Miscarriage Prevention: Things Not To Do During Pregnancy

Overview

Miscarriage is not common but can likely be seen in one in five women in the first three months of pregnancy. The bad part is that there are unknown reasons for miscarriage during these months; this is difficult to accept and sometimes leads to women and couples unnecessarily blaming each other or themselves. It is essential to know that miscarriages rarely happen because sometimes you do not know what is needed and what to avoid. Also, it isn’t easy to prevent it because you don’t know why it happens. If you are concerned about a miscarriage, consult Queen’s Gynecology to consult the cause of miscarriage with the best gynecologist in Delhi. She will help you to evaluate and also give you tips to avoid recurrent miscarriages as well. 

Related Blog: Everything About Miscarriage And Getting Pregnant Again

Foods Not To Eat During Pregnancy

The pregnancy outcome depends on the lifestyle pregnant women follow; eating a healthy and balanced diet is essential and consistently recommended by gynecologists for safe pregnancy and to avoid miscarriage. Some foods to avoid during pregnancy should be a complete no-no to prevent miscarriage. A pregnant woman needs a fully packed nutrient diet to sustain a healthy pregnancy. Many foods are must-eat for expected mothers, like fresh fruits, whole-cereals, lean meats, and dairy products that supply the body’s needs during nine months of pregnancy. There are some foods that pregnant women must avoid as these can increase their chances for miscarriage: 

1. Raw eggs 

However, eggs are a great source of protein but are not suitable to eat during pregnancy as they can be harmed if consumed in raw form. Also, foods like mayonnaise, mousses, etc should also be avoided because it also contains the bacteria salmonella, which can cause abdominal pain, fever, and miscarriage. 

2. Raw papaya

Gynacologists always recommend avoiding raw papaya during pregnancy as it is linked with an increased risk of miscarriage. The fruit has an enzyme that can cause uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage.

3. Pineapple 

Pineapple is another fruit that increases pregnancy risk, like miscarriage, especially during the first trimester. The fruit contains bromelain, which softens uterine muscles and induces early labor. Consuming fruit or juice of pineapple in early pregnancy is dangerous; however, it is used at the time of delivery to ease labor and have faster contractions.

4. Liver 

The liver is considered a high-nutrient food source but is contaminated with toxins if it comes from an infected animal. Avoiding it will be better for your pregnancy as it is high in cholesterol and vitamin A; excessive intake of both can influence fetal development and cause complications like urinary tract malformation.

5. Alcohol and caffeine 

Alcohol, even in small amounts, should be avoided during pregnancy as it may cause various physical or mental developmental issues. Some people enjoy having caffeine during pregnancy, but pregnant women should avoid it entirely because it passes to the fetus, and the fetus cannot break it down. 

6. Drumstick 

Drumstick is one of many favorite items, fully packed with potassium, vitamin C, iron, calcium, etc. It also contains alpha-sitosterol, making it one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy. It causes miscarriage. Eating drumsticks can lead to the smoothening of uterine muscles, which increases the chance of miscarriage. 

7. Unwashed and unpeeled vegetables 

Pregnant women should eat a diet full of green veggies. But it is vital to keep in mind that avoid eating unwashed, unpeeled raw vegetables because of Toxoplasma gondil, a parasite found in raw or dirty vegetables. It can infect pregnant women, and their illness can be transferred to the fetus. 

8. Spices 

There are many species as well that should be avoided by pregnant women. However, it enhances the flavor but is not good for the fetus. Spices like garlic, fenugreek, asafoetida, and peppermint can cause premature contractions and miscarriage in the uterus. These spices can also cause blood thinning that can lead to bleeding. 

Related Blog: What to Eat When Pregnant: 11 Best Foods Eat During Pregnancy

Activities Not To Do During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, skipping some activities that increase the risk of trauma to your uterus is best. This could happen because of severe fall or stop-and-start movements. While your baby is pretty well-cushioned in your womb, a hard impact or a sudden jerk can be dangerous, especially as your pregnancy progresses. Many activities should be avoided during pregnancy that can lead to miscarriage. 

1. Avoid wet paint exposure.

Paint toxicity depends upon individual solvents and chemicals in the paint and exposure. Household paint has a low exposure level, but it is best to avoid wet paint exposure during pregnancy to stay away from the fumes from these paints. 

2. Hot tubs and sauna 

Relaxing in a hot tub may seem best if you feel aches and pains during pregnancy, but it elevates body temperature. This elevated body temperature during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can lead to specific bodily effects in the fetus. You can try out a warm bath instead of relaxing.

3. Passive smoking

Smoking is worse for your unborn baby, and secondhand smoke is as bad as smoking as there are many chemicals in that, too, and some are linked to cancer as well. Exposure to secondhand smoke may lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, etc. 

4. Sitting and standing for too long

Avoid staying in the same position for too long during pregnancy, like seated or standing, as it can create problems. Take short breaks and move around if you are seated, or put your legs up if you are on your feet. 

5. Avoid driving 

Whether a four-wheeler or two-wheeler driving, both can put your pregnancy in danger; riding during the late second and third trimester can be risky for you. It is best to avoid it during all nine months of your pregnancy to avoid any mishaps. Also, avoid riding on roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides, as they can be dangerous. 

6. Avoid sports 

Pregnancy can be harmed by many sports activities like playing soccer, basketball, volleyball, and hockey, as all these have a high risk of abdominal injury. The sports include sudden stops and starts that make it challenging to maintain a balance. Also, avoid gymnastics as it has a chance of serious falls. 

7. Avoid exercising 

Avoid exercising, especially on your back in pregnancy, as lying flat on your back for too long. The baby’s weight puts pressure on major blood vessels, which can cause low BP and reduce blood flow to the baby. However, yoga and exercise classes are great in pregnancy. Make sure to consult your gynecologist before doing them.

8. Stress 

Chronic stress causes miscarriage and many other problems for your baby in the womb. These include your baby’s growth and gestation period as well. This also increases problems in your baby’s future physical and mental development and behavioral issues in childhood. Thus, avoiding stress and looking for mental well-being during pregnancy is vital. 

Related Blog: 10 Exercises For Safe And Normal Delivery In 2023

Supplements To Avoid Miscarriage

If you are pregnant, you need to be very careful about taking vitamins or other supplements during pregnancy or if you are planning for pregnancy. Your body needs a small amount of energy supplements during pregnancy, and g=higera mounts are unsuitable. Consuming them can sometimes cause harm and can lead to miscarriage. High doses of Vitamin A, C, and E can be dangerous for expectant mothers and become one of the reasons for miscarriage. It is best to avoid foods with high amounts of vitamin A or the above-listed supplements. It is best to talk to your gynecologist and discuss with her all the medicines and supplements that you have to take during pregnancy. Many multivitamins are specially designed for pregnant women, known as prenatal multivitamins, and your gynecologist will recommend you as per your needs. Many supplements are safe during pregnancy, like : 

• Prenatal vitamins
• Folate
• Iron
• Vitamin D 
• Magnesium
• Ginger
• Fish oil
• Probiotics 
• Choline

However, supplementing with certain minerals and vitamins may help fill gaps, but your gynecologist should recommend them. She will recommend the right dosage, safety, and potential risks and benefits of giving these supplements to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. 

Related Blog: Know What is High Risk Pregnancy, 22 Risk Factors for High-Risk Pregnancy

Conclusion

However, there are many restrictions to the diet while pregnant to ensure the health of both expectant mother and child. As pregnancy causes many body changes, gynecologists recommend individual dietary options as per the patient. Queen’s Gynecloolgy has experienced gynecologists and nutritionists who help pregnant women for a safe and successful pregnancy. The nutritionist here will help you to reduce pregnancy risks like miscarriage by giving proper tips on what to eat and what to avoid during pregnancy. If you have not started prenatal care, in that case, you should consult a gynecologist for a physical exam, as it may uncover health problems or pregnancy complications that can lead to miscarriage if left untreated. Queen’s Gynecology determines the suitable treatment options for the underlying cause and ensures you have a healthy, full-term pregnancy.

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