When you're pregnant, the whole world suddenly seems full of potential hazards that could harm your baby.
Can I drink? Should I exercise? What can I eat? We separate the facts from the fiction...
Large quantities of alcohol in pregnancy can lead to your baby having Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), but no one is sure how small amounts affect a baby. Experts differ in their advice, ranging from saying that it's okay to have two drinks once or twice a week to warning against drinking any alcohol at all.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
- Read more about alcohol in pregnancy
Some essential oils are incredibly beneficial in pregnancy, but others aren't safe, so don't use massage oils, pillow sprays or bath products that contain them without first getting the advice of a qualified practitioner. Use blends specially designed for pregnancy, containing oils that are known to be safe.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
It's important that you control your asthma, because it's dangerous for your baby to be deprived of oxygen if you have an asthma attack. Let your GP know you're pregnant, and discuss ways that you can manage your asthma and stay safe. Remember to tell your antenatal midwife and the one with you during labour that you're asthmatic, too.
Verdict: Go for it
Tea and coffee are safe as long as you don't have more than 300mg of caffeine a day - the equivalent of three cups of coffee, six of tea, or eight cans of coke.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
- Read more about food and drink to avoid
Cat poo can carry toxoplasmosis, which may harm your baby if you contract it during pregnancy, although the risk of this is very small. So ask someone else to empty the cat litter, or wear rubber gloves if you really do have to do it yourself.
Verdict: Steer clear
As long as you're not cleaning in an unventilated space where you could inhale fumes, most products are safe to use. Wear gloves, and get someone else to clean the oven, as oven cleaners are strong and you can inhale a lot with your head stuck right in there!
Verdict: Proceed with caution
Sachet medications such as Cystemme and Cymalon aren't recommended, as they have a very high salt content. Try cranberry juice instead and drink lots of fluids. If it doesn't clear up, see your GP who can prescribe safe antibiotics.
Verdict: Steer clear!
- Find more in-depth info on cystitis
You can take rehydration powders, such as Dioralyte, but not tablets like Imodium or Lomotil. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
Keeping fit and active during pregnancy is good for you and your baby, with a few provisos: avoid high-impact exercises, don't do any sit-ups or crunches (your abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy and you risk tearing them) and stop whenever you feel tired or too hot. Also, don't start anything new - stick to what your body's used to.
Verdict: Go for it
The chemicals in fake tanning products aren't absorbed into your bloodstream, so they're safe. Don't go on sunbeds, though, because as well as being bad for your skin, they could cause you to overheat. Tanning pills are also a no-go area.
Verdict: Go for it
It's safe in the first two trimesters, but most airlines have restrictions on flying in the last trimester, so it's important to check beforehand. It's a good idea to get a letter from your GP giving you permission to fly if you're obviously pregnant, to avoid delays at the check-in desk.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
The flu jab is considered safe, but healthy adults don't normally need it. However, if you're in one of the at-risk groups (if you have an existing medical condition like asthma, for example) then talk to your doctor.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
- Get in-depth info on the flu jab
There's no evidence that the chemicals in hair dye are unsafe in pregnancy. But if colouring your hair is going to make you worry, give it a miss for the first trimester to put your mind at rest.
Verdict: Go for it
Steer clear of antihistamine tablets, but you can use nasal sprays such as Flixonase and Beconase, which work directly on the affected area (your nose!) and won't be passed on to your baby.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
- Read more in-depth info about hay fever
As with hot baths and saunas, Jacuzzis aren't advisable as it's not a good idea for you and your baby to get too hot. If you want a bath, make sure the water is no hotter than body temperature.
Verdict: Steer clear
It's great to imagine ourselves heavily pregnant and painting the nursery, but solvents in paint can be harmful to your unborn baby if you come into contact with them regularly. While painting the odd room won't expose you too much, it's safer to get someone else to do it.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
Paracetamol is considered safe, but it's best to save it for when you really need it. Try other headache remedies such as 4head (a stick you apply to the skin) or the cooling patches you can buy from pharmacists. It's not safe to take aspirin, ibuprofen or codeine, so check the ingredients of any over-the-counter remedies.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
Peanut butter: Steer clear!
It's thought that eating too many peanuts during pregnancy may increase your chances of having a baby with a nut allergy. Be particularly careful if you have a family history of allergies.
Sex: Go for it!
If you're having a normal, low-risk pregnancy, then sex is fine. Your doctor or midwife may advise against it, however, if you've experienced any bleeding, have had more than one miscarriage or have a low-lying placenta.
Smoky places: Steer clear!
It's now well known that passive smoking is dangerous, and any toxins from cigarette smoke will be passed through to your baby in small amounts. Ask friends and family not to smoke around you or in your home if you can.
Tampons: Steer clear!
If you're experiencing pregnancy bleeding and have had it checked out by a midwife, use a sanitary towel or panty liner. Never use a tampon, as it could introduce bacteria into your vagina, which is close to your cervix and uterus. You can't use tampons for bleeding after the birth, either.
Tight jeans: Proceed with caution
While tight jeans, and tight clothes in general, won't physically harm you or your baby, they're definitely not the most comfortable wardrobe option!
Anti-fungal creams such as Canesten are fine, as are pessaries, but you can't take oral thrush tablets like Difflucan. If you're in any doubt, check with the pharmacist.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
- Get more in-depth info on thrush
Your breasts change throughout pregnancy. If anything puts pressure on the new, delicate tissue, it could become inflamed or blocked. So wear comfy, well-fitting bras, get measured regularly and avoid stiff fabrics and underwiring.
Verdict: Steer clear
It's best to avoid having holiday vaccinations, if you possibly can, by only visiting countries that don't have the risk of serious disease. If you really have to go to a place where jabs are recommended, talk to your doctor first and weigh up whether to have the vaccination or risk the disease.
Verdict: Steer clear
The level of radiation in most x-rays is far, far lower than the levels that could present any danger to your baby - just make sure you tell the radiographer that you're pregnant. As for using microwaves and computers, go for it. There have been no reports of adverse pregnancy outcomes related to these.
Verdict: Proceed with caution
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