For women in their first trimester, not a lot changes in their day to day lives; cooking, cleaning and running errands are just as they were before. Then you enter your second trimester and the changes seem like they happened overnight! Fatigue, back aches, swollen ankles and other body stressors can be experienced during the second trimester which is also around the time when the rules and restrictions start to increase.
Caroline, Mother and professional cleaner at Simply Maid Brisbane says “For safety of your baby and you, there are certain household chores that should be avoided.” Read on to find out what these are.
Basic Cleaning
Particularly in your second and third trimester, even basic cleaning such as sweeping, vacuuming and mopping is not advised. Though they don’t come across as strenuous activities, the constant bending can aggravate the pain in your lower back. Even worse, the sciatic nerve can swell up and cause severe pain. For that reason, dusting of furniture is also advised against due to the amount of bending required to wipe lower surfaces. The dust may also cause allergic reactions or bring on a cold which is the last thing any expectant mother wants.
Chores that Require the Use of Cleaners
Almost every home cleaning product you see on shelves at the store contains harsh chemicals. Though some of them may have pleasant fragrances, the fumes from these chemical cleaners are harmful to you and your baby. Many women opt for green or eco-friendly cleaners during their pregnancy but be warned; not all of them are as safe as you think. Hence, we advise making homemade cleaning solutions or simply avoiding chores that require store-bought cleaners. This includes bathroom and floor cleaners, glass cleaner and other types of chemical-based surface cleaners.
Bathroom Cleaning
Even if you choose to use natural, homemade cleaning solutions to clean your bathroom, it is advised against during your second and third trimester. The reasons for this are:
- Bathroom cleaning is rather strenuous and requires a lot of bending
- The wet and slippery tiles can send you for a dangerous toss
- If you aren’t wearing gloves and a mask, the germs can make you fall sick
While cleaning the bathroom yourself is not advised, it is important to use a clean and sanitary bathroom when pregnant; therefore, we advise enlisting professional help to keep your bathrooms (and the rest of your home) clean and tidy.
Cleaning a Litter Box
It’s completely safe to cuddle and carry your pet cat as much as you want to; cleaning the litter box, however, is highly advised against. This is because there are certain parasites found in some cat faces which can be transferred to those who come in contact with it. The effects of these parasites in humans, particularly pregnant women, include infections and other complications. It’s best to have another family member clean out your cat’s litter box and always take safety precautions when performing this task by tying a clean cloth around your nose and mouth while wearing gloves for the job.
Moving or Carrying Heavy Things
If you’re attempting to vacuum a small area that will only take a short amount of time to finish up, think again. While you may not have to bend as much or for a prolonged period of time, merely lifting the appliance can strain or throw your back out. Even if you don’t feel it right away, moving or carrying heavy things can cause acute pain in your lower back later on.
Cleaning from a Height
If certain areas or objects require you to climb up a ladder or stand on a stool, avoid it altogether. You can never be too careful when it comes to avoiding falls or slips and hence, cleaning from a height is a complete no-no for pregnant women. The impact of falling can affect your unborn baby and cause complications in your pregnancy so it’s best not to take the risk.
When it comes to cleaning homes in a safe and efficient manner, Simply Maid has the right products, equipment and skill to do it for you! All you need to do is heed to the advice of your doctor and we’ll take care of your home cleaning needs for a reasonable rate! Check out our services and pricing page for more information.
Elizabeth from http://thehomemakersjournal.com/ has written the article. She is a food lover and social media enthusiast. She writes about DIY, parenting, travel, recipes on her blog. She is also a passionate green-enthusiast, love gardening.
