Things to avoid when pregnant

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In addition to certain foods that should be avoided during pregnancy, women who are or are planning to become pregnant should consider the following pregnancy information concerning things to avoid while pregnant.

[edit] Herbicides and insecticides

These weed and bug killing sprays are commonly used in homes and in agriculture. They have been shown to cause both miscarriages and birth defects. Find alternative means of weed and pest control and wash or peel all fruits and vegetables prior to consumption.

[edit] Radiation

Radiation used in medical and dental treatments should be avoided and pregnant women should not work in areas where there is radiation. If your doctor suggests a diagnostic x-ray for a medical condition, discuss safer alternatives.

[edit] Electric Blankets

It has not been proven that the low frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by an electric blanket is detrimental to a pregnant woman, but it is suggested pregnant women not use them.

[edit] Hot Tubs and saunas

Pregnant women should avoid hot tubs and saunas because they can elevate the mother’s internal temperature. Raising the body temperature creates a false fever which in turn can cause birth defects, or in extreme cases, fetal death.

[edit] Tanning Beds

Care should be taken when using a tanning bed while pregnant to not overheat. The UV rays do not penetrate the skin and pose your baby no harm, but overheating while using one is not recommended.

[edit] Smoking

Smoking during pregnancy doubles the risk of having a low birth weight baby and the associated serious health problems. It also doubles the risk of placental problems in pregnant women.

[edit] Alcohol

Drinking even moderate amounts of alcohol can result in harm to the fetus. Women who are pregnant should not consume any alcohol, including beer and wine.

[edit] Recreational drugs

All forms of recreational drugs should be avoided during pregnancy. Varying degrees of damage to the unborn baby occur according to the drug used, from learning disabilities to fetal death.

Cocaine use in pregancy may cause early miscarriage. It can also cause the fetus to suffer a stroke within the womb.

Use of heroin in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, a range of birth defects (how heroin causes these is not certain but thought to be linked to impurities within heroin) and most babies born to heroin users undergo heroin withdrawal. Pregnant women who use heroin should not go Cold Turkey i.e. suddenly cease all opiate or opiate substitute use - as this puts the fetus at severe risk. Babies born to regular methadone users have a much greater chance of having a baby with fewer ill effects.

[edit] Over the counter drugs and herbal remedies

Discuss all over the counter drugs and herbal remedies with your caregiver prior to your taking them. The use of herbal remedies during pregnancy can harm your baby.

[edit] Caffeine

Women are advised to limit their intake of caffeine to less than 300mg per day. This amount appears to be safe, however more study is needed.

[edit] Excess vitamins

Only take the amount of prenatal vitamins that your caregiver has recommended to you. While vitamins are vital for proper fetal growth, too much can be toxic to your unborn baby.

[edit] Chemical fumes, chemicals, metals

Avoid all chemical fumes such as those from paints, glues, plastics. Assess your workplace to evaluate if you are exposed to chemicals there. Avoid metals like lead and manganese. Eliminate unnecessary exposure to all chemicals.

[edit] Accutane

This prescription acne medication is linked to serious birth defects.

[edit] Aspirin

This common pain reliever decreases the body’s ability to clot blood and can cause problems late in pregnancy.

[edit] Thrill Rides

Visiting an amusement park is the highlight of many summer memories. Pregnant women should be aware, however, of what activities are allowed at an amusement park during pregnancy.

[edit] Body Piercing

It is not recommended that a pregnant woman get any new body piercings while she is pregnant. Pregnancy lowers the body’s resistance to fighting infection and there is a danger of developing an infection that could potentially enter the bloodstream. Pregnancy also brings with it changes that can cause a piercing to become larger than it would have after pregnancy.

Read more about body piercings: Body Piercings

[edit] Laser Hair Removal

While the laser used during the hair removal procedure does not penetrate the skin very deeply, no studies have been performed to determine it is safe to have laser hair removal while pregnant, and many obstetricians advise against it, just to be safe. Other healthcare providers deem its use safe during pregnancy.

While this pregnancy information is not all encompassing, it gives the expectant woman an idea of what to avoid while pregnant.