You Shouldn't Do that While You're Pregnant

There are many things that people advise against that aren't truly harmful. However, there are some pregnancy warnings that you should take care to heed. Mostly these involve undercooked food and excess amounts of certain substances or activities. Remember that moderation is the key. In addition to these things listed below, you should avoid overexerting yourself, as well as remaining too sedentary during pregnancy. People that are active, but not too active, usually are much healthier and have less complicated pregnancies and deliveries.

Excess Alcohol

Studies have repeatedly shown that frequent drinking and binge drinking cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other birth defects. If you're tipsy, the baby's drunk. The best rule is to limit yourself to one single drink, such as a glass of wine, with food. Just one, and if you had one yesterday, don't have one today, too. Choose drinks that are low in alcohol.

Excess Caffeine

Studies do link caffeine to ADD, ADHD, and migraines. Large amounts may be linked to low birth weight. Having up to 3 cups of coffee, 4 at the most, is okay. Anything more than that is really pushing the limit and may have adverse effects on your fetus. If you're bouncing off of the walls, that's probably not a good thing!

Excess Diet Soda

The artificial sweeteners in soda, such as aspartame, can cause cancer. Studies have shown that they can have harmful effects on babies in the womb. If you want to have a diet coke with your lunch, go ahead. Just don't guzzle it down all the time, because too much of it is bad for you and your baby.

Tobacco and Recreational Drugs

Cigarettes contain thousands of ingredients that do cross the placenta. They can have very damaging effects on your baby. Smoking and being exposed to large amounts of second-hand smoke can lead to premature birth and babies with low birth weights. Recreational drugs also carry a large number of risks for you and your baby during pregnancy. Stop using them altogether while you are expecting.

Chemical Fumes

If you work closely with chemical solvents or are frequently exposed to them, that can put fetal brain development at risk. This applies to nail salons, dry cleaners, medical labs, and manufacturing plants. Avoid being overexposed to chemical solvents, such as cleaning agents, especially in a room that is not well-ventilated. Scrubbing your tub with Lysol once a month is okay, but doing it everyday is bad--especially if the window is closed.

Overheating

Overheating can lead to spinal malformations and other problems for the baby. If you start to feel hot, get out of the hot tub, and go cool down with a glass of cold water. Limit your dip to 15 minutes, which is how long it takes your body temperature to rise high enough to cause overheating. The same rule goes for tanning: get out if you feel uncomfortable,and don't stay in longer than 15 minutes.

Scooping the Litter Box & Undercooked Pork

Cats may be infected with toxoplasmosis, which is often found in their feces. You can contract this and pass it to your baby. Though the risk is very small, it still exists, so it is best to have your partner clean the litter box. Toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, structural and neurological problems, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other problems. It can be very serious. Don't scoop that cat box unless you have to. You don't have to get rid of your cat, though, and you can have your cat tested to make sure he doesn't carry toxoplasmosis. Undercooked pork can also have toxoplasmosis in it, so be sure to cook your pork chop well.

Deli Meat, Soft Cheeses, Liver, & Hot Dogs

These products can contain listeriosis, which can result in premature birth, miscarriage, illness, and fetal death. Your risk of catching this while pregnant is as high as it is when you're not pregnant, but there is a risk of it having severe negative effects on your baby. Avoid imported soft cheeses such as Brie, feta, and goat and cheeses that have not been pasteurized. Lunch meat, liver, and hot dogs are okay only if you cook them first. (Who would eat raw hot dogs anyway? That's like admonishing people not to eat raw eggs! Ok, I'm sure some people do it but...eww!)

Certain Herbs & Herbal Teas, Especially in Excess

Too much raspberry leaf tea or peppermint tea may cause contractions, so don't guzzle this stuff like its kool-aid! One glass a day to relax is fine. Most herbal teas are safe, and so are most herbs. There are some herbs, however, that can cause contractions, such as Black and Blue Cohosh. Before having an herbal tea or supplement, check to make sure its ingredients are safe during pregnancy. Don't just heed the generic "Don't use if you're pregnant!" warning on the label; actually do the research to find out if there are any proven adverse effects during pregnancy.

Undercooked Poultry

It may contain salmonella, which can make you very sick. Your diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which is associated with preterm labor. It can also make you lose weight and not take in enough nutrients, which is bad for the baby, too. Though very rare, it can result in stillbirth. So, scramble those eggs, and cook that chicken before you eat it.

Becoming Dehydrated

Dehydration can cause preterm labor and stimulate contractions. They really aren't kidding when they stress the importance of drinking water during pregnancy.

There are a lot of things that people advise avoiding during pregnancy, but these are the really important things to watch out for. Loud noises and hair dye probably don't pose a thread, but raw meat and excess toxins do. As I've said time and time again, moderation is the key. If you're unsure about something, talk to your doctor. Be sure to ask him what the risks are and why it is you should avoid something. Sometimes people and doctors caution against things without actually taking the time to research them, so before you put something on your list of "Don'ts," be sure it truly is harmful.

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