Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t maintain a clean house. Like many other activities, it simply means changing your approach. Be careful, enlist help and pay attention; you’ll soon be back to your old routine before you know it.
During pregnancy you may feel the urge to clean and prepare the house for your future newborn. But if you have pregnancy complications you may have to keep safety concerns in mind. Some household tasks can be hazardous to you and the developing fetus.
1. Using harsh chemicals
Products such as mosquito spray, oven cleaner and bleach all have noxious fumes. If you must tackle problems such as bugs, dirty ovens and toilets while pregnant, seek out alternatives. Ant chalk and fly tape can take care of bugs and try using vinegar, baking soda, and lemons as natural cleaning solutions.
2. Lifting heavy loads
Try not to struggle with large shopping bags and moving furniture around. The bigger your belly the more strain it puts on your lower back and a back injury is the last thing you need. Get relatives, other kids or your husband to help you out.
3. Cleaning up after pets
Changing the cat litter or cleaning up dog poop can expose you to parasites and germs. The biggest risk to a fetus is toxoplasmosis, an infection transmitted by a parasite that lives in cat faeces. If you must handle pets, wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.
4. Cleaning curtains and ceiling fans
Try not to do chores that require climbing or balancing on chairs or ladders. Pregnant women are vulnerable to falls and the impact could be dangerous. Don’t stand on tables, stools or even low steps.
5. Mopping and sweeping
While these activities are okay in small amounts, mopping and sweeping may aggravate lower back pain and strain your hamstrings. If you have to mop and sweep take frequent breaks to rest.
6. Cleaning windows
Be careful when cleaning windows because it’s easy to slip and fall. Avoid harsh glass cleaners and just use a damp newspaper to wipe the window clean.
7. Washing dishes
Remember to wear gloves because your skin is very sensitive during pregnancy.
8. Vacuuming
Carting the vacuum cleaner around the house can be very tiring and try not to change the filter while you’re pregnant. The filter contains dusts, spores and hairs which can irritate your eyes and lungs.
Some advice from mothers who have been there and done that:
Mary Anne: “My skin was hypersensitive to soap products. I couldn’t wash dishes, clothes or bathrooms. I will get water boils.”
Winona Tay: “I couldn’t do the dishes because my belly got in between me and the sink. I couldn’t do the laundry because that would involve crouching and I wouldn’t be able to get up after. And I couldn’t clean the floor because my husband didn’t want the mop handle accidentally poking my tummy.
Adeline: “I only do very light and simple chores like sweeping the floor and any type of chore that doesn’t require me to exert a lot of energy/strength.”
Share with us your experience in the comments!