Being pregnant is one of the most beautiful things to experience, especially for the aspiring mother.
However, one thing that worries many is the risk of miscarriage. This is a spontaneous loss of the baby growing inside you just before your 20th week of pregnancy. It’s a terrible loss and can be quite shocking.
There are a few reasons as to why it happens, from chromosomal abnormalities, illnesses, or accidents you cannot prevent. But do not be scared of the risks. Fortunately, there are ways to lessen those chances and keep your growing baby safe and sound in your womb. Read on as I show you things you can do right now to reduce your risk of pregnancy loss.
Here are the eight things you can do to reduce the risks of pregnancy loss:
1. Always Wash Your Hands
There are quite a few infections which can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. That’s why it’s crucial for you to avoid catching any of these infections, whether viral or bacterial. To do this, you need to practice good hygiene and start washing your hands regularly.
It’s recommended to wash your hands for half a minute, using warm water and quality soap. Wash your hands before and after eating, after you use the bathroom when you have been around ill people, or after touching items others have touched (like doorknobs and shopping carts). Bringing antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers can help as well.
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2. Quit Your Vices
Are you smoking or drinking? Then it’s time to quit the vices. It’s not only a major health risk for you but your baby as well. Many pregnant women are more likely to experience miscarriage or infertility if they continue to smoke. It can also heighten the risk of SIDS after childbirth.
Furthermore, there is a chance that your baby may have fetal alcohol syndrome if you continue to drink.
3. Be Careful When In the Kitchen
Make sure to avoid any food-borne illnesses such as salmonella and listeria. You can do so by washing your hands when handling raw foods, cooking meats at recommended temperatures and within two days of purchasing it, refrigerating leftovers immediately, and thoroughly washing fresh produce. This helps prevent any infections and bacteria from making you sick.
4. Get Your Flu Shots
There are women who fear that the flu shot can cause a miscarriage, but that is obviously not the case. There are no studies that prove an increased risk of miscarriage after taking the flu shot. In fact, taking your shots and vaccinations can help prevent infections while you are pregnant. Pregnant women who catch the flu are more at risk, while those who have high fevers have the possibility of their baby getting neural tube defects. So talk with your doctor to see what vaccinations you may need to get.
5. Lose Weight If Needed
It’s time to regulate your weight, as obesity is a major health problem which can cause premature birth, gestational diabetes, and even pregnancy loss. That’s why if you are obese or underweight, you must take action in losing or gaining properly until you reach the healthy weight you need to provide nutrients for your little one.
6. Eat for Health
Eating healthy isn’t just for your weight but will also help provide the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs to stay healthy. It also lowers the risk of pregnancy complications. Make sure that you start consuming whole foods, avoiding too much-processed sugars and junk.
7. Begin Prenatal Care and Take Medication
Once you find out you’re pregnant, it’s time to start talking with your doctor to begin prenatal care and to take any necessary medications or supplements. This will help detect any pregnancy complications and for you to begin taking the preventive measures from any issues during the pregnancy.
8. Have Safe Sex
Lastly, it’s time to start using protection when having sex. This prevents any sexually transmitted infections, which can cause stillbirth or miscarriages. This is recommended for those who have more than one sexual partner. Make sure to use a condom and have your partners screened for STDs.
Wrapping It Up
Miscarriage is a scary thing to experience and is, no doubt, something many worries about. However, with the proper lifestyle changes, you will be able to lessen the risk factors and enjoy the growth inside of you.
I hope that these things you can do right now to reduce your risk of pregnancy loss helped you figure out what to do to keep your baby healthy. So try out any of these tips today and start living a healthier life.
Feel free to comment for questions and suggestions, or check out more expert info for pregnancy and parenting for professional advice on staying healthy as you raise your little one.
