Are Push Presents Stupid?
Are Push Gifts really necessary? Ask that question again after the end of this article.
Many people say, “The baby is the real push gift”. And that “push presents are not necessary.
A baby growing inside mommy causes many changes in her life. Some of these changes include:
- Changes to a woman’s body
- Food changes and foods no longer to be enjoyed
- Activity changes and activities a pregnant mommy can no longer participate in
- Health implications including diseases
- Illnesses that can affect growing baby
What does a woman’s body go through during pregnancy?
Lots of things happen to a woman’s body throughout pregnancy:
Fatigue: Babies take a lot of energy so pregnant moms are often tired. The hormone, progesterone, soars which will make you sleepy. Increased blood production, lower blood pressure and lower blood sugars all contribute to you losing energy.
Breasts: Breasts get larger which become heavier so women are prone to back pain. Heavier, larger breasts can be due to hormonal changes. They can also be tingly and sore. Bluish veins may appear as blood supply increases. A white substance may ooze out of nipples called colostrum.
Frequent Urination: as the baby grows inside a pregnant woman, so does her uterus. Both of these together push against her bladder, causing her to frequently urinate.
Headaches: can be caused by constipation, preeclampsia or tension.
Difficulty sleeping: Growing baby in her belly may make it difficult to sleep because it can be difficult to get comfy.
Constipation: Pressure from uterus on your rectum may cause this. It can also be caused by hormone levels.
Hemorrhoids: Pressure on her rectum due to a growing uterus and constipation can cause hemorrhoids.
Bleeding: swollen gums that may bleed and nosebleeds are all a part of pregnancy.
Morning sickness/nausea: pregnant women often feel nauseous, even to the point of vomiting .
Dizziness: Blood sugars may drop as blood flow increases to uterus. This may cause dizziness.
Heartburn/Indigestion/Reflux: A growing uterus can push stomach acid up causing this.
Varicose veins: Veins may form in her legs due to circulation changes caused by pregnancy.
Leg cramps: can be caused by growing uterus.
Stretch marks: As the baby grows bigger, the skin cannot adapt to the stretching of the skin as fast as it stretches so the skin tears. The tears form scars which are known as stretch marks. These stretch marks will normally appear on the belly but can also appear on other parts of the body.
What foods does a pregnant woman must avoid while carrying her baby?
Now that mommy is eating for two, there are certain foods she should stay away from. These foods include:
Caffeine: Caffeine, although safe in small amounts, should be avoided due to studies that have shown that caffeine leads to birth complications including miscarriage and premature birth. The first trimester is the most critical to follow this rule.
Raw Meat: Rare or undercooked beef (even steak) or poultry should not be consumed because of the risk of contamination with various bacteria including coliform toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.This includes raw seafood, i.e. sushi.
Deli Meat: Cold deli meats can be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria can bring on an infection or blood poisoning to the baby and therefore may be life-threatening. Put the deli meat in the microwave until steaming if you have that craving.
Pate: Refrigerated pate or meat spreads should be avoided due to listeria.
Soft cheeses: All cheeses made with non-pasteurized milk and raw milk are to be avoided. Pasteurized soft and semi-soft cheeses that are not processed, including brie, Camambert and blue-veined cheese. This is due to the listeria that may be contained in these cheeses.
Unpasteurized milk: As is the case with unpasteurized cheeses, the same goes for milk. Listeria may be found in unpasteurized milk.
Fish with high doses of mercury: Mercury can be harmful to baby so avoid fishes such as swordfish, king mackerel, Bluefish and Tuna (Bigeye, Ahi). Canned tuna is OK because it has low mercury but enjoy in moderation.
Raw shellfish: Raw shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels may contain seafood-borne illness which will cause harm. Although cooking does help, it’s best to stay away because not all illnesses are destroyed with cooking.
Unwashed vegetables: Unwashed vegetables can contain pesticides and other chemicals that were used when growing the vegetables. These chemicals can get into baby.
What about alcohol, smoking and drugs?
Alcohol: This is a big no-no. Alcohol in any amount is not good for baby and should be avoided during pregnancy. Alcohol can affect baby and lead to developmental disorders including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Alcohol is also not allowed during breastfeeding as the alcohol will get into baby.
Smoking: Smoking can stunt a baby’s growth. Avoid it and if you are smoking, find a program
Drugs: Drug use can negatively affect baby. A pregnant woman’s umbilical cord and placenta are directly connected to baby so anything that enters her body will be shared with baby.
Are there any other items that pregnant women should avoid?
Cleaning Products: Cleaning products containing toxic chemicals can be harmful for baby. Read labels and safety instructions to be sure.
Exercise: Although exercising is beneficial, some exercises can be harmful for baby. These include, heavy weight training, contact sports, some abdominal exercises, exercises lying on your back or stomach, scuba diving, activities that can result in a fall.
Hair Dye: Some hair dyes contain chemicals that can be harmful. Best to stay away, at least for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Tanning Beds: A pregnant woman’s skin is more sensitive so they are higher at risk for burning.
Rides at the Fair: Some high-thrill rides may cause impact to the baby which can be harmful.
Saunas or jacuzzis: During pregnancy, a woman can be at higher risk to fainting and overheating. Saunas or jacuzzis will only add to this risk.
X-rays or other radiology tests: A pregnant woman should advise the dentist or doctor that she’s pregnant before going through x-rays or other radiology tests because some tests can harm baby.
Answer to the question: Are Push Presents Stupid?
The answer is NO! (Did you even have to ask?)