As exciting as pregnancy is, it’s also a very vulnerable time and for the most part, you have to ensure that you take steps to protect yourself and your unborn baby especially when travelling and in crowded areas.
Here are a few tips to ensure that you are able to remain healthy during your pregnancy
- Always remember to wash your hands before and after using the bathroom, preparing food and eating, caring for children and any other appropriate time.
- In this season of nyama choma (roasted meat) ensure that you only eat meat that is well done. If you eat hot dogs and sausages, ensure that they are served to steaming hot. Undercooked meats and processed meats might contain harmful bacteria.
- If possible avoid sharing forks, cups and spoons with young children. Their saliva might contain a virus. It is likely harmless to them, but it can be dangerous for you and your unborn baby.
- Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk and foods made from it.
- If you have a cat, do not touch or change dirty cat litter with your bare hands. Dirty cat litter might contain a harmful parasite.
- Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HIV and hepatitis B, and protect yourself from them. Some people that have HIV, hepatitis B, or an STD do not feel sick. Knowing if you have one of these diseases is important. If you do, talk to your doctor about how you can reduce the chance that your baby will become sick.
- Avoid people who have an infection. Stay away from people who you know have infections, such as chickenpox or rubella, if you have not yet had it yourself or did not have the vaccine before pregnancy. Getting these infections during pregnancy could lead to your child being born with some birth defects.
