Hygiene and disinfection of hands during pregnancy

We recently discussed how to care for hand hygiene in childrengiven the persistent epidemiological threat. This issue is equally important for future mothers who often ask themselves cevil is best used for washing hands during pregnancy and whether commonly used disinfectants are safe in their condition?

Why is hygiene in pregnancy important?

Thanks to proper hygiene during pregnancy we can prevent the occurrence of infection and, as a result, reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. The rules of hygiene remain the same as in other periods of life, but it is worth paying more attention to some issues - especially the hands, but also the mouth and intimate areas.

Washing hands during pregnancy, which is the basis

Many parasites, bacteria and viruses are transmitted through the hands, including the coronavirus - the culprit of the ongoing pandemic. The simplest and most effective way to keep your hands clean is to wash them frequently and thoroughly with warm water and soap. - obligatory after using the toilet, returning home or before meals. Of course, these rules should be respected by all household members, especially children in preschool or early school age. Both infectious and parasitic diseases are the most common in this age group. Washing hands while pregnant it is therefore especially important for the health of the mother-to-be - it is worth remembering about it also after playing together with older children. 

What to wash your hands when pregnant?

During pregnancy, many changes occur in our body that can make us react differently to the cosmetics we use. It is definitely not a good time to experiment with new, unknown preparations, although it may also turn out that the favorite soap or gel, which we previously praised ourselves, will no longer serve us.  Intolerance to intense fragrances is a common phenomenon during pregnancy, so it is worth choosing cosmetics that are as scented or unscented as possible.. You can reach for preparations with hypoallergenic properties, soothing possible skin irritations. Better when in doubt do washing hands during pregnancy choose a preparation with a simple and short composition - less is not only more in this situation, but also safer. You can find more about skin care during pregnancy here.

What and what kind of hand disinfection during pregnancy?

The use of hand disinfectants during pregnancy should only apply when it is not possible to wash them thoroughly.

Outside the house, when it is not possible to wash your hands, you can carry a disinfectant in a small package - instead of using generally available in the public space means of unknown composition and origin. Here, too, a simple and safe composition is important disinfection of hands during pregnancy it did not irritate the skin, which is much more sensitive at this time. Remember not to go overboard - cleanliness and hygiene in the case of hands, it is primarily their frequent washing, and not excessive disinfection, which - like excessive sterility - may be counterproductive, increasing susceptibility to allergies or infections.