Hygiene of a Pregnant Woman — Basic Principles

Everything is important during pregnancy. Even the future mother’s mood affects the development of the fetus and her well-being, let alone physical health indicators. In this critical period, the body reorganizes, mobilizes all its resources, and undergoes significant hormonal changes. This affects the woman overall. Externally, these changes manifest as facial breakouts and changes in taste preferences. A woman adjusts her diet, lifestyle, and the fundamental principles of hygiene must also be modified.

What is involved in hygiene for pregnant women

Hygiene for a pregnant woman encompasses many factors that are not easily equated with hygiene in normal conditions. Pregnancy hygiene is a set of self-care measures adjusted for increased needs and the altered state of the body. 

Today we will talk not only about intimate hygiene, but about a set of measures aimed at reducing the risk of pathologies and maintaining a comfortable level of daily life.

General personal hygiene rules

General hygiene rules for a pregnant woman are important during this delicate period. By following them, you can significantly reduce the risk of various diseases, including infections.

Workplace hygiene

The first thing a pregnant woman should consider is her daily routine. To feel better and create the right environment for the fetus’s development, a woman should go to bed before 10:30 PM. This is related to the production of melatonin, which is generated in greater quantities at night, and facilitates the development of the brain and the endocrine system.

Nutritional Hygiene

Nutrition is a kind of foundation that must be built every day. Despite all the “wants,” it is very important for a pregnant woman to keep her diet in check. A pregnant woman’s hygiene will allow:

1. Avoiding the possibility of certain diseases. These include hemorrhoids, varicose veins, diarrhea, and others.
2. Eliminating the possibility of excessive weight gain. Obesity during pregnancy complicates childbirth, makes carrying the fetus a difficult process, and reduces self-confidence.

Due to the slowing of intestinal peristalsis and the decrease in acid production, meals should be fractional. It’s better to eat 5-6 times in small portions. It’s also important to avoid fatty foods and complicated dishes. 

Food should be balanced (due to increased vitamin needs), without various types of additives, and light. Consume more green vegetables, but be cautious with fruits. Some of them can cause allergies, diarrhea, or constipation.

Air Hygiene

Walks are an essential part of the day for a pregnant woman. Fresh air positively affects well-being, improves sleep quality, and aids digestion. Walking keeps you in shape and simplifies the childbirth process. However, from the perspective of pregnancy hygiene, it’s important to follow some rules:

1. The air should be fresh. Walk in green areas of the city; it’s better if you can go for a walk outside the city, at least not far away.
2. The walk should be at a comfortable temperature. In winter, walk at midday when the sun warms the air a bit. In summer, go out in the evening or early morning when the sun is not yet in its active phase.
3. Avoid walking in blooming areas, especially if you have allergies.

Clothing Hygiene

In maintaining the personal hygiene of a pregnant woman, clothing plays an important role. It should be made from natural materials. Clothing should “breathe” and be comfortable. In the third trimester, it’s better to choose dresses or special maternity clothing.

Pay special attention to choosing underwear. Comfortable, made of natural cotton, non-tight, without underwire, and most importantly — the right size (be prepared to change the size a couple of times during the 9 months). These are the factors of ideal underwear for pregnant women.

Oral Hygiene

Dental health requires special attention. During pregnancy, even with proper care, a child can “consume” a couple of the mother’s teeth. Insufficient attention to oral hygiene in pregnant women leads to an increased risk of serious problems, up to the loss of a row of teeth.

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You need to:

1. Have a check-up and address any cavities before pregnancy (if you are planning to conceive). Treatment can also be done during pregnancy, but the specialist will not be able to perform the full range of treatments, and any procedures will need to be spread across different trimesters.
2. Choose a good toothbrush and toothpaste. This now plays an especially important role.

Remember that bacteria in the mouth develop at an incredible speed, so it’s essential to clean them regularly. To comfortably maintain oral hygiene during pregnancy, choose a toothpaste that doesn’t provoke nausea.

Shower Rules

Now let’s talk about the most important procedure of the day — taking a shower. Many women reluctantly accept new rules. Among them are moderate temperatures, no baths, and a complete refusal of saunas and steam baths. You should take a shower daily, or several times a day if necessary, or if it’s a hot summer outside. It is also necessary to avoid scented shower gels, and for intimate hygiene during pregnancy, choose exclusively specialized gels.

Skin Hygiene 

The hygiene of a pregnant woman differs, and skincare changes drastically during pregnancy. It is better to avoid foundation and other heavy products as the skin increases secretion production, leading to the deterioration of its condition.

Be prepared for the possible appearance of pigmented spots on the skin. They often accompany expectant mothers due to increased estrogen levels. It’s not worth fighting them. The skin will return to normal right after childbirth.

The only thing your skin really needs during this period is hydration. This applies not only to the face but also to the body. Purchase a quality moisturizing cream made from natural ingredients for the hygiene of pregnant women. It will help nourish the skin, provide necessary nourishment, and reduce the risk of stretch marks.

Skin hygiene for pregnant women also includes all standard rules for choosing quality shower gels, frequent changing of washcloths, and using clean towels.

Intimate Hygiene for Pregnant Women

Intimate comfort and sexual hygiene during pregnancy play an important role in every woman’s life. Pregnant women need meticulous care multiple times over. It is necessary not only to provide basic hygiene for pregnant women but to do so following several rules:

1. Treatment of the intimate area should be done exclusively with products suitable for pregnant women. The PH balance plays a significant role in maintaining daily comfort.
2. Treat the intimate area as often as possible. Hygiene for a pregnant woman involves a systematic and frequent approach. It’s best to clean yourself after every visit to the restroom. You can use special hygiene wipes without additives and alcohol.
3. Before treating the intimate area, don’t forget to wash your hands. Bacteria from your hands can cause inflammation.
4. Control the water temperature. It should be warm.
5. Do not use any scented deodorants. Use panty liners with caution. It’s important to change them every 2 hours, and choose fragrance-free personal hygiene products.
6. Do not use a towel to dry the intimate area. It’s better to use disposable soft paper towels or napkins.

An important step in caring for the intimate area during pregnancy is consulting with a doctor. A gynecologist will recommend the right care products, taking into account your individual characteristics.

Breast Hygiene in Pregnant Women

Hygiene of the breasts during pregnancy is one of the most important issues for every woman. Throughout pregnancy, it is important to maintain the health and beauty of the bust. To achieve this, you should follow a few simple recommendations:

1. Choosing a bra. Hygiene for a pregnant woman begins with a well-fitted bra. You should avoid underwear with metal wires. It’s important to choose a bra that fits properly and is made from soft, natural materials. During pregnancy, the underwear should provide breast support and comfort for everyday movement.
2. The breast lacks form-creating tissues. To avoid losing skin elasticity, which suffers greatly due to increased load, you should not only choose supportive underwear that considers your anatomical features but also use special creams and perform self-massage according to the scheme prescribed by a mammologist.
3. Take ‘air baths.’ Every evening, free your chest from bras and clothing for 15-20 minutes. It’s best to do this while lying in bed. If you feel uncomfortable, cover yourself with a light cotton sheet. This is a very pleasant part of hygiene for pregnant women.
4. It’s important to wash your breasts properly. Try to take a warm shower twice a day. When drying your bust, avoid applying too much pressure. Movements should be smooth and massaging.
5. In the third trimester, colostrum may start to leak from the breasts. Use breast pads to keep your clothing clean and ensure comfort throughout the day.

The hygiene of a pregnant woman is somewhat different and carries more significance. During this period, you can’t ‘slack off’ and skip routines or be careless in choosing underwear or hygiene products. Approach pregnancy responsibly, and the application momslab.app will help you remember everything.