I smoke vapes, use sunbeds and drink Red Bull while pregnant – I know it’s not ideal, at least I’m not having coffee
A YOUNG woman has revealed she hasn’t given up vaping or quit sunbeds despite being pregnant.
Carrying a child comes with many Dos and Don’ts that those pregnant are advised to follow, such as no smoking and avoiding soaking up skin cancer-causing UV rays whilst tanning on a sunbed.
However, it seems that one woman, Amelia Pritchard, has decided to look past the advice issued by doctors and the NHS, proudly sharing her harmful daily routine on TikTok.
After being slammed for smoking disposable e-cigarettes – which are set to banned in the UK in the next weeks – the mum-to-be shared another clip hitting back at the meanies.
”Yes, I still vape. Yes, I still have the occasional Red Bull. Yes, I still use sunbeds,” she proudly said in the video.
Explaining why she’s stuck to consuming vapes, the young woman claimed she’d otherwise be smoking cannabis – and she was certain people would rather her ”not do that”.
”They literally recommend you to vape if you’re a smoker,” Amelia insisted.
Meanwhile, in terms of enjoying energy drinks, the mum said she didn’t have any other sources of caffeine, such as tea or coffee, or even a can of sugary Coca-Cola.
She went on: ”Sunbeds, if you actually do your research, the risk is to the mother not the baby […] and there is minimal research on sunbeds and the problems it can cause.
”There is some studies that may suggest that it reduces the amounts of fluids you have with the baby.”
Amelia added that when you go to your scans, the medical staff will also let you know if you’re running low on fluids – ”and then you stop [going to sunbeds]”.
”However, the reason they say no to sunbeds is because you’re more likely to overheat, which yes, is dangerous for the baby […], and you’re more likely to burn.
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”If I was overheating, I think I’d feel that and get out,” the mum-to-be hit back, adding that ”people go on holiday when they’re pregnant”.
According to Amelia, this matter only concerns her and her body, and she doesn’t care what others think or say.
This is not the first time Amelia’s been pregnant – in the clip, which has since racked up thousands of views, she also bravely opened up about a miscarriage.
Back then, the woman claimed, she ”was a little angel” and did everything according to the guidelines – yet she still lost the baby, due to a chromosomal abnormality.
”So I thought this time, you know what, things happen – bad things happen no matter what you do.
”I’m not going to make myself unhappy, stressed out and mentally unstable […] when bad things can still happen.
”I could get hit by a bus tomorrow – and I don’t think they’re going to blame the vapes.”
Vaping while pregnant
A recent study found that vaping whilst pregnant is no safer than smoking, The Sun reported.
Researchers found e-cigarettes containing nicotine interfered with bone and lung development and resulted in babies with smaller skulls, arms and legs.
Associate Professor Emily Bates said: “Pregnant women are increasingly turning to vaping as a perceived safer alternative to cigarettes.
“However, nicotine disrupts fetal development, suggesting that, like cigarette smoking, nicotine vaping may be detrimental to the fetus.
“It is harmful and it’s really important not to start because it’s hard to stop.”
Sunbathing when pregnant
The NHS doesn’t advise pregnant women not to sunbathe and there are no proven risks to an unborn baby from sunbathing.
However, it is very important to not get sunburned, dehydrated or overheat – so to take extra precautions in a hot weather.
Try not to sit directly in the hot sun for hours, and it is best to avoid the hottest part of the day and stay hydrated with lot of water.
Sunbeds should be avoided
Tanning on a sunbed is not recommended by the NHS, as your skin is more sensitive you have a higher chance of burning.
The NHS website states: “If you use a sunbed when you’re pregnant, this means your skin may be more likely to burn.
“Getting a tan using a sunbed is not safer than tanning in the sun.
“In some cases, sunbed use can be more harmful.
“For example, many sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday Mediterranean sun.”
It has also been reported there could be a link between increased UV rays and a folic acid deficiency.
Energy drinks while pregnant
According to the NHS guidelines, all drinks with significant levels of caffeine, including coffee, coke and energy drinks should be avoided during pregancy.
”It is best to switch to decaffeinated drinks or drinks without caffeine,” the website stated.
”There is no known safe level of caffeine whilst you are pregnant.”