Yes, You CAN Do that While You're Pregnant!

There are so many dos and don'ts of pregnancy that sometimes pregnant women start to wonder if there's anything they can do or eat safely! Sometimes it seems like everything is off-limits. I've heard of women carrying around pocket reference manuals for quick checks as to whether something is safe during pregnancy. Our society is incredibly paranoid about pregnancy these days, almost as bad as when superstition governed most of our prenatal decisions. Most women don't even know why they are forbidden to eat sushi or get a tattoo. How do you tell which things really are harmful--and which probably aren't? Let me give you the information you need to make a truly informed choice about which pregnancy don'ts you don't want to heed.

Tanning Beds

No studies currently suggest that tanning beds can harm the baby. Their rays just don't penetrate the skin deep enough to reach the fetus. However, they can elevate your body temperature, leading to overheating. That can contribute to spinal malformations for your baby. This risk is highest in the first trimester. Tanning may also be associated with folic acid deficiency. If you do use tanning beds, try not to use them all the time, and you may want to abstain during the first trimester. Make sure you are taking folic acid supplements. If you start to feel warm or sweaty, get out to cool down. Tanning can cause your skin to be more sensitive, with along with pregnancy can make you more susceptible to rashes, hives, and other allergenic problems. Overall, though, it's just as safe during pregnancy as when you're not pregnant, and it won't hurt your child.

Hot Tubs & Hot Baths

People freak out over this, but there's really no reason to do so. A few minutes in a hot tub isn't going to harm you or your baby. The risk is that your temperature will rise past 101-102 degrees and that you will overheat. As we just learned, overheating can cause spinal malformations in the fetus, especially in the first trimester. Most hot tubs stay at a temperature of 104 degrees. It takes 10-20 minutes in one for your body temperature to rise to 102 degrees. You may want to avoid hot tubs in the first trimester. Really, though, the same rule applies to pregnant women as to all people: if you start to feel too warm, get out, and don't stay in longer than about 15 minutes. Setting the hot tub to a lower temperature is also a good idea.

Hair Dye & Perms

The smells and fumes in some dyes and perms may cause you to become nauseated, but they won't harm your baby. No studies support the idea that either of these products are dangerous to a fetus. Very little dye reaches your scalp. Even less penetrates the skin. Hardly any gets into the blood stream. And I think it's safe to say that pretty much none reaches the baby. You may want to play it safe with this in the first trimester, but really there is no need. Just don't lock yourself in a small room with no ventilation, because you don't want to risk oxygen deprivation!

Alcohol

Alcohol can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other birth effects. We all know this. However, this is usually the result of frequent or binge drinking. A person who doesn't drink often and never gets drunk throughout her pregnancy is highly unlikely to produce a baby that has been harmed by alcohol. Doctors disagree about what amount of alcohol actually harms the fetus, so they advise pregnant women to abstain altogether. They all maintain, though, that the odd glass of wine after a meal is not going to harm the baby. Some doctors explain that, while one drink won't hurt, some women will think "Well, two or three can't hurt either!" which isn't true, so doctors just say "No alcohol whatsoever!" One drink a day isn't a good idea, but it's not going to harm your child if you have an occasional alcoholic drink. Limit your intake, especially during the first trimester. Moderation is the key.

Artificial Sweeteners

They can cause cancer and other problems for you, but in moderation, they aren't likely to harm you or the baby. Feel free to have that one can of Diet Pepsi. Just don't have several cans of it a day!

Caffeine

This is something we are so paranoid about. Some people won't even have a single coke or cup of coffee during pregnancy! There's really no point in that. Studies have shown that even 3-4 cups of coffee will not have negative effects on your baby. If you want to have a little caffeine, go ahead. One or two servings, even three, won't hurt you. Quitting cold turkey, however, can cause anxiety and other issues, especially if you usually have some caffeine every day.

Fish

Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and golden/white snapper (tilefish) may contain high levels of mercury, but most seafood such as tuna, salmon, catfish, shrimp, and shellfish are low in mercury. Eat up! You do need to eat fish while pregnant. Even those fish high in mercury are okay every now and then. Just don't gorge on them.

Tattoos & Piercing

The risks associated with tattoos and piercing are the same, pregnant or not. You can get an infection, especially if you don't keep clean. Ulsterite equipment can cause you to contract a virus like Hepatitis, but this isn't a concern if you go to a reputable studio. Keep your wound clean, and you're unlikely to become infected. It is really rare for the infection to affect your baby. Many parlors won't tattoo or pierce pregnant women for liability reasons, but there really is no reason to be paranoid about tattoos and piercing during pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause your belly to stretch, requiring you to remove your piercing or get a more flexible ring. That's it though!

Peanuts and Eggs

If there's a history of peanut or egg allergy in your family, you shouldn't overindulge in these products. However, for most women, peanuts and eggs are safe--in moderation and in excess.

Sleeping On Your Back

Sleeping on your left side is ideal, because it keeps pressure off of your uterus, intestines, and other organs. It also allows more nutrients to reach the baby more quickly. Laying on your back is associated with more pressure and slightly diminished blood flow to the placenta, but it's not enough to cause harm to the baby. Unless you suffer from poor circulation or have a baby that is already measuring too small, there really is no reason to be paranoid about sleeping on your back.

Herbal Teas & Herbs

There's no reason that you can't enjoy your favorite herbal tea while you are pregnant. There are some herbs that are not safe during pregnancy, so check the ingredients list first. Labels on nearly all herb containers will warn you not to use them during pregnancy. To know for certain if a herb is safe, you'll have to do your own detective work to discover if it can cause any problems for you or your body.

Nail Salons

Those chemical solvents don't smell pleasant, but having an occasional manicure or pedicure won't do any harm! If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, get out and get some fresh air, though.

Sex

Sex does not harm the baby. A peek at female anatomy will reassure you of this. The penis does not poke the baby. The vagina ends at the cervix, which remains closed during pregnancy, and the baby is in a protective membrane called the amniotic sac. Sex is only dangerous if you have a cervical condition, are threatening preterm labor, and/or have been advised by your doctor to abstain.

With most of these things, they are okay in moderation. What should you really avoid? Well, mainly, you should avoid doing anything in excess, except breathing and sleeping. There are a few true pregnancy hazards of which you should be aware. Whether or not you feel the risk is enough to abstain from them is up to you. Whenever someone tells you that you shouldn't do something while pregnant, don't just take their word for it. Do your own research to find out what the risk really is. Sometimes, there's little or no foundation at all for the warning!

Unknown, "Tanning during Pregnancy." American Pregnancy Association. URL: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/tanningmethods.html
Unknown, "Myths, Dos, and Don'ts of Pregnancy." WebMD. URL: http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/49/39932.htm
Unknown, "Hot Tubs During Pregnancy." American Pregnancy Association. URL: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/hottubs.htm