When pregnant, not all activities or food and beverages may be consumed by pregnant women. Here are the five activities that should not be done by pregnant women as quoted from Healthland.time.com
Drink alcohol
World Health Organization (WHO) and the center of disease control and prevention of the United States (CDC) encourage women who are pregnant to not consume a drop of alcohol. This is because the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Heavy drinkers is associated with fetal alcohol syndrome whose symptoms include the defect on the face, low IQ, mental retardation, poor coordination, aggressive behavior and other problems.
Consume Caffeine
Caffeine can cross the placenta which increases heart rate and fetal breathing. One thing to worry is that caffeine can reduce the absorption of iron in the mother which could theoretically lead to anemia. Because pregnant women susceptible to anemia, the caffeine can give a bad effect and aggravate the situation, such as dizziness, fatigue and irregular heartbeat. Studies in 2008, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found consumption of more than 200 mg of caffeine (about 10 ounces of coffee) per day could increase two-fold risk of miscarriage at 71 days gestation. Another study found that caffeine consumption is associated with cryptorchidism (undescended testes) in male infants.
Hot tubs
The goal is to avoid the increase in body core temperature which can affect fetal development and the risk of miscarriage, especially during the first trimester, and hot water bath can also lead to dehydration and increased heart rate. Therefore bath hot tubs or saunas should be avoided. In addition, women who live in hot climates should be more careful to prevent overheating by staying indoors, use air conditioning and avoid hot air.
Hair Coloring
A study in 2005 which is supported by the National Institutes of Health found an association between maternal hair dye before or during pregnancy may increase the risk of neuroblastoma, which is one type of cancer in children. But the cause certainly not yet well understood, so we need further study. Yet American Pregnancy Association says a little dye in contact with the skin can be absorbed by the body of the mother and into the bloodstream.
Air Travel
Some specific health conditions during pregnancy can pose a risk during air travel. For example, hypertension during pregnancy (preeclampsia) may increase the risk of blood clots that eventually led to venous thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis). Meanwhile, the 1999 study found air workers have a higher risk of miscarriage during the first trimester. Therefore before pregnant women traveling by plane is sure to check the health condition and the fetus first
