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Pregnancy Don’ts
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Author A
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Author B
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Author C
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Mommy Me
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Paint
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·Avoid chlorine and ammonia based products
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·Avoid breathing in paint fumes – get someone else to paint
·Choose a natural water-based paints rather than solvent based
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·Today’s paints do not contain lead or mercury and are safe to use when you’re pregnant
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·I painted both my girls’ rooms when pregnant – who else was going to paint them?
·Ask your paint store for paints with low or no VOC
·Try to stay away from oil paints, latex have less odour.
·Open a window and keep area well ventilated
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Fish
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·Not covered
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·Limit intake of swordfish, king fish, king mackerel
·Cut out raw fish and uncooked shellfish
·Limit to 6oz/week (chunk light tuna is better)
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·Avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and tuna steaks
·Limit consumption of canned tuna and freshwater fish to 6oz/week
·Research has shown brain benefits for babies whose moms eat lots of fish when expecting
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·I think moderation is the key (once/week)
·Mercury intake is the reason to stay away from fish, specifically the larger the fish at the top of the food chain contain the highest levels of mercury
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Meats and
Un-pasteurized Foods (milk, soft cheeses, apple cider)
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·Uncooked meats may contain a parasite called toxoplasmosis which can be harmful to the developing baby
·Soft cheeses (feta, brie and Camembert), un-pasteurized milk, and improperly cooked meat can be a cause of listeriosis
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·Avoid soft cheeses, un-pasteurized sheep and goat’s milk, hot dogs and under cooked poultry as these are possible sources of listeriosis
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·Soft cheeses should be avoided
·Domestic cheese is almost always pasteurized
·Hot dogs, deli meats and cold smoked seafood can be contaminated
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·I generally don’t eat processed or raw meats
·No soft cheese is a new one for me. I enjoyed feta during both pregnancies (although I did not consume large quantities just some on my Greek salads)
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Hair Dye
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·The jury is still out on this but it is easily avoided by getting your hair dyed before trying to conceive or by switching to a toxin-free hair colour
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·There’s no evidence that dyeing or highlighting hair during pregnancy poses any risk to your baby
·Years ago, hair dyes contained potentially worrying substances such as formaldehyde
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·While there is no evidence to suggest small amounts of chemicals absorbed through skin is harmful some experts suggest waiting out 1st trimester
·Consider highlights instead of single-process colour
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·I had my hair highlighted during my second pregnancy
·I tried to find studies on this, there seems to be very little evidence
·My hair stylist said that products used today are much gentler and very little is actually absorbed
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Caffeine
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·No apparent link to birth defects although some studies have indicated that high doses may be associated with miscarriage and infertility
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·Despite what is often heard, there is no evidence that caffeine causes birth defects, and drinking one or two cups of coffee or tea each day won’t cause your baby any harm
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·Evidence suggests that drinking up to 200mg of caffeine/day is safe (approx 2 cups)
·Latest information suggests heavier caffeine intake in pregnancy slightly increases risk of miscarriage
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·For the most part, I cut out my beloved caffeine
·I switched to decaf and limited my consumption (about one/day), saving lattes for special treats
·I don’t drink pop so that one was easy
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Litter Boxes
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·Similar to raw meat, cat feces may contain a parasite called toxoplasmosis, which can be harmful.
·It is best to avoid changing the litter box but if you have to, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly
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·You should avoid changing litter box, if this is not possible wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly
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·If you have cats already, you are likely immune to toxoplasmosis.
·Avoid changing litter if possible. If not, use disposable gloves and wash hands thoroughly
·Recommends changing litter daily
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·Don’t have cats, but I think staying away from litter boxes sounds like a good idea!
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Exercise
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·Most pregnant women are encouraged to make exercise part of their regular routine
·Your goal should be to maintain your current level of physical conditioning during pregnancy – do not embark on a heavy-duty training program
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·Pregnancy is a time to maintain rather than improve fitness
·Regular exercise can help keep weight within sensible limits
·Recommends keeping at moderate level and stop if you get too hot
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·Most practitioners encourage expectant moms, whose pregnancy are progressing normally, to continue their accustomed workout routines
·Recommends checking with practitioner
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·Keeps your body healthy and in good shape for the hard work of labour
·Advice from my doctor was to continue with my exercise routine but not try anything new and don’t push myself more than normal
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X-rays
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·Abdominal x-rays, CAT scans, and diagnostic procedures involving radioactive dyes should be avoided throughout pregnancy
·Dental x-rays, are considered relatively safe provided that appropriate shields are used
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·Your dentist will want to avoid using X-rays and may advise that any extensive treatment should wait until after the baby is born
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·Risk is very low but most routine x-rays such as dental are usually postponed until after delivery
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·Avoided on advice of my dentist
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Hot Tubs
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·Avoid anything that causes your temperature to climb above 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius
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·Not recommended in 1st trimester due to increased risk of miscarriage or having babies with neural tube defects such as spina bifida
·After 1st trimester occasional use of hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for less than 10 mins is reasonable and safe
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·Anything that raises temperature to 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 39 degrees Celsius and keeps it there is potentially hazardous for developing embryo particularly in early months
·Play it safe and keep belly out of water
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·Generally stayed away from hot tubs
·My husband and I stayed at a hotel with one and I sat on the edge with my feet in for a few minutes
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