There can be bad bacteria or parasites in soil which may cause infection. This may also cause muscle and joint pains by straining them when lifting heavy plants or pots.
Tip: If you like gardening, concentrate on less heavy jobs, such as watering or planting small pots. Wear gloves to prevent your hands from getting in touch with life-threatening soil bacteria and avoid using chemical pesticides.
9. Washing Windows
Washing windows also requires high levels of work in heights, bending, and stretching, which are harmful to your body during pregnancy. Standing for long hours with bulky window cleaning equipment requires a lot of physical strength and therefore may cause muscle tiredness and joint pains.
What to Avoid: It places a strain on your body and increases the likelihood of a fall, particularly when climbing up or down ladders or when stretching to cover problem areas.
Hint: Forget it, hire a professional window cleaner or ask someone to do this chore. Make the job easier and safer by using a cleaning wand, which has an extendable handle.
10. Time on Ladders or Step Stool
Although using a ladder or a step stool may sound easy when handling house chores, it is quite the opposite when a woman is pregnant. Pregnant women are advised to stay away from it as much as they may try. Pregnancy will alter your balance and increase your chances of falling and getting an injury.
Why not to do it: You will risk falling off the ladders or the step stool, which may injure you or the baby. Even light falls can cause severe injuries in pregnancy.
Tip: As much as you can, avoid being on soft grounds. When getting to elevated areas, ask a person to assist you or adjust a stool with handles to act as a safe step stool.
How to Have Safe Pregnant Housework
It is significant to avoid some kinds of housework, but there is a way to remain active and keep your household clean and manageable without endangering yourself or your baby:
- Ask a Helping Hand: Request family members or have professional cleaners involved, where possible. This will lighten your physical burden and keep your house clean at the same time.
- Safe Cleaning Products: Use natural, non-toxic cleaning products to avoid the use of severe chemicals. Essential oils, baking soda, and vinegar are great replacements for dangerous chemicals.
- Have Frequent Breaks: Take breaks when doing housework so that you do not overwork your body and strain it. This is very critical during the late stages of pregnancy.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Pregnancy raises the need for hydration in your body. To stay active while performing chores, always drink a lot of water throughout the day.
- Follow What Your Body Says: Listen to any discomfort or pain and stop when you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or in pain.
FAQs
Q1: Is it possible to tidy up a house when I am pregnant?
Yes, undergoing light housework generally does not endanger pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is critical to avoid overexerting yourself and to listen to your body. When any chore bothers or tires you, it is advisable to take a break.
Q2: Can a woman use cleaning products during pregnancy?
Most of the cleaning materials are safe to apply when pregnant. Nevertheless, one should preferably use natural non-toxic cleaning solutions and have proper ventilation whenever cleaning using any cleaning solutions.
Q3: Is it possible to pick up heavy things during pregnancy?
You should not lift heavy items when pregnant since it will strain your back and abdominal muscles. Pick up by using proper techniques and request support where feasible.
Q4: Can I even climb ladders when I am pregnant?
It is not advisable to climb ladders when pregnant as the chances of falling are high. It is better to have someone else undertake non-climbing activities.
Q5: Is it okay to clean the litter box of cats during pregnancy?
Toxoplasmosis is a risk, and the litter box should not be cleaned when pregnant. Wear gloves and a mask, and after thoroughly washing your hands, don them when no one is capable of doing it.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a moment when you should focus on your health. You may mitigate the risks and have a healthy pregnancy by avoiding some chores at home and finding safer methods for these tasks. As a rule, you should always check with your medical provider when you are uncertain about any activity during pregnancy.
Remember, you should never hesitate to ask for help and take time to rest. The important priorities are your health and the health of your baby.
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