Lifestyle Habit To Avoid When Expecting!

It can be tempting to have another cup of coffee at the end of a busy day. Especially if you have swollen feet and a big baby bump. But of course, you know better. Or do you?

While it's common knowledge that alcohol and cigarettes, caffeine and medications are off limits during pregnancy, how much do you really know about these growth retarders? Not much? That's not a problem. In this guide, we will get to the bottom of it.

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Fetal Growth:

Caffeine

If you are a compulsive coffee drinker, tea lover, chocolate lover or cola, it is time to reconsider your quantities. All of these foods contain caffeine, which can promote water loss, hinder calcium absorption, increase the risk of miscarriage, trigger high blood pressure, cause low birth weight and premature labor. If you already have high blood pressure, caffeine puts you at even greater risk for these conditions.

If you are thinking about pregnancy, you should gradually reduce your caffeine intake to give your body time to adjust to the change. Caffeine withdrawal is real and can cause fatigue, headaches and irritability. Replace your morning coffee with a caffeine-free equivalent - green tea, hot chocolate and flavored teas are equally delicious and contain far less caffeine.

Talk to your doctor to find healthy alternatives for your morning coffee.

Smoking

Are you a non-smoker? If you have a smoker around, it's likely you are a victim of second-hand smoke, and that's bad for your growing baby. Cigarette smoke is full of harmful chemicals that enter the bloodstream and pass to your baby. While carbon monoxide can restrict oxygen circulation, nicotine can impede blood flow in the uterus. Breathing secondhand smoke increases your risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth. Ask all smokers in your household to take their cigarettes outside and invest in odor removers for your home.

Fatigue

If you are used to being on your feet, maintaining an elaborate exercise regimen, or working long days, it's time to consider the impact on your baby. Lack of sleep and physical fatigue can increase the risk of premature birth, prolonged labor and other problems. If your job keeps you up late, take small breaks to give your body some much-needed rest.

Processed Food

A fat belly can be a convenient excuse for a big bag of fries. Or something similarly unhealthy.

The truth is, many of the seemingly tempting options in the world come at a high price - your health.

While occasional indulgence can be good for your senses and your soul, fried, processed or sugary foods can quickly drive up your weight and make you a likely candidate for diseases like high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. In addition, research has shown that a regular pregnancy diet of foods containing dyes and preservatives can lead to learning difficulties in children later on.

Hygiene

If you are a fan of hygiene, you will be happy to hear that you are already protecting yourself against viral and bacterial infections. Pregnancy weakens the immune system and makes you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. Pay special attention to your oral hygiene, as gum disease is a common result of increased progesterone levels. Uncontrolled, dangerous microbes can be transmitted to your baby through the bloodstream.

Also, pay attention to your personal hygiene - bathe regularly, wear breathable clothing, and clean your body folds thoroughly. This will help you get rid of any trapped germs and protect you from infection. By taking a few extra precautions during pregnancy, you can do a lot to keep your baby in the best of health until he or she arrives. Remind yourself that it's worth the wait. Because when the baby finally arrives, you can reward yourself with a great cup of coffee.

As you slowly settle into a new routine and lifestyle, you need to be motivated to embrace the new changes and forget the old ones. Mylo Pregnancy and Baby Companion App helps you do just that, helping you leave behind the habits that affect the fetus with new recipes, notes, and an encouraging community. So, say goodbye to the old habits and hello to the new ones that promise health and happiness.