The pregnancy journey comes with lots of questions, especially when you’re having your first baby. In the age of information overload, your OB/GYN team can serve as a trusted resource on what’s healthy for you and your baby – as well as what lifestyle adjustments should be made.
CentraState OB/GYNs Angela Markman, MD, and Benoit Mapa, DO, are often asked what’s safe and what to avoid during pregnancy. Here’s their advice on some common questions.
DOs
- EXERCISE: Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk for certain pregnancy-related complications, so continuing to exercise during pregnancy has many benefits. Talk to your OB/GYN about the level of exercise that’s right for you.
- PLANE TRAVEL: Flying is safe for most healthy pregnant women before 36 weeks of pregnancy, although it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first. Stay well hydrated and get up to walk during the flight, especially for longer trips.
DON’TS
- CANNABIS (MARIJUANA): Some people use cannabis to help ease nausea, which can be a common symptom during early pregnancy. But there’s not enough data on how it impacts a baby’s neurodevelopment, so it’s advised to avoid it. If you experience nausea, your doctor can recommend safe treatment options.
- ALCOHOL: Avoid alcohol use during pregnancy, as it can lead to birth defects and other issues in your baby.
- HOT TUBS AND SAUNAS: An increase in your body’s temperature can mean the same for your baby, and hot tubs and saunas may harbor bacteria. Avoid them altogether during pregnancy.
- KITTY LITTER: If you have a cat, delegate the kitty litter duty to someone else. Cat stool can carry an infection called toxoplasmosis, which is harmful to a developing baby.
Use Caution
- COFFEE: It’s important to stay well hydrated during pregnancy, and ideally, that means drinking plenty of water and other caffeine-free beverages. But you don’t have to kick the coffee habit completely. Up to 300 mg of caffeine per day – about three 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee – is acceptable. Or try decaf, which averages 2 mg per cup. Keep in mind that caffeine levels at your favorite coffeehouse may be higher.
- HAIR DYE: Small amounts of the chemicals in hair coloring may be absorbed through the scalp, and research on the effects during pregnancy is limited. It’s best to avoid coloring your hair during the first trimester (through the 13th week of pregnancy), when your baby’s organs are developing. It’s fine after that, especially for options that aren’t applied directly to the scalp.
Access more tips from Drs. Markman and Mapa with our “What to Expect During the First Trimester” videos.
