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If there was ever a time for women to focus on their health and their hygiene, it is when they are pregnant. This is because not only do they need to focus on their well-being but the well-being of their unborn babies as well. Good hygiene can promote that. But if poor hygiene is practiced while expecting, according to OpenLearn Create, women are at a greater risk for infection. This is why taking steps to keep the body clean and as germ-free as possible is necessary. Making it important for good hygiene practices to be made aware to pregnant women while expecting.
According to North Shore Associates, the further women are in pregnancy, the weaker their immune systems become. This means that the earlier in pregnancy good hygiene is put into practice, the greater likelihood there is that it will become part of the daily routine. And while good hygiene should be part of daily practice as it is, things such as working out and sitting in sweaty clothes for longer than should be done or not being religious about daily moisturizing may be done pre-pregnancy. Things that if done when pregnant can lead to health issues for women.
Here are hygiene tips for pregnant women.
Wash Hands
One of the easiest ways that those expecting can eliminate many germs from their bodies is by washing their hands. Something that should be done several times per day to stay healthy and free of infections while expecting.
According to Dr. Morris, in order to kill the germs on the hands, vigorously scrubbing them with soap and water for 20 seconds is necessary. An important reminder, given that most adults do not wash their hands properly.
The times that hands should be washed to stay healthy, per the publication include:
- Prior to eating
- Before touching food being prepped for meals
- When dirty
- After blowing your nose
- After using the restroom
- After touching animals
- After touching trash
- After touching raw meat
If there is any question about whether hands should be washed, they likely should be. And by doing so, infections and illnesses will be kept to a minimum when pregnant.
Brush Your Teeth
Brushing and flossing teeth regularly is necessary for good oral health for all adults and children. But given that infections can spread quickly in the mouth when expecting, oral hygiene takes on new importance.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when mothers-to-be brush and floss their teeth twice per day, they significantly decrease their chances of “suffering from complications” to the gums and teeth when pregnant. Something that should be obvious.
But with women being exhausted at the end of the day and skipping brushing in conjunction with suffering from morning sickness, having an aversion to toothpaste, or eating more sugary foods, teeth and gums can easily become infected if oral hygiene is not a priority. And can even cause dental infections in new babies if mouth health is not a priority for those expecting.
Shower Daily
Unless specifically told differently by their doctors, pregnant women should shower daily to keep their hygiene tip-top during pregnancy.
According to Marshfield Clinic Health System, showering daily helps to fight the effects increased hormones cause the body during pregnancy. Specifically, with increased perspiration, vaginal discharge, and dry, scaly skin, per the publication.
By showering, it allows the removal of these fluids and excess skin cells. And when this is done, there is less of a chance of infection. Something that makes for good hygiene in women during pregnancy.
Pay Attention To Breast Health
During pregnancy, the breasts can begin to leak colostrum. When this happens, the nipple areas can remain moist if not cleaned. And when this happens, infections can result.
According to TheHealthSite.com, nipples can become quite sensitive during pregnancy. Much of this has to do with leaking colostrum. This can cause nipples to remain wet, which can lead to infection. If dried too often, they can dry out and crack, which can also lead to infection.
There has to remain a happy balance between the two so that infections are not present when babies are born so that breastfeeding can occur without pain or problems. Something that will occur if breast health is not tended to during pregnancy.
Keep Skin Hydrated
If the skin is allowed to become dehydrated and dead skin cells are not shed, it can lead to infection. Something that women do not want to happen during pregnancy.
According to MedicalNewsToday, if dead skin cells are allowed to accumulate, a condition called dermatitis neglecta can occur. This generally happens when good hygiene is not practiced.
The condition can cause scaly patches to occur. The patches are made up of several components. Those components. Per the publication include:
- Sweat
- Secreted oil
- Dirt
- Pollution
- Bacteria
- Germs
- Dead skin cells
Washing and keeping the skin hydrated daily will keep dermatitis neglecta from occurring. And as a result, healthy skin for women when expecting.
Pay Attention To Vaginal Health
Perhaps an area that needs more attention than ever when expecting is the vagina. And because of this vaginal health should be paramount for mothers-to-be.
According to Health Shots, ways to help ensure vaginal health include:
- Wearing cotton panties
- Not wearing tight clothes
- Not wearing shapewear
- Keeping the vagina clean and dry
- Not using OTC vaginal washes
- Use a pantyliner during the third trimester
- Trim public hair
All of these steps help to keep the vagina healthy and ready to give birth to babies. It cannot be done easily if infections are present at the time of birth because good vaginal health was not practiced.
Source: OpenLearn Create, North Shore Associates, Dr. Morris, American Academy of Pediatrics, Marshfield Clinic Health System, TheHealthSite.com, MedicalNewsToday, Health Shots
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