Pregnancy is a time when women need to take extra care of their health. Apart from following a healthy diet and routine exercise, they also need to maintain good hygiene levels to prevent infections and keep their body healthy.
While most pregnant women pay attention to their oral hygiene, they tend to ignore the health of their nose and ears, which can lead to several issues later. Taking necessary precautions to keep your ears and nose healthy can not only help you avoid complications during pregnancy but also ensure your well-being after childbirth.
: Precautions for maintaining healthy ears during pregnancy
: 1. Keep your ears dry
Keeping your ears dry is crucial as humidity and moisture in the ear canal can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi, causing an infection. Avoid staying in humid environments, and prevent water from entering your ears while showering or swimming.
Use a soft, clean towel to dry your ears carefully.
: 2. Do not use cotton swabs or earplugs
Using cotton swabs or earplugs can lead to earwax buildup, which can block your ear canal and result in hearing problems. It can also cause an ear infection and damage your eardrum.
Avoid using any object to clean your ear, and if you feel any discomfort or pain, consult your doctor immediately.
: 3. Avoid exposure to loud noise
Exposure to high decibel noise can cause permanent hearing damage and tinnitus. If you work in a noisy environment, use earplugs or earmuffs to protect your ears.
Avoid attending concerts, loud parties, or any other loud events as loud noise can harm your developing fetus as well.
: 4. Get regular checkups
It is essential to get your hearing checked regularly during pregnancy, especially if you have a history of ear infections or hearing problems.
Your audiologist can identify any hearing issues and suggest corrective measures to prevent them from worsening.
: Precautions for maintaining healthy nose during pregnancy
: 1. Keep your nose clean
Maintaining good nasal hygiene is crucial to prevent sinusitis and other allergies. Use a nasal saline rinse to keep your nasal passages clean and moisturized. It will also help reduce congestion and prevent the risk of any sinus-related infection.
: 2. Avoid using nasal drops
Using nasal drops can dry out your nasal passages and cause discomfort. It may even lead to a nosebleed or worsen a sinus infection. Consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter nasal drops or decongestants.
: 3. Do not smoke
Smoking during pregnancy can cause harm to both you and your developing fetus. Smoking can cause irritation, inflammation of the nasal passages and cause difficulty in breathing.
It can cause low birth weight, asthma and other respiratory issues in the child.
: 4. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and clear fluids can help prevent sinus congestion and reduce the risk of sinusitis. It can also help reduce the risk of any infections and keep your nasal passages moist and healthy.
Conclusion
Taking care of your ear and nose during pregnancy is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of any complications later. Avoid exposure to loud noise, keep your ears and nose clean, and stay hydrated to maintain good hygiene levels.
Get regular checkups to detect any infection or hearing-related issues and seek medical attention at the earliest for any discomfort or pain. By following these precautions, you can keep your ears and nose healthy and contribute to a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child.