Certain infections during pregnancy can be harmful to both you and your developing foetus. They can result in serious illness, birth defects and lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss or learning problems.1

Good hygiene at home is considered to be the key to limit the spread of infections.2

Following tips can help to maintain hygiene at home that in turn can aid in preventing infections during pregnancy.3

 

House cleaning tasks

Each room in the home has its own cleaning requirements, as mentioned below. You can maintain cleanliness and hygiene at home by doing the following things (with someone’s help if needed):

The Kitchen

  • Wash the dishes after and before use
  • Keep kitchen bench and table top clean
  • Empty and wash the kitchen rubbish bin
  • Sweep and/or mop the floor
  • Wipe the shelves and clean the cupboards, inside and out
  • Clean the stove and oven
  • Clean out the refrigerator
  • Clean the walls, windows
  • Remove cobwebs

The Bathroom

  • Clean the hand basin
  • Sweep and mop the floor
  • Clean the mirror, cupboards and/or shelves
  • Change or wash the towels and the bath mat
  • Clean the walls and windows
  • Remove cobwebs

The Laundry and Toilet

  • Wash clothes, linen (e.g., towels, sheets) and blankets
  • Sweep and mop the floor
  • Clean the tub and washing machine
  • Clean the cupboards, walls and windows
  • Clean the toilet

Bedrooms

  • Clean walls and windows
  • Remove cobwebs
  • Change the sheets on the bed and air the blankets and mattresses by putting in the sun for a few hours

Living Rooms and Verandah

  • Sweep and/or mop the floors, including the verandah
  • Dust the shelves and clean out cupboards
  • Clean the walls and windows
  • Remove cobwebs

References

  1. 10 Tips for Preventing Infections Before and During Pregnancy[Internet]. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/infections.html. Accessed on Feb 28, 2020.
  2. Hygiene in the home and in everyday life – promoting sustainable health[Internet]. Available at: https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/sites/default/files/publications/final-IFH_activity_review_2017_WEB.pdf. Accessed on Feb 28, 2020.
  3. 4 House hygiene—cleaning[Internet]. Available at: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l~ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l-ch3~ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l-ch3.4. Accessed on Feb 28, 2020.