It’s fairly common knowledge that pregnant people shouldn’t drink alcohol, eat certain types of fish, ride roller coasters, or do heavy lifting. But, there’s a whole lotta other stuff they can’t do that may surprise you!
1.Pregnant people shouldn’t clean the kitty litter box.
Cat poop can contain a parasite called toxoplasma gondiit that may cause a serious blood infection – toxoplasmosis – and pregnant people have a high risk of getting toxoplasmosis. This infection may also be caused by eating contaminated, undercooked meat or infected fruit and vegetables.
2.Pregnant people shouldn’t whiten their teeth.
Although the active ingredient in teeth-whitening products – peroxide – is safe for adults (even if small amounts are ingested during the whitening process), there’s hasn’t been enough research as to how the substance could affect babies during pregnancy. For that reason, doctors recommend avoiding it.
3.Pregnant people shouldn’t take Pepto-Bismol, aspirin, and ibuprofen.
The following over-the-counter medications may increase the risk of birth defects: bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol), phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine, (decongestants), cough and cold medicines that contain guaifenesin, and pain medicines – such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
4.Pregnant people shouldn’t use hairspray or nail polish that contains phthalates.
Phthalates – a common ingredient in hairspray and nail polish – is not linked to birth defects in humans, but animal studies have shown that the substance interferes with male sexual development. For this reason, it is recommended that pregnant people use beauty products without phthalates.
5.Pregnant people shouldn’t use retinol creams and serums or prescription acne treatments.
Both prescription acne treatments and retinols are unsafe during pregnancy and have been linked to birth defects in babies.
6.Pregnant people shouldn’t eat deli meats, hot dogs, or soft cheeses.
When foods contain a bacteria called listeria, it can cause an illness called listeriosis – which is harmful for babies. Unfortunately, pregnant people are more susceptible to getting listeriosis. The bacteria may develop when it is not killed during pasteurization or cooking. It can be found in uncooked meats, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurized milk, foods made from unpasteurized milk, and processed foods.
7.Pregnant people shouldn’t use certain essential oils.
The following essential oils may trigger early uterine contractions: rosemary, basil, sage, juniper, thyme, pennyroyal, oregano, and peppermint.
8.Pregnant people shouldn’t paint.
Pregnant people may be exposed to chemicals like latex, oil, and enamel while painting. As of now, there are no methods to measure the exposure of these chemicals and the degree of toxicity. That is why it is best to avoid all oil-based paints, leads, and mercury when pregnant.
9.Pregnant people shouldn’t have more than 300 mg of caffeine per day.
Moderate levels of caffeine are OK during pregnancy, but it is recommended that no more than 150-300 mg are consumed per day by pregnant people. While there haven’t been conclusive studies on the affects of caffeine in humans, animal studies have shown that it can cause birth defects, premature labor, preterm delivery, reduced fertility, and an increased risk of low-birth-weight offspring, and other reproductive problems.
10.Pregnant people shouldn’t get in hot tubs or saunas.
During the first trimester, women with increased body temperatures had an increased risk of having a baby with birth defects. Pregnant people should never let their core body temperature rise above 102.2º F.
11.Pregnant people shouldn’t get botox.
There are no clinical studies proving botox is unsafe during pregnancy (for ethical reasons), however, it is best practice to not inject a toxin, like botox, into a pregnant person in case it does have adverse affects on the baby.
12.Pregnant people shouldn’t get spray tans.
It is recommended that pregnant people avoid spray tans because the affects of inhaling it could harm the baby. As of right now, the affects are not known, so it is safer to use a cream or lotion self-tanner.
13.Pregnant people shouldn’t get tattoos.
The main concern with getting a tattoo during pregnancy is the risk of contracting an infection, such as Hepatitis B and HIV. Although the risk is very small, it is still recommended that women wait to get any tattoos until after they give birth.
14.Pregnant people shouldn’t go horseback riding.
This is simply because – no matter how skilled the person is at riding – there is always a risk of falling off the horse. So, for safety reasons, physicians do not want pregnant people going horseback riding.
15.And pregnant people shouldn’t go scuba diving.
Because the baby is not protected from nitrogen bubbles, there is a potential risk of injury. An unborn baby receives the oxygen it needs to live from the placenta, so if the mother is deep in the ocean and gets decompression sickness, the baby would as well. Since the baby’s lungs are not fully developed, they would not be able to filter the bubbles like the mother’s can, causing fetal complications.
So, what fun things CAN you do during pregnancy?! HAVE SEX AND SLEEP!!!
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