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Pregnancy Safety
Page Updated on
November 24, 2007
There are tons of "do's" and "don't" when it comes to being pregnant. Here are some things to avoid.
Drugs and medications Potential problems include birth defects, miscarriage, premature birth, retardation, low birth weight, cerebral palsy
Smoking and second-hand smoke
Nicotine in any form
Alcohol
Illegal drugs
Over the counter or prescription drugs not approved by your doctor for pregnancy
Herbs not specifically approved by your doctor for pregnancy
Caffeine (simply cutting back is fine)
Household and industrial chemicals
Potential problems include birth defects, miscarriage, premature birth
Pesticides (bug killer)
Herbicides (weed killer)
Fertilizer
Household cleaners
Paint and solvents
Lead
Contaminated water
PCBs
Possible foods contaminated with Listeria
Potential problems include miscarriage, stillbirth, breathing problems, feeding problems, temperature regulation problems
Raw seafood
Shellfish
Raw eggs
Deli meat
Hot dogs
Sausages
Undercooked meat
Soft cheeses (hard cheese, processed cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt are okay)
Unpasturized cheese
Possible sources of toxoplasmosis
Potential problems include mental retardation, jaundice, seizures, vision problems, low birth weight
Cat litter
Raw or undercooked meat
Jolting movements and falls Potential problems include placental abruption, fetal injury
4x4ing / off-roading
Amusement park thrill rides
Horseback riding
Surfing
Skiing
Biking
Waterslides
Diving
High heel shoes
Increasing your body temperature
Potential problems include birth defects
Extremely hot baths or hot tubs
Exercising too much
Saunas
Electric blankets set at too high of a temperature
Fish that contain methylmercury
Potential problems include nervous system defects
Shark
Swordfish
Tilefish
King Mackerel
Limit tuna and other cooked fish to less than 12 oz. per week
Radiation Potential problems include birth defects
Using your hands-free devices for cell phone if it requires that you place the phone next to your pregnant belly
Ionizing radiation not approved by your doctor for medical procedures
The following items do not have studies to conclusively show that they are dangerous, but you might want to avoid them to be on the safe side.
