Health hazards in pregnancy

What is the meaning of health hazard?

It is a potential source of danger to a person's health. So in pregnancy we haveto be  careful and avoid such health hazards . Here are some of them:

Alcohol:

During pregnancy alcohol should be strictly avoided as it has harmful effect on the growing fetus. Alcohol can pass from mother's blood to baby's blood and can cause damage and affect the growth of baby's brain and spinal *.

Smoking:

Nicotine , Carbon monoxide and other harmful gases are produced from a burnt cigarette, which when you inhale gets mixed with blood and reach to the fetus in your womb. These harmful substances affect the growth of the baby * and may cause premature delivery. Passive smoking is more dangerous as you are exposed to the smoke as well as the exhaled gases.

Drugs:

Drugs like cocaine, cannabis during or before pregnancy can lead to premature birth and birth defects.

Hazards at work place:

1) Ionising radiation:

If your job involves atomic energy plants , ask for a transfer to another department if direct radiation is involved.

2) For pregnant doctors:

In first trimester try to avoid examining children with fever and rash (Measles, mumps, rubella etc) or put on mask to avoid infection. 

Anaesthetists: Anaesthetic gases can be inhalant toxins

Veterinary doctors: Cats, dogs and other animals can transmit toxoplasmosis.





3) Avoid passive smoking as well as it is more dangerous than active smoking.

4) In manufacturing plants- Certain chemicals, fumes and inhalant toxins

5) Avoid photocopy machine as it gives off ozone.

6) Standing or siting for long time

7) Lifting heavy weight

8) Excessive stress and noise or violence at work place

Hazards at home:

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• 1) Before pesticide treatment, remove food, dishes, and utensils from the area, including cabinets and drawers. Afterward, make sure someone opens the windows and washes off all surfaces on which food is prepared. If pesticides are used outdoors, close all windows and turn off the air-conditioning so that fumes won't be drawn into the house.

2) Wear rubber gloves while gardening to prevent contact with pesticides.

3) Avoid chemicals or disinfectants for cleaning which use vapours like glue or petrol derivatives.

4) Take care while handling pets , wear gloves and wash hands afterwards.

5) Avoid self medication:

Avoid taking medicines for deworming, anti-histamines and pain killers without medical advice, especially in first trimester.






6) Air freshners containing carbolic acid or formaldehyde should be avoided.

In bathroom:

1)Avoid toilet cleaners containing cresol which is absorbed through skin and cause damage.

2) Be careful while walking on slippery floor.

In the kitchen:

1) Microwave oven that emits radiant heat may have the potential to harm you baby. It is safer not to stand in front of oven when it is in operation.













Use of mobile phone and laptop in pregnancy:

Mobiles, like many other everyday items, emit low levels of radio waves, called as non-ionising electromagnetic radiation. Your television, computer and microwave all give out this type of radiation. Non-ionising radiation is much milder than ionising radiation, which is emited by X-ray, radiation therapy machines and CT scanners. Experts agree that non-ionising radiation is unlikely  to harm an unborn baby. *

In clinical studies it has found a possible connection between babies exposed to mobile phones in the womb and behavioural problems such as hyperactivity during childhood.

The effects of EMFs(  Electromagnetic fields)  from laptops increase with higher exposure. This exposure is considered a risk factor for developing tumors in the blood. The laptop itself is not the only concern. The power supply is responsible for generating currents much higher than is recommended to avoid health complications.*

Keeping mother and baby safe means:

• Not charging the laptop while in use.
• Keeping as much space between the laptop and body as possible.

So, keep yourself safe and enjoy this phase...!