Sweeping while pregnant

Can Sweeping & Mopping While Pregnant Hurt the Baby?

While it would be a convenient excuse, housework generally is safe for pregnancy. Since the actions could be considered low-impact exercise, sweeping and mopping actually could be a beneficial way to stay active while pregnant. Unless your doctor has expressed specific concern for physical activity, you might not be able to convince your significant other into doing the housework himself. Still, know the signs of a problem so you can listen to your body and contact your OB with any possible issues.

Housework Safety

The American Pregnancy Association encourages physical activity, warning only against high-impact exercise that could result in injury. Since sweeping and mopping typically are done in a safe area and a temperature-controlled home, there's little chance that you'll hurt yourself or become overheated when cleaning your floors. As long as you're not actively straining your body while cleaning, you can continue to keep a pristine house throughout your pregnancy.

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General Precautions

Use common sense when tackling housecleaning projects. The nesting instinct typically affects you as you near the end of your pregnancy during the third trimester, which is when you might be tempted to move heavy objects and rearrange furniture as you clean house. Avoid heavy lifting, as it could strain your body and cause injury. Use natural cleaning products in a well-ventilated area when mopping your floors and keep cool with air conditioning if necessary.

High-Risk Pregnancies

The only time your physical activity is restricted during pregnancy is if you're considered high risk. High-risk pregnancies typically are those involving multiples or issues such as hypertension, preterm labor, ruptured membranes and any other issues that could cause early delivery. To stop the onset of delivery, your doctor might order you to adhere to modified bed rest or full bed rest, which means spending as much time resting as possible. In this case, housework is discouraged and could cause you to go into labor prematurely, posing danger for you and your baby. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly when she expresses concern for a high-risk pregnancy.

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Whether you're enduring a high-risk pregnancy or your pregnancy is normal, know the signs of a problem when engaging in physical activity, such as sweeping, mopping and other household chores. Stop immediately and contact your OB if you experience cramping, spotting, sudden nausea or fatigue, light-headedness, leakage or discharge, blurred vision or a sudden change in body temperature, all which could be signs of a serious problem.

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

5 household chores to avoid when you are expecting

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5 household chores to avoid when you are expecting

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TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on -Apr 12, 2021, 18:08 ISTShare fbsharetwsharepinshare

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01/6Here are some chores pregnant women should avoid

Pregnancy is a delicate phase in a woman's life. Carrying a new life inside your womb means you have to be meticulous. Whatever you do can affect both you and your baby's health. And you do not want to make any frivolous mistake that can turn out to be dangerous. You not only need to evaluate what you eat in a day but also need to consider the activities you perform when you are pregnant. Some activities are safe to perform, while there are others that you must avoid at all cost. We have listed 5 household chores that every pregnant woman must avoid during those critical days.

02/6Moving furniture or carrying heavy objects

After the first trimester, any task which involves lifting a heavyweight object or moving any heavy object should be avoided. Doing these chores can increase the risk of back strain and injury. That happens because the tough tissues in your joints and pelvic floor get loosen due to hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, making you more prone to injuries.

03/6Standing for too long

Any task which requires you to stand for a long period should be avoided. This is important to follow in the morning when most women suffer from the problem of fatigue or morning sickness. Standing for a long time can put pressure on your feet, which would lead to swelling and back pain. If you need to cook, take breaks and do not stand for a very long time.

04/6Avoid bending

Mopping, washing clothes, cleaning the floor and other chores which requires you to bend is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnancy weight gain can cause a marginal shift in the body’s centre of gravity and bending during this time can be risky for the sciatic nerve (runs from the lower back to the leg). So, if you feel uncomfortable while performing any task stop immediately.

05/6Climbing or balancing task

Trust us it is a bad idea to climb on the stool or ladder when you are carrying the weight of another living being inside you. Carrying extra weight can affect your overall coordination and can put you off balance. This could harm the baby, leading to preterm labour or premature separation of the placenta. Take help when you need to do such tasks for your baby's safety.

06/6Using chemical cleaning products or pesticides

Studies suggest that prenatal exposure to piperonyl butoxide, a common chemical found in insecticides, may harm fetal brain development. To avoid any such pregnancy-related complications avoid insecticides and other cleaning products. While buying your grocery look for natural products that are free of harsh and toxic substances.

End of Story

8 Things About Household Cleaning During Pregnancy.com

House Cleaning During Pregnancy: Pros and Cons

It is not possible to give up household chores completely for nine months. From the point of view of doctors, cleaning during pregnancy plays a positive role. Moderate physical activity benefits the mother and fetus: improves blood circulation, helps keep muscles in good shape, reduce swelling and not gain extra pounds.

Home hygiene helps prevent bacterial and viral diseases. Carrying heavy buckets or climbing on window sills to clean windows is still not worth it. It is better to delegate these tasks to other family members or call a professional cleaner.

A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy. Each trimester has its own characteristics. They should be taken into account when distributing loads during the cleaning process.

There are also a number of activities that are strictly prohibited for pregnant women:

Climbing a ladder, stool, window sill and other “high-altitude” objects;
Lift weights over 5 kg, especially in the early stages;
Use prohibited household chemicals1;
Clean up the litter box and garden because of the risk of toxoplasmosis;
Make sudden movements: tilts, turns, squats;
Exposing the body to physical stress for a long time, denying yourself rest.

Is it safe to use household chemicals

Cleaning products should be chosen carefully during pregnancy. It is better to give preference to natural cleaners: citric acid, soda, vinegar. However, household chemicals and pregnancy are also quite compatible things. The enhanced composition of store detergents allows you to get rid of germs, bacteria and mold. All household chemicals on the Russian market are subject to examination in terms of sanitary-chemical and toxicological indicators. If a drug has the potential to cause harm to a pregnant woman or unborn child, a warning label is displayed on the label.

During the first trimester, the baby's vital systems and organs are formed. To protect the fetus from the action of various toxins, the female body produces a special hormone - gonadotropin. Thanks to him, cleaning in early pregnancy can be accompanied by hypersensitivity to odors and toxicosis. To avoid "side" effects, gynecologists recommend using fragrance-free detergents.

To combat pathogenic biofilm in the bathroom and toilet, powerful antibacterial agents like Domestos are indispensable. Sodium hypochlorite in its composition effectively kills germs and mold, keeping plumbing clean. All work must be carried out with rubber gloves and a respirator, and the premises themselves must be well ventilated;
Even with the right organization of the entrance area, dirt and microbes brought on shoes from the street spread throughout the apartment. Glorix disinfectant will get rid of potentially dangerous microorganisms, dust and other contaminants. Washing floors should also be done with protective gloves;
The kitchen seems to be one of the cleanest places in the house. However, high temperature, humidity, microdrops of fat and bacteria brought on the products create all the conditions for the growth of harmful microorganisms. Work surfaces should be cleaned regularly with Cif cleaning gels or sprays, and sponges and kitchen towels should be changed every couple of weeks;
Lime scale, grease stains and other dirt can be removed with folk remedies. Apply a slurry of soda powder to the surface and after a while wash it off with a solution of vinegar;
Test on an inconspicuous area before applying detergent;
Carefully read the instructions, precautions and contraindications on the cleaning agent bottle. Follow the indicated dosage;
Never mix household chemicals. This can cause a reaction with the release of volatile chlorine - the strongest of household poisons;
If your general condition worsens after cleaning, dizziness or nausea occurs during pregnancy, immediately inform your family and, if possible, consult a doctor.
- Replace your regular mop with a modern model with a longer handle and wringer;
- Water bucket on wheels makes cleaning a lot easier;
- Avoid bending over and putting pressure on your stomach. If you need to lean forward, bend your knees and gently stretch in the desired direction;
- Vacuuming should be carried out with slow, smooth movements, after opening the windows for ventilation;
- Many pregnant women find it easier to clean the floor by hand, gently kneeling or squatting;
- If you have frequent low back pain, ask your doctor for a special abdominal support bandage.
- It is forbidden to climb ladders, chairs and other high objects to avoid the risk of falling;
- It is strictly forbidden to lean out of the windows - entrust the washing of external surfaces to household members;
- Do not raise your hands above your head - for cleaning remote areas, you can purchase a special scraper or mini window mop with a long handle;
- Instead of aerosol detergents, it is better to use a citric acid solution.
- It is better to replace ordinary washing powder with a sulfate-free detergent without fragrances - this will reduce the risk of allergic reactions;
- Wet laundry becomes heavier - it is better to entrust it to your spouse;
- Remove clothes from the washer in small batches and leave to dry at height.

Is it possible to wash floors during pregnancy

Washing floors and vacuuming during pregnancy is definitely possible. However, there is no universal instruction for this type of cleaning - doctors recommend proceeding from well-being and working in the most comfortable position for no more than half an hour, after which take a 15-minute break.

The successful course of pregnancy and childbirth is the merit of progesterone. The same hormone weakens the natural immune barrier, makes ligaments and joints more mobile. Along with the growth of the abdomen, the center of gravity shifts - this creates an additional load on the back.

Is it possible to wash windows during pregnancy

Clean windows not only please the eye, but also provide the necessary insolation. Windows should be washed as they get dirty. On the first floors, dust settles on the glass faster. The same applies to houses adjacent to highways and industrial zones.

How to wash and iron during pregnancy

Doctors advise against hand washing during pregnancy. It is detrimental to the back, besides it takes a lot of strength. If there is no choice, you should take the most comfortable position. Sit on a chair with a backrest, placing the basin with linen in front of you on a slight elevation.

Most modern materials do not need to be ironed. It is enough to dry things properly, and they can be worn. It is more convenient to align the folds and provide additional disinfection with a steam iron. For supporters of classic irons and ironing boards, doctors recommend doing all the work in a sitting position - this will help reduce the load on the legs and back, avoid swelling and varicose veins, and at the same time be less tired.

Cooking and washing dishes, as well as cleaning during pregnancy, should be done in a simplified manner. Get a comfortable chair to relieve stress on your back. Take frequent breaks and don't overwork yourself. Any household chores can wait - the main thing is your well-being and the health of the baby.

Memo for pregnant women. Transport. | www.mrd1-74.ru

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Pregnancy is not a disease, but the body of the future mother works in a double mode, which inevitably makes its own adjustments to the usual way of life and requires some change in behavior, taking into account the priority of reasonable caution. Serious changes are taking place in your body, so while doing your daily activities, try to follow these recommendations:

Stand properly. Straighten your back, straighten and pull back your shoulders. Pull up your buttocks. In this case, the main load should fall on the hips, buttocks and abdomen.

To mop or sweep the floor, do not bend over, but kneel down. Or use a long-handled brush or mop to keep from bending over. If you need to pick something up, squat down, keeping your back as straight as possible, and pull the object towards you. In this case, the center of gravity of the body of the body should be closer to the object.

Do not reach for high-lying objects.

If you are lying down and need to get up, turn on your side first. Then get on your knees. Rise, transferring the main effort to the hips.

TRANSPORT

If possible, refrain from air travel - prefer train or car.
Any long journeys should be as comfortable as possible, as their indispensable companions are noise and shaking. Prefer compartment or sleeping cars.
When traveling in a car, it is reasonable to make rest stops every hour and a half.
After 28 weeks of pregnancy, long trips by any form of transport should be avoided, and in the last 2 weeks before delivery, you should stay at home.
When using public transport, avoid rush hours and keep travel to a minimum during epidemics of viral diseases. Upon entering the cabin, do not hesitate to ask passengers to give you a seat.
It is contraindicated to run after a departing train, bus or tram.
When driving a car, the back of the driver's seat should be in the most comfortable position. Be sure to fasten your seat belt. At the same time, make sure that the stomach is located strictly between the straps. Move the driver's seat back so that there is at least 10 cm between you and the steering wheel, and, if possible, install an armrest for yourself.
Try not to go on the road at night, as well as during a large congestion of cars, as long standing in a traffic jam will not bring you positive emotions, and you do not need to be nervous and annoyed now, especially in the later stages. Strictly follow the rules of the road and the speed limit. It is advisable to drive no more than an hour in a row and no more than 2.
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