Hygiene and disinfection of hands during pregnancy
We recently discussed how to maintain hand hygiene in children , given the ongoing epidemiological threat. This issue is equally important for expectant mothers, who often wonder what is best to use for washing hands during pregnancy and whether commonly used hand sanitizers are safe for them.
Why is hygiene in pregnancy important?
With proper hygiene during pregnancy, we can prevent infections and, as a result, reduce the risk of pregnancy complications . The principles of hygiene remain the same as in other periods of life, but it's worth paying more attention to certain issues – especially the hands, but also the mouth and intimate areas.
Washing hands during pregnancy, which is the basis
Numerous parasites, bacteria, and viruses are transmitted via hands, including the coronavirus—the culprit behind the ongoing pandemic. The simplest, yet most effective way to keep your hands clean is to wash them frequently and thoroughly with warm water and soap —requiring this practice after using the restroom, returning home, and before meals. Of course, these rules should be followed by everyone in the household, especially preschool and early school-age children. Both infectious and parasitic diseases are most common in this age group. Therefore , handwashing during pregnancy is particularly important for the health of the expectant mother — it's worth remembering this after playing with older children as well.
What to wash your hands when pregnant?
During pregnancy, our bodies undergo many changes that can cause us to react differently to the cosmetics we use. This is certainly not the time to experiment with new, unfamiliar products, although it may also turn out that a favorite soap or shower gel we previously praised no longer serves us well. Intolerance to strong fragrances is common during pregnancy, so it's worth choosing cosmetics with minimal or no fragrance . You can also choose hypoallergenic products that soothe any skin irritations. When in doubt, it's better to choose a product with simple ingredients and the fewest ingredients possible for hand washing during pregnancy – less is not only more, but also safer. More information about skin care during pregnancy can be found 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.
Expert advises
During pregnancy, it's recommended to avoid using too many cosmetic products – due to specific body reactions, including hypersensitivity to certain fragrances or substances found in cleaning and care products. If hand disinfection is necessary, use products with the simplest ingredients – those containing 70% ethanol, without unnecessary additives, including fragrances . However, the use of disinfectants should be limited to special situations – it's much better to wash your hands daily with mild soap and water during pregnancy .
When you're out and about, if you can't wash your hands, you can carry a small disinfectant with you instead of using commonly available products with unknown ingredients and origins. A simple and safe formula is also crucial here, so that hand disinfection during pregnancy doesn't irritate the skin, which can be much more sensitive during this period. Remember not to overdo it – cleanliness and hygiene of your hands primarily involve frequent washing, not excessive disinfection, which – like excessive sterility – can be counterproductive, increasing susceptibility to allergies and infections.
Author
