How To Avoid Infection During Pregnancy
Avoiding infections during pregnancy is crucial to protect both the mother and the developing baby. Here are key steps and precautions to help reduce the risk:
1. Practice Good Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, handling raw food, changing diapers, or touching animals.
- Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others.
2. Be Careful With Food
- Avoid undercooked meat, eggs, and seafood.
- Do not eat unpasteurized milk or cheese (such as some soft cheeses like Brie, feta, or queso fresco).
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Avoid raw or smoked seafood, deli meats, and hot dogs unless reheated until steaming hot.
3. Prevent Toxoplasmosis
- Avoid handling cat litter if possible. If you must, wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterward.
- Wear gloves when gardening or working with soil.
- Cook all meat thoroughly.
4. Stay Up-To-Date With Vaccinations
- Ensure you are current on all recommended vaccines (e.g., flu, Tdap).
- Avoid travel to areas with outbreaks of diseases like Zika or malaria unless absolutely necessary.
- Ask your doctor about vaccines that are safe during pregnancy.
5. Avoid Contact With Sick People
- Limit exposure to individuals with contagious illnesses like chickenpox, rubella, or flu.
- Maintain a healthy distance in public spaces, especially during cold and flu season.
6. Protect Against Mosquito Bites
- Use insect repellent that is safe for pregnancy.
- Wear long sleeves and pants in mosquito-prone areas.
- Sleep under a mosquito net if needed.
7. Practice Safe Sex
- Use condoms if you or your partner have risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Get tested for STIs early in pregnancy.
8. Get Regular Prenatal Care
- Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments.
- Report any signs of infection (fever, unusual discharge, pain) to your healthcare provider immediately.