Can I do THIS while pregnant?
So you’ve just found out you’re pregs and the hormones are coursing through your veins like it’s in the Indy 500. You sit down to eat your favorite deli sandwich when your friend, mama of 6 kids gives you a strange looks and says “you’re not really going to eat that when you’re pregnant are you?” You panic. “What? This is news to me!” You frantically start looking stuff up on the internet but it’s not so easy to find. Then you start wondering what else you’re “not supposed to do when pregnant.” Well mamas, we’ve put together a list of items that are commonly brought to a preggo mama’s attention, by friends, family and strangers alike- but we tell you the whole scoop- so you can make your own, very educated decision before you stuff your face with a plate full of sushi
1. Can I Eat lunch meat and soft cheese while pregnant?
Here’s the skinny on lunch meat and soft cheeses…it’s comes down to Listeria, a really gnarly bacteria that can contaminate foods. Listeria is found in water and soil- with some animals becoming carriers. The lowdown is that it can be found in veggies and uncooked meats and unpasteurized cheeses. Because there is a chance that contamination can occur after packaging, there is a chance that hot dogs and deli meats can contain it. Are you gagging yet? According to the Center for Disease control, preggos are more susceptible to becoming infected than non-preggos (mostly because preggo’s immune systems are suppressed during pregnancy).
If you do get sick with Listeria-
You’ll have mild flu like symptoms
You’re at an increased risk for miscarriage, premature labor, or infecting your newborn baby.
You’ll probably be put on antibiotics to nip it in the bud.
Bottom Line-
The American Pregnancy Association recommends pregnant women stay away from lunch meat unless you are reheating it yourself (to kill those buggers) or eating it in a casserole or some other concoction that’s been in the oven. Restaurants like Subway have pregger alternatives like Meatball Subs or Roasted Chicken sandwiches.
As far as soft cheeses are concerned. Check the packaging- most, if not all soft cheeses in the U.S. are pasteurized which means you should be a-okay. But again, eating hard cheese is always a good option as well.
2. Can I drink caffeine and/or wine while pregnant?
Most newly pregnant women drink one or both of the above and may feel that it’s cruel to be cut off from them simultaneously. Preggos, do not lose heart.
The research is actually very conflicting in regards to consuming caffeine while pregnant. The March of Dimes, a non-profit that researches the problems that babies encounter, recommends that you consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day while pregnant, that’s basically a 12 oz cup of coffee. That doesn’t sound soooo bad.
One thing to keep in mind is that caffeine is found in lots of stuff other than coffee- caffeine is also found in tea, chocolate, some over the counter medications, some plants even produce caffeine naturally.
How about beer or wine?
There are studies out there that show that moms who drank as little as one glass of wine a week while preggers, gave birth to children who were smaller, leaner and had a smaller head circumference (smaller brain) than those who didn’t drink at all. There are also studies that show the children of mamas who drank as little as one drink a week were more aggressive and had some behavior problems.
As with anything you consume, the alcohol passes through your organs and you have a new organ now- the placenta- which is supplying your baby with food, nutrients, vitamins and also acts as a sewer system too. Your developing baby doesn’t have the ability to process the alcohol as quickly and efficiently as you do, so the elevated alcohol level will stay there longer and be much higher than yours.
Bottom Line-
Drinking wine when pregnant is considered taboo here in the U.S. If you do decide to go out in public and have a drink, be prepared to be refused by bartenders and get some raised eyebrows and possibly some snarky comments.
Caffeine, for the same reasons as alcohol, isn’t awesome to consume when pregnant either. Especially since it is addictive and when you breastfeed after baby is born, you won’t want to be drinking the fully leaded coffee/tea or you and baby will never sleep. Yawn.
3. Can I Eat sushi while I’m pregnant?
I’m a sushi lover and was always forlorn when people reminded me I couldn’t eat sushi when pregs. I always wondered “well what do people in Japan do when they’re pregnant? Just eat rice?”
The concerns about consuming sushi when pregnant stem from high mercury levels and bacteria that can loom in uncooked fish. (see what we had to say about Listeria in our lunch meat, soft cheese break down).
The National Resource Defense Council compiled a list of the fish that’s high in mercury that you should stay away from, and the stuff that’s lower in Mercury and therefore safe for preggo consumption.
LOWER MERCURY- Safe for Preggo
Akagai (ark shell)
Anago (conger eel)
Aoyagi (round clam)
Awabi (abalone)
Ayu (sweetfish)
Ebi (shrimp)
Hamaguri (clam)
Hamo (pike conger; sea eel)
Hatahata (sandfish)
Himo (ark shell)
Hokkigai (surf clam) A surf clam just sound cool, eh
Hotategai (scallop)
Ika (squid)
Ikura (salmon roe)
Kaibashira (shellfish)
Kani (crab)
Karei (flatfish)
Kohada (gizzard shad) OMG, that sounds good!
Masago (smelt egg)
Masu (trout)
Mirugai (surf clam)
Sake (salmon)
Sayori (halfbeak)
Shako (mantis shrimp)
Tai (sea bream)
Tairagai (razor-shell clam)
Tako (octopus)
Tobikko (flying fish egg)- what the H is that anyways?
Torigai (cockle)
Tsubugai (shellfish)
Unagi (freshwater eel) 1
Uni (sea urchin roe)
HIGH MERCURY- Stay Away From
Ahi (yellowfin tuna)
Aji (horse mackerel)
Buri (adult yellowtail)
Hamachi (young yellowtail)
Inada (very young yellowtail) Is that like eating Bambi of the sea??
Kanpachi (very young yellowtail)
Katsuo (bonito)
Kajiki (swordfish)
Maguro (bigeye, Bluefin or yellowfin tuna)
Makjiki (blue marlin)
Meji (young bigeye, Bluefin or yellowfin tuna)
Saba (mackerel)
Sawara (Spanish mackerel)
Seigo (young sea bass)
Shiro (albacore tuna)
Suzuki (sea bass)
Toro (bigeye, Bluefin or yellowfin tuna)
Bottom Line-
Most fish contains nutrients and vitamins that are good for you and your growing bundle of joy- and not all sushi is uncooked.
Itadakimasu!
4. Can I Go running or ride a bike while pregnant?
Exercising during pregnancy is like salt n’ peppa (chocolate & peanut butter is a way better example says my husband). The two just go together. While it may feel like you have to be super careful so as not to jostle your little bean about in your womb- you do not, in fact, have to worry. Early on in your pregnancy your sweet pea is safely enclosed by the bones of your pelvis, so activities such as riding a bike or even riding horses are safe (as long as you don’t fall off) during pregnancy.
Bottom Line-
As you progress in your pregnancy and your belly grows, you’ll find that you may have to adjust your stride, or your exercise routine in general as shortness of breath is common and your center of gravity has changed. Make sure to listen to your body- if you feel tired or winded or tightness in your belly, STOP.
Otherwise, carry-on mama.
PS We chat about swimming here.
5. Can I take hot baths while pregnant?
Hot baths? Yes.
Hot Tubs? Maybe not.
Physicians caution pregnant mamas about getting overheated when using hot tubs. Since most hot tubs are 104 degrees, it can only take 10 minutes to raise your core body temp to 102- which is dangerous territory for a preggo.
Why shouldn’t my body temp be over 102? Studies show that the risk of birth defects increases when a preggo is HOT (as in temp).
Bottom Line-
If you want to relax, use your bath tub.
6. Can I use antibiotics while pregnant?
The simple (and short) answer on this is to ask your health care provider. They’ll need to prescribe the drugs anyway. There are plenty of options of antibiotics that are deemed “okay” for preggo mama and baby.
Bottom Line-
Chat with your doc and decide if you really really NEED them. Then make the call.
7. Can I go on roller coasters when pregnant?
While I, personally, can’t even imagine wanting to hop on a roller coaster when pregs, there may be some thrill enthusiasts out there who are all about it ‘bout it.
I have a feeling if you ask your health care provider they will tell you a rousing “hell to the no” mama- this stems from concerns of abrupt starts and stops, and the jarring which can actually result in the placenta separating from the wall of your uterus (placental abruption) which means baby isn’t getting oxygen. Not good.
Bottom Line-
If you feel sad about missing out on roller coasters for the next 10 months or so, do not fear: pregnancy is the ultimate thrill ride. You’ll be on a roller coaster of hormones that makes the Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens look like child’s play. You might even barf.
8. Can I change the cat litter while pregnant?
Those of you who have kitty cats, pass the kitty litter changing duty baton to your partner for the next year or so (or milk it and make it forever).
There’s a long, scientific-y word called “toxoplasmosis” involved. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii- are you gagging yet? This parasite is found in cat poop.
Bottom Line-
If you’re the Lone Ranger on poopy-scoopy duty, the CDC recommends you wear gloves when changing the litter and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly when done.
And please, for the love, don’t handle stray cats.
9. Can I take cold/sleeping meds when pregnant?
When you have your first appointment with your health care provider, you should get a list of over-the-counter meds that your Doctor/Midwife deems safe. If you haven’t found your “soul mate” yet and need some suggestions pronto, let me know, I’ll share the list I received from my health care provider.
There are over the counter and herbal remedies for all of the following:
Allergies, Headache/Sinus, Upset Stomach, Constipation, Diarrhea, Nausea, Sore Throat, Cough, Sleeplessness, Heartburn
Bottom Line-
Consult with your health care provider to make sure you’re getting the right stuff. Preggo friendly meds do exist. Help is on the way!
10. Can I dye my hair while pregnant?
The good ole U.S. Federal Government is pretty lax (actually it doesn’t regulate at all) the cosmetics and hair industry in our great country. While this is great if you’re a cosmetics company, it’s not so awesome if you’re looking for safety in your products.
The dealio with hair dyes is that they contain (gasp) chemicals. Since the skin absorbs 60% of what is put on it (your scalp is “skin”), it’s important to be aware of what you slather on your body. The most notorious players in dyes are Ammonia- irritates skin & lungs – and PPD (p-Phenylenediamine) which is linked to immune and nervous system issues and according to Wikipedia, was voted
Allergen of the Year in 2006 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society- what an honor!
If you go to a salon, see if they have PPD-free hair dye, or opt for low-lights or high-lights. If you do-it-yourself at home, look for PPD-free hair dyes, or simply the organic brands which use less chemicals overall. A great resource is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep
database- which rates the safety of cosmetics (including hair dyes) and is super easy to use and navigate.
Bottom Line- Whatever you put on your skin is absorbed into your blood, which becomes your baby’s blood. Because all the effects of chemicals are unknown, it’s best to minimize their use. But don’t freak mamas, as a person who started going gray in my twenties, I understand your need to not look like an aging hipster when preggo. There are safe options like Henna for coloring your hair. Or go to a health food store and go for one of their hair dye products.
11. Can I Use nail polish when pregnant?
This is the same thing with hair dyes. Your nails are skin and do absorb some of what you put on them. Lots of nail polishes contain three main (sketchy) chemicals:
Phthalates- or plastic which is used to prevent chipping. Phthalates are a proven hormone disruptor and can affect reproduction.
Formaldehyde – used to harden the nails, and makes me think of dead frogs- is a cancer-causing chemical.
Toluene- helps the polish glide on easily, and is linked to nervous system disorders.
The bummer about these ingredients is that you will not know if they are in your products just by reading the labels. Instead, go to The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database and look up the brand of polish you use and see what’s in it.
There are plenty of organic, vegan, green options BUT the downside is since they don’t contain all those handy-dandy cancer-causing chemicals, they aren’t always super convenient to apply or remove.
Bottom Line- same as bottom line above mama.
12. Can I Go tanning when pregnant?
So you’d like for your white, body to be tan- but you’re preggo? What do you do?
Well, as with the Hot Tub scenario, the heat/body temperature issue is the main concern with tanning (whether it’s in a bed, or on the beach, or nude in your back yard). The other issue is that some research has shown a link between UV Rays and folic acid deficiency (folic acid prevents neural tube defects in your baby like spina bifida).
Bottom Line-
Since it’s more difficult to regulate the temperature inside a tanning bed, than say, when you’re sitting out on the beach under an umbrella- it’s advisable to stay away from the tanning bed and go for the sunless tanner route instead.
As with everything cosmetic related- check out The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database to see what safe options you have with sunless tanners.
Then pray you don’t end up orange.
13. Can I Paint when pregnant?
We know you have a million “to-dos” on your “please hunny, do (right now) list”. We also know that lots of you mommies are turbo and don’t necessarily want to wait around for your spouse to get ‘er done. BUT.
When it comes to painting the baby’s nursery- or furniture- or the myriad of other painting projects— wait for hubs, or hire someone.
There are actually no research studies on the effects of household painting on the unborn baby. But, since there are chemicals involved and those float around the air for you to inhale- it’s probably best for you not to go there.
Definitely don’t attempt to remove paint from a house that may have had lead paint- and don’t sand the walls either- chemicals and solvents in the air are bad news bears for your lungs and your growing baby.
If you absolutely have to paint and don’t have friends or family you can bribe to help you- then
- Choose non-toxic paints.
- Have windows open and fans on.
- It wouldn’t hurt to wear a mask over your mouth and nose.
- Take breaks, often.
- Keep your food and drinks away from the stink- the last thing you need is contaminated food.
14. Should I Drink Green Tea while pregnant?
People always say that Green Tea is the bomb-diggity because of its antioxidants. But experts disagree about whether preggos should consume.
Here’s why:
Green tea contains caffeine- about 30% less than, say, coffee- but caffeine nonetheless.
Green tea always contains an enzyme called EGCG which interacts with another enzyme called DHFR , which deactivates the DHFR. The reason this is a problem is because it reduces the folate (the vitamin vital to good spinal health for baby).
Bottom Line-
So the moral to the story- look for decaf green tea, and a cup a day is certainly not going to be harmful.
Moderation in all things—see a theme here?
PS There’s also a helpful book called Nursing Mother’s Herbal which gives the low-down on all things herbal when you’re breastfeeding. Chock full of great info.
15. Can I fly on airplanes while pregnant?
If you do not have a high risk pregnancy the answer is YES. You can travel by car, bus, train, or boat too if you’d like. If you are considered “high risk”, have a chat with your healthcare provider.
While traveling (especially long distances) can get more uncomfortable as you progress in your pregnancy, there certainly isn’t anything about flying at high altitudes that will negatively impact your baby. Most airlines are jiggy when you fly up until your 8th month and then request a good ole fashioned doctors note if you’re in your 9th month.
Bottom Line-
Even though everyone will tell you that for your first kid, you will deliver after your due date, I am a perfect example of that not being the case. My first-born son came (on his own) three weeks before his due date. So keep that in mind mamas- if you don’t, we may see you on the news:)
16. Ca I get a Flu Shot when pregnant?
Many healthcare providers give mamas the old guilt trip about having the flu shot- since you are your baby’s world- you should protect yourself and your baby, etc. And the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) in 1994, made their most aggressive policy change to date- that all preggos should be vaccinated at any stage in their pregnancy. It is true that your immune system is suppressed while you’re pregnant- your body is busy doing other things like making milk, making your baby, pumping extra blood etc.
Research shows that the flu vaccine is only marginally effective at preventing the flu. Some doctors say that most of the symptoms of the “flu” aren’t actually the influenza virus, but other viruses, or bacteria. The CDC evaluates the most threatening strains each flu season and chooses 3 to vaccinate against. It’s pretty much a crap shoot as to if you get the flu, if you’ll be “lucky” enough to get one of the three you were vaccinated against.
Bottom Line-
If you do decide to get the flu shot, make sure to request a Thimerosal (Mercury) free one. Thimersol is commonly used as a preservative in immunizations. There are of course conflicting studies that Mercury has been linked to Autism. I’ll admit, it is a bit confusing. On the one hand, during pregnancy (and even after) we are told by our doctors to be careful about how much mercury we consume in fish, right? (see sushi list above) And now we’re advised to get a flu shot which may have mercury in it?
So be sure to request a Thimerasol free one. Here’s a list to help guide you.
Also, if you opt for the vaccine, get the shot, NOT the nasal spray. The shot has the inactivated virus in it, while the nasal spray has the live virus.
Look we’ve been making babies for thousands of years…and let’s be real, most of us are going to have a sip of alcohol or caffeine from time to time, or indulge in a bite of sushi or do other things that aren’t considered “perfect”. The point is that we don’t consistently do things on a regular basis that increase the chance for problems. Common sense also tells us the best way to deal with a problem is to avoid it, so flu shot for example…if you don’t really need one, then why mess with unnecessary stuff.
You are now armed and dangerous. You have the info and additional resources to make the right, educated decision for you but more importantly, your BABY.
Tell us what your experience with any or all of the above is below. Did we miss anything you would like to know about?
Your Baby Booty has partnered up with Joyful Motherhood (a Malawan non-profit) under the umbrella of African Mother’s Health Initiatives.
