21 Dec 2021 | 2 min Read
Dr Nitu Singh
Author | 3 Articles
The first trimester of pregnancy is the most important period when the fertilized ovum develops into a fetus. The baby’s brain, spinal cord, and other organs start developing during this stage.
The mother is expected to be extremely careful during this phase as this is the most crucial phase of fetus development. There are a few things that should be avoided during this phase to prevent any kind of birth defects or pregnancy complications:
Uncooked meat, shellfish, sushi, eggs, and seafood can increase the risk of infection caused by salmonella and toxoplasmosis. Smoked seafood, when refrigerated can get contaminated with listeria. Such foods when consumed can increase the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, and other pregnancy complications.
Caffeine present in tea, coffee, and other caffeinated products like soda, chocolates, etc. affect the developing fetus as it can pass through the placenta. Caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, affect the developing heart of the fetus and affect the heart rate of the fetus.
Steam baths, sauna, and hot tubs lead to an increase in the body temperature as well as the core temperature. This dehydration and overheating caused by the rise in body temperature can affect the developing fetus and increase the risk of miscarriage by two times.
Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of birth defects and miscarriage. Low birth weight, cleft lips, premature delivery, and other such birth defects are seen in women that smoke during pregnancy.
Consumption of alcohol in the first trimester affects the development of the nervous system and facial features in the fetus.
Intellectual disabilities, miscarriage, stillbirths, neurological defects, and other such pregnancy complications are linked to smoking or any other kind of drug abuse.
Other than these few things avoid cleaning the cat litter box (in case of pets in the house), high-intensity workouts, hot yoga, wearing stilettos, certain medications, etc.
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