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Common Concerns of PregnancyQuestions abound regarding what you can and can not do during pregnancy. But the answers may not always come from the most reliable sources, so you might worry unnecessarily. Knowing what could truly be harmful to your baby is important in keeping your sanity and taking care of your developing baby. | |||
Pregnancy Concerns and Precautions | |||
When you are pregnant, what you don't put into your body (or expose it to) can be almost as important as what you do. But being concerned about every little thing you come into contact with can make for avery long and unsettling pregnancy. Below is a list, adapted from the websites listed at the bottom of the page, of the things that pregnant women are concerned and ask about. These include: Alcohol Alcohol You should avoid alcohol during your pregnancy. Although it may seem harmless to have a glass of wine at dinner or a mug of beer out with friends, no one has determined what is a "safe amount" of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. The March of Dimes recommends that no alcohol be consumed during pregnancy. They have stated, "No level of drinking has been proven safe. The full pattern of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) usually occurs in offspring of chronic alcohol abusers, most often in women who drink four to five or more drinks daily. However, it has occurred in women who drink less. Alcohol-related behavioral disorders (ARBD) and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders (ARND) can occur in babies of women who drink moderately or lightly during pregnancy." Women who drink occasionally before realizing they were pregnant often worry that their unborn child could be harmed. According the March of Dimes, "It is unlikely that the occasional drink a woman takes before she realizes she is pregnant will harm her baby. The baby’s brain and other organs begin developing around the third week of pregnancy, however, and are vulnerable to damage in these early weeks. Because no amount of alcohol is proven safe, a woman should stop drinking immediately if she even suspects she could be pregnant, and she should abstain from all alcohol if attempting to become pregnant." Visit alcohol during pregnancy for additional information. Aspirin The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued the following warning about aspirin use during pregnancy: "It is especially important not to use aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy, unless specifically directed to do so by a physician because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery." Caffeine The March of Dimes notes that during pregnancy, caffeine easily passes from the mother to her unborn child through the placenta. Because the systems for breaking down and eliminating chemicals are not fully developed in the unborn child, blood levels of caffeine may remain elevated for longer periods in the unborn child compared to the mother. High caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. It is wise to cut down or eliminate caffeine intake during your pregnancy. Studies indicate that caffeine consumption of more than 150 milligrams a day (about 1 1/2 cups of coffee) puts the pregnancy at higher risk. Less than that amount is probably safe. For additional information, visit pregnancy issues: caffeine. Cat Litter and the Litter Box An infection called toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite spread through soiled cat litter and can cause serious problems in a fetus, including prematurity, poor growth, and severe eye and brain damage. If a pregnant woman contracts toxoplasmosis, there is a 40% chance that her unborn child will also become infected. However, such infections are not common in the United Sates. Pregnancy is an important time not to be cleaning a cat's litter box. But that doesn't mean that you have to keep away from your cat, only the litter and litter box. Prescription and Store-Bought Medicines Many medicines are relatively safe to take while you are pregnant, but some are not. Here are some tips from the National Women’s Health Information Center (National Women’s Health Information Center 2002) for using medicines safely:
Even common over-the-counter medications that are generally safe may be considered off-limits during pregnancy because of their potential effects on the baby. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which prescription and over-the-counter drugs you can and can't take. Please also visit pregnancy and medications. Vitamins, Herbs and Herbal Supplements Vitamin A is a chemical that is essential to sustain human life and must be provided in adequate amounts through food or other dietary supplements. However, excessive consumption of vitamin A can cause birth defects. Women can take vitamin A in many forms. Please check with your health care provider regarding vitamin A and other vitamins. Also, although they may seem harmless, herbal remedies and supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means that they don't have to follow any safety standards. There are beneficial vitamins, herbs and supplements and then there are those that are dangerous. Recreational Drugs During Pregnancy You should avoid all recreational drugs. Pregnant women who use drugs may be placing their unborn babies at risk for:
Marijuana is often mistakenly viewed as a "safe" drug. However, a study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) suggests that exposure to cannabinoids, psychoactive chemicals present in marijuana, can affect early embryonic development. Some studies suggest that use of marijuana during pregnancy may slow fetal growth and slightly decrease the length of pregnancy (possibly increasing the risk of premature delivery). Both of these factors can increase a woman’s chance of having a low-birthweight baby. These effects are seen mainly in women who use marijuana regularly (six or more times a week). Please visit drugs and pregnancy. Smoking During Pregnancy Smoking by pregnant women limits the amount of nutrients and oxygen that reach the unborn child. Effects of smoking while pregnant may include:
Exposure to second hand smoke, also called involuntary smoking, occurs when non-smokers breath in the cigarette smoke from others around them. Second hand smoke is harmful to both pregnant women and infants. The risks to a fetus from regular exposure to secondhand smoke include low birth weight and slowed growth. Please visit pregnancy and smoking for additional information. Artificial Sweeteners (Sugar Substitutes) Certain Foods
Also, although fish and shellfish can be an extremely healthy part of your pregnancy diet (they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and are high in protein and low in saturated fat), you should avoid eating:
Visit eating and nutrition for additional information. Computer Monitors (VDTs) There is no evidence that computer monitors (also called video display terminals, or VDTs) cause any problems in unborn babies. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), computer monitors have not been found to cause low birth weight or preterm births. Flying There should be no problem in flyingunless your due date is near or your doctor tells you that you or your baby has a medical condition that warrants keeping you near home. You can fly up to 4 weeks before your due date and that cut-off time is not because flying can cause problems, but because it is just best to stay close to home and your doctor in case you deliver. However, pregnant women who should not fly include those with:
Hair Dyes According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) dying your hair is "most likely safe" during pregnancy, despite what doctors in years past may have advised. High-Impact Exercise during Pregnancy Regular exercise builds bones and muscles, gives you energy, and keeps you healthy. It is just as important when you are pregnant. Prenatal exercise positively affects the mother in the short term by increasing energy, relieving backaches, leg cramps, and breathlessness, stimulating the baby, and conditioning for the physical exertion of labor. High-impact exercise is a different story It can cause increased pressure on the structures within the uterus that could lead to problems such as premature labor or bleeding. However, for most pregnant women, low-impact exercise (not high-impact) is a great way to feel better, look better, and help prepare the body for labor. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, stick to low-impact exercise. It's wise to avoid some exercises and activities such as:
Folic Acid Folic Acid is a B vitamin which is found naturally in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains. Folate and folic acid are interchangeable terms. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects, which are serious birth defects, including spinal bifida and anencephaly. In order to be effective, folic acid must be taken during the first weeks of pregnancy when these neural tube defects occur. Accordingly, it is recommended that a woman of childbearing age (15–45 years old) take folic acid as a part of her daily diet, not just when they become pregnant. Household Chemicals (Cleaners, Paint, etc.) While some household cleansers contain solvents, there are many safe alternatives. Pregnant women should read labels carefully and avoid products (such as some oven cleaners) whose labels
indicate they’re toxic. A pregnant woman who is worried about commercial cleansers or bothered by their odors can substitute safe, natural products. Pregnant women should avoid pesticides, whenever possible. Although there is no evidence that the typical occasional household use of insecticides does any damage to a baby, it is best to err on the side of caution. High levels of exposure may cause miscarriage, premature delivery, and birth defects. As for insect repellents (which may contain DEET, or diethyltoluamide), the risks aren't fully known. So, it is best to either not use them at all during pregnancy or to wear gloves to place a small amount on socks, shoes, and outer clothing instead of putting repellant's directly on your skin. Organic Solvents Studies have shown that women who were exposed to solvents on the job during their first trimester of pregnancy were much more likely than unexposed women to have a baby with a major birth defect. To learn more about the chemicals she works with, a woman can ask her employer for the Material Safety Data Sheets for the products she uses or contact the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or visit http://www.msdssearch.com. Lead Lead is a naturally occurring metal that was found for many years in gasoline, paint and other products used in homes and businesses. While lead is still present in the environment,
the amounts continue to decrease since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned its use in these products in the 1970s. Lead crystal glassware and some ceramic dishes may contain lead, and pregnant women and children should avoid frequent use of these items. Commercial ceramics are safer than those made
by craftspeople. Other unexpected sources of lead in the home may include the wicks of scented candles (which release lead particles into the air when burned) and the plastic (polyvinyl chloride) grips
on some hand tools. People can be exposed to mercury by breathing in air, eating food, or drinking water contaminated with mercury compounds. Mercury can also enter the body through contact with the skin. Mercury is a metal found in various forms. Mercury occurs naturally in the environment, and the levels are increased by certain human activities such as the burning of coal by power plants. Burning coal increases the amount of airborne mercury, which eventually falls back to earth into bodies of water. Fish absorb mercury through their gills and by eating contaminated food sources. Mercury becomes most concentrated in fish that eat smaller fish. Exposure to mercury is also possible through dental amalgams (fillings), which contain 50% mercury. Occasional exposure to mercury can also occur from broken thermometers. Other Metals (Arsenic and Cadmium) Overheating (Hot Tubs, Saunas, Electric Blankets, etc.)
If your body temperature goes above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) for more than 10 minutes, the elevated heat can cause problems with the fetus. Overheating in the first trimester can lead to neural tube defects. Later in the pregnancy, it can lead to dehydration. Self-Tanners/Sunless Tanners No risks to the fetus specific to tanning have been documented. Sex During Pregnancy Most pregnant women having a "normal" pregnancy can continue having sex even up until the delivery. You may, however, need to modify positions for your own comfort. However, your doctor may advise against sexual intercourse if he or she anticipates or detects certain significant complications with your pregnancy. For additional information, visit sex during pregnancy. Tap/Drinking Water In recent years there have been concerns about possible pregnancy risks from by-products of chlorinated drinking water. Chlorine is added to drinking water to kill disease-causing microbes. While different studies show different things, there is no proof that normal tap water is a problem to you or your baby. It is important to remember that just because water is bottled does not necessarily mean it is safer. Although bottled water (which is regulated by the FDA) may often taste better or
just different, tap water meets the same Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Teeth Whiteners?Teeth Bleaching As with self-tanners, no good studies have been done on teeth whiteners that definitively say whether they're safe to use if you're expecting. And some makers of whitening products do caution against using them during pregnancy. Some dentists encourage waiting until after pregnancy to get your teeth whitened and others say that the procedures are safe. Rubella (German measles) Rubella is a mild childhood illness that poses a serious threat to the fetus, if the mother contracts the illness during pregnancy. Fortunately, major outbreaks of rubella no longer occur in the U.S. Most women of childbearing age are immune to rubella because they either were vaccinated or had the illness during childhood. Because of widespread use of the vaccine, birth defects caused by rubella have become rare. The March of Dimes recommends that all women be tested for immunity to rubella before they become pregnant, and that they consider being vaccinated at that time if they are not immune. If a pregnant woman is not immune, she should avoid anyone who has this illness. Vaccinations It is best to wait until after your pregnancy for most vaccines, but a few are considered safe. The Center for Disease Control recommends only the following vaccines as safe during pregnancy:
Live-virus vaccines, those containing a live organism, are not recommended for pregnant women because of the risk that the actual infection or disease the vaccine is meant to prevent may be passed along to the unborn baby. X-Rays According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), X-rays are most likely safe during pregnancy. If your health care provider thinks it is necessary, then it is highly unlikely that low levels of X-ray radiation will be harmful. However, if you can safely wait to get an X-ray until after your baby is born, then that is probably the best way to go. Summary Although some things are certainly considered unsafe during pregnancy, try not to spend too much time wondering and worrying. When in doubt, use common sense and hold off at least until you have had a conversation with your health care provider. Above all, make sure to follow the most important healthy pregnancy habits: eat right; get some exercise and a lot of rest; steer clear of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco; and make sure to start prenatal care as soon as possible. | |||
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