What is safe and what isn’t during my pregnancy?
Every mom-to-be will worry about what is and isn’t safe during pregnancy but it’s important to adopt a common-sense approach to potential hazards while not worrying unnecessarily.
There are certain things that you should avoid – but often women don’t even realize that they’re pregnant until after the fact. If you’ve drunk too much or smoked, just make sure it was the last time. Your baby is probably unaffected by these sorts of activities in very early pregnancy but likely suffer from continued exposure to these substances.
It’s important that you’re honest with your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife about any drug use or medication you’ve taken since conception, so don’t hold back out of embarrassment. Take a look at gurgle’s guide to what’s safe during your pregnancy
Smoking
It’s well documented that smoking during pregnancy increases the likelihood of pregnancy complications as well as miscarriage and stillbirth. Premature birth, low birthweight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), childhood cancers, meningococcal infections, middle ear infections, retardation, respiratory problems such as asthma and childhood hyperactivity are among the detrimental effects that your baby may suffer should you continue to smoke. If you manage to quit before the fourth month of pregnancy, the risk to your baby is greatly reduced, so keep in mind that it’s never too late to quit.
The reason smoking is so bad for your baby is that he’s being poisoned by carbon monoxide each time you light up. It reduces the amount of oxygen he receives and his heart rate increases. It’s in your power to make sure he doesn’t suffer these effects, but second-hand smoke is also harmful, so if your partner smokes ask him to stop or to avoid doing it around you.
Alcohol
Experts reckon there is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, which means that avoiding it is the best policy. Alcohol passes through the placenta and can potentially affect a baby’s neurological development. In extreme cases, a baby may be born with fetal alcohol syndrome, a dangerous condition that affects his nervous system, growth, learning and memory skills among others.
Caffeine
Large amounts of caffeine have been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage, affect your baby’s growth and heart rate, as well as worsening your mood swings. It’s also a diuretic, which means you pee even more! Experts recommend a maximum 300mg per day – and bear in mind that it’s also present in energy drinks, soda and chocolate. Wean yourself off it slowly by switching to decaf (which does still contain some caffeine) and replacing it with nutritious fruit smoothies. When working out your daily limit, remember that espresso coffee is much stronger than regular coffee.
X-rays and pregnancy
Doctors will generally avoid giving you X-rays during your pregnancy although as long as the area being X-rayed isn’t your abdomen, it should be fine. Dental X-rays are considered safe as the rays are pointed away from your abdomen and you’ll be wearing a lead apron. However, some dentists would prefer to wait until your pregnancy is finished before X-raying you and if you think you will fret should you have an X-ray, leave it for another time. You must inform any doctor who wants you to have an X-ray if you’re pregnant or likely to be pregnant and let the technician performing the X-ray know too.
Chemicals and pregnancy
Chemicals such as those found in household cleaning products should be used with caution when you’re pregnant. Either, switch to a more ‘natural’ cleaning range for the duration of your pregnancy (see green parenting: is it possible?) or be sure to wear a mask and gloves when using conventional cleaners. If there’s a hard-to-miss warning about the high toxic content of your product, it is probably best to skip it for now.
If you’re a keen gardener, this could be the time to go organic. Weedkillers and other pesticides aren’t a good thing to be handling when pregnant. If you must use them, make sure you are wearing durable work gloves and boots, and that your skin is well covered. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Something to be aware of in older homes is the risk of lead in any original paint on the walls and in old-fashioned lead pipes that the water supply runs through. Get your water tested, especially if you use a well, as lead puts babies at high risk of a range of unpleasant conditions.
If you’re decorating your home, paint-stripper and heavy duty cleaning materials are also best avoided. Bear in mind too that older houses may incorporate asbestos in their construction. Although it’s safe if undisturbed, any damage releases microscopic fibers that could be harmful to you and your baby if inhaled. If you find any construction material that looks like asbestos don’t attempt to remove it yourself – get a professional in to do it.
Above all, exercise common sense. It’s not worth becoming neurotic about these things. We’re all exposed to differing levels of potentially hazardous substances on a daily basis – it’s a fact of modern life. Your aim should be to minimize any risk while remaining relaxed. Stressing out about things you have no control over is far more detrimental to your health in the long run.
You can watch gurgle videos to get further advice on this subject by going to the guides what foods to avoid in pregnancy and 10 steps to a healthy pregnancy.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 03/07/2007
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