Nesting in pregnancy is entirely normal and, once it hits (usually around the 24-week+ mark), you may constantly feel an urge to sort things in your home. After all, this is your last chance to create the ideal space for your baby. And, let’s be honest, with a newborn to prepare for, the list of things to do is neverending.
Unfortunately, avoiding certain tasks around the home is key to maintaining your health throughout your pregnancy, even as you prepare. So, stick to nesting tasks like sorting baby gros and organizing those teddies. Then, let your partner or loved ones take care of the following household chores that you should avoid at all costs.
# 1 – Cleaning Litter Trays
If you have a cat, you’ll still want them to feel like a part of the family during this major lifestyle change. But you absolutely cannot deal with your cat’s litter tray during the entirety of your pregnancy. This is because cats can carry a parasite called toxoplasmosis, which they get from consuming raw meat. Exposure at any stage of your pregnancy can lead to complications including problems with the baby’s eyes, heart, and lungs and, in serious cases, miscarriage.
Luckily, you can still snuggle with your cat without risks. Simply make sure that your partner takes care of the cat litter themselves for a while, and that they wash their hands thoroughly after doing so.
# 2 – Chemical Cleaning
Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals. Equally, some cleaning tasks come with chemical exposure in themselves, such as fireplace or oven cleaning. Unfortunately, exposure to those toxic fumes has been linked to higher risks of respiratory problems and infection in babies after birth. Worse, the indoor air pollution that these tasks create means that it’s not enough to simply get someone else to do it.
Instead, pregnant women should always seek natural cleaning products that ideally state either ‘Green Seal’ or ‘EcoLogo’ to confirm they meet green standards. It’s also important to let your partner take care of things like oven or fireplace maintenance. Equally, you could entrust the job to a company that deals in professional and controlled oven or fireplace repair and maintenance. Then, make sure you’re out of the house while they get to work!
# 3 – Anything to do with heavy lifting
Any cleaning task that involves heavy lifting, such as moving furniture, is an absolute no-no at any stage of pregnancy. This is because it comes with a risk of premature labor or miscarriage. Not to mention that lifting can take more of a strain on the pregnant body due to the softening of joints and ligaments. Proper lifting methods can reduce that strain somewhat, but as a general rule, pregnant women should always take a seat and let someone else handle any lifting around the house that would cause them to strain themselves.
Nesting is a natural pregnancy instinct, but make sure it doesn’t put your baby at risk by avoiding these risk-filled chores at all costs!
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