In this article:
Why Hand Hygiene Matters More During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body works harder to support both you and your baby, which can make you more susceptible to infections like colds, flu, or stomach bugs. Certain diseases, such as toxoplasmosis, listeriosis, or cytomegalovirus (CMV), can directly affect your baby, potentially leading to preterm birth, birth defects, or low birth weight.Dirty hands transmit a majority of these germs. Every time you come into contact with a surface, shake hands, work with food, or care for the ill, you have the possibility of contracting harmful bacteria or viruses. Wash your hands so that these germs may not get into your body by mouth, nose, or eye. With proper hand hygiene, you minimise the chances of transmitting these infections to yourself and your baby.
How Do Germs Spread Through Hands?
Every day, your hands touch hundreds of surfaces, door handles, mobile phones, money, and even grocery bags. These surfaces have the potential to harbour bacteria and viruses for up to one or two days.Germs are easily transferred when you touch your face, eat with contaminated hands, or prepare food. In pregnancy, they can cause infections such as:
- Respiratory infections such as flu and COVID-19
- Gastrointestinal infections causing vomiting or diarrhoea
- Foodborne illnesses like listeriosis or salmonella
- Viral infections like CMV, which is a leading cause of developmental issues in babies
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
As a mother-to-be, you should be extra mindful of when to wash your hands. Here are some crucial times to practice hand hygiene:- Before eating or preparing meals
- After using the toilet
- After handling raw meat, fish, or eggs
- Before and after changing diapers (if you already have a child)
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After touching pets or cleaning their waste
- After returning from crowded places or public transport
- After handling garbage
The Correct Way to Wash Your Hands
It’s not enough to wash your hands frequently; you also need to wash them properly. Many people skip steps, forget the correct technique, or wash too quickly, leaving germs behind. The following is the proper method advised by the medical professionals:- Wash your hands with running, clean, warm, or cold water
- Apply soap and lather well
- Rub your palms together
- Scrub the back of your hands
- Clean between your fingers
- Scrub under your nails where dirt often collects
- Rub your thumbs and wrists
- Continue scrubbing for at least 20 seconds (you can hum a short song to time yourself)
- Rinse thoroughly under running water
- Dry with a clean towel or air dry
Hand Sanitiser vs. Soap and Water
While both options are useful, each has its place:- Use soap and water whenever you can see that your hands are dirty, greasy, or have been in contact with food.
- Sanitiser is handy when you are out of your home and without water. Nevertheless, it is not effective against some germs, such as norovirus, or when hands are visibly dirty.
Practical Tips for Hand Hygiene During Pregnancy
- Keep a small sanitiser in your bag so you can use it when travelling or shopping.
- Keep your nails short, as germs can easily accumulate under long nails.
- Wearing rings or heavy jewellery on your hands should be avoided regularly, as they will trap germs.
- Follow up with moisturiser to ensure your hands are not dry or cracked, as this can increase the growth of germs.
- Educate family members on the role of hand hygiene. Clean surroundings will protect you and your baby.
When you wash your hands regularly, with the right technique, and help those around you do the same, you are contributing to the creation of a safe and protective environment for your pregnancy.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs of The Role of Hand Hygiene in Preventing Infections During Pregnancy
- Is hand sanitiser safe to use during pregnancy?
Yes, alcohol-based hand sanitisers containing 60% or more alcohol are safe to use. Nevertheless, do not swallow them or consume goods containing harmful chemicals. Stick to trusted brands. It is recommended to consult your doctor for this as well. - How often should I wash my hands during pregnancy?
There’s no fixed number. Wash your hands whenever they are visibly dirty, before eating, after using the toilet, after returning from outside, and after contact with pets or raw food. - Can poor hand hygiene really affect my baby?
Yes. Certain infections, such as CMV or listeriosis, may be transferred by you to your baby, resulting in difficulties. Hand hygiene helps eliminate the risk of such infections reaching your baby.
