Things to Avoid While Pregnant

Pregnant women often find themselves acquiring a long list of things they should and shouldn't do during pregnancy. Most women want to do everything they can to have a healthy baby, including avoiding all foods, medications and activities that may be unsafe. With some common sense, research and the advice of a trusted healthcare provider, pregnant women can find out more about things they can continue to enjoy, and things to avoid while pregnant.

Types

The major types of things to avoid while pregnant include alcohol, smoking, drugs and medications, most vaccines, chemicals such as pesticides, certain foods that might contain mercury, bacteria or harmful substances, and activities that might cause falls, injuries, overexertion or extreme changes in temperature, such as hot tub use. Pregnant women should also avoid pets that can carry disease, such as rodents, hamsters and guinea pigs, as well as cat litter. Women should also try to limit stress, and avoid all kinds of abuse or unsafe sexual activity, especially while pregnant. Pregnant women should also avoid lying on their backs for more than a few minutes after the fourth month, since this can compress major blood vessels.

Considerations

Although some types of things to avoid during pregnancy are obvious, others require more careful avoidance. Women who don't smoke may still be exposed to second-hand smoke, and those who would never consider using illegal drugs may think nothing of taking aspirin or ibuprofen for a headache. Pregnant women can get exposed to mercury through eating fish or taking fish oil supplements that are not certified mercury free, as well as through some dental fillings and broken thermometers or light bulbs. Hot dogs, lunchmeat, undercooked meat, fish, or eggs as well as soft cheeses and unpasteurized products can all contain harmful bacteria, as can fruit or vegetables that are inadequately washed.

Effects

Substances such as alcohol, cigarette smoke, illegal drugs, chemicals, mercury and many over-the-counter or prescription medications can have serious, life long effects on the baby's development, including birth defects, heart problems, physical impairments or mental retardation. Health care providers can advise pregnant patients of medications that are safe as well as those to avoid.

Misconceptions

Some activities once thought off limits during pregnancy are generally safe and even beneficial for most pregnant women, unless they have bleeding, signs of preterm labor, complications or other health conditions. Gentle to moderate exercise can benefit both the woman and baby during pregnancy, and help the mother get back into shape more easily after birth. Pregnant women should also continue wearing a seatbelt, with the lap belt below the belly. Most pregnant women can also continue having sex with a monogamous partner up until labor begins. They can also continue traveling, up until the weeks right before the due date, and work in most jobs as long as they feel comfortable doing so.

Prevention/Solution

Although some things are known to be safe or harmful during pregnancy, other items are more controversial. Experts may disagree on whether things like caffeine, dental x-rays and treatments, and vaccines can be harmful. Most health care providers allow pregnant patients to have small amounts of caffeine, dental x-rays with abdominal protection, and vaccines such as the flu shot (not nasal spray) that do not contain live viruses. Pregnant women who aren't sure if something is safe should avoid it until they can check with their health care provider.