What is safe, What is not?

When you are pregnant and you don't feel right, you have to think twice about what you can do to remedy the situation. The safe, non-medicinal way should usually be your first choice. Many medications become unsafe; many actions become not doable when you are pregnant. It is important that you always check with your caregiver on treatments and prescriptions before you use them; what was once safe is suddenly off-limits. Here is a narrow list of the seemingly safe and unsafe, which you must now reconsider:

Ibuprofen: Do your best to avoid this drug, especially in the weeks before conception and in the first trimester; there is a high chance for miscarriage. After week 32, there is a high risk of baby developing heart problems and damaged kidneys if you consume ibuprofen. Best that you avoid it during the 1st and 3rd trimesters


Cold medications: Because some cold preparations contain active ingredients that are not totally safe, it is best you check with your doctor before getting over-the counter medicines. Try using saline drops or a steam vaporizer to clear the congestion. Take plenty of rest and keep the fluids up.


Medicines with alcohol content: Taking a few doses of medications with alcohol as one of its ingredients does not automatically put your baby at risk; but you have to ensure you are taking the medicine as prescribed and for short durations. Medicines should be under doctor's prescription to be on the safe side.

Echinacea: This herb isn't recommended during pregnancy simply for its property which can stimulate the uterus to go into premature labor. Your body is equipped with extra immunity to protect it against harm during pregnancy; don't let Echinacea interfere with your natural defenses.


Flu shot: Yes you should get one unless you have an allergy to eggs or suffered severe reactions to previous flu shot. Flu can develop into something more severe during pregnancy; serious conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, if you have them, predispose you to the virus. Furthermore this shot is considered safe because it is made from inactivated virus.


X-ray: Avoid X-rays during pregnancy because research shows that dental x-rays increases your odds of having a low-birthweight baby. While it is best to avoid them, if it is absolutely necessary according to your dentist, then it makes sense to have the X-ray with the correct precautions in place. After all dental care is as important, as poor oral hygiene can play a role in mothers delivering preterm babies.

Vibrating massage chair: Not a problem. If vibration is the issue, FYI the electro-magnetic frequencies do not cause as much vibrations to your baby as your movements does. So enjoy your massage guilt-free.


Heating pad: Moderate heat applied to one part of your body will not raise your body temperature. So when you have sore muscles don't hesitate to apply a heating pad to those aching muscles. Further, there is no hint of danger to the growing fetus from electromagnetic fields.


Microwave: There isn't enough evidence suggesting that the use of microwave ovens during pregnancy is harmful. Heating your food in the oven will not expose you to significant amounts of radiation to warrant concern. You may continue to warm your foods as per usual using this relatively safe and convenient gadget.

Bug repellents: Most repellents contain DEET which can enter your bloodstream through your skin. So far there is no finding that suggests that its use is unsafe or that it can cause defects in the fetus. Since its use is necessary in some areas, you should however restrict its application to the minimum and resort to other means like wearing full sleeves and long pants. Then, apply the cream to your clothes instead of your bare skin


Second-hand smoke: Avoid it as much as possible. The more you are in such environments the more likely the contaminants from tobacco will enter your blood. Studies indicate that when pregnant women are exposed to someone else's smoke, their babies weigh less at birth.


Sleeping on your stomach: In the initial months it is ok to lie on your tummy if that is a position you are used to when resting; your uterus is adequately protected so no worries. Later on as your girth size increases, your own discomfort more than anything else will make it impossible to rest on your stomach. Needless to add by that time you can endanger your baby in that position. Lying on your left side is the best but of course sleeping on the right side is fine too. Avoid sleeping on your back.

Herbal remedies: It is tempting to assume that since herbs are natural, they are safe too. Well not always. Herbs can be as potent as prescription drugs and just as toxic. Consult your doctor before taking any chances. You would need your doctor's opinion even on herbal tea. Take note that the quality of herbs tend to differ from one manufacturer to another, so be careful about the brand as well.


Chocolates in abundance: Binging on chocolate is safe except that it can make you sick in the stomach; too much of a good thing can ruin things for you. The plus side is that chocolates contain an ingredient that works well on your brain causing you to feel good. Chocolates contain some amounts of caffeine but if eaten in moderation, it poses no harm to you.


Diet Sodas: Most diet sodas contain aspartame (sold under brand names like Equal, NutraSweet and others). Aspartame is considered safe for pregnant women except for those pregnant women who have the disease PKU (phehylketonuria). They should avoid aspartame because their bodies cannot metabolize it. The other down side that applies to all pregnant women is that diet drinks contain caffeine which is harmful in large doses and is zero in nutrition department as well. Drink sparingly. On this note, avoid foods containing saccharin which has links to causing cancer. Fortunately its use has been reduced greatly and aspartame has become its substitute more or less.

MSG: A flavor enhancer that is used in lots of foods, especially restaurant foods. It is considered safe except for its side effects; it is known to cause headaches, nausea, dizziness and sleep disturbances. While it brings no harm to your fetus, it has unpleasant consequences so you may wish to avoid it wherever possible for your own benefit and well being.


Bleach or chemical hair removers: There is no conclusive research done yet on whether topically applied bleach or depilatories on body parts can increase the risk of birth defects. On the same token, because there is no definite finding it is better to play safe. The guess for now is, very little chemical seeps into your bloodstream. Before you apply the bleaching agent or chemicals to remove body hair, you can minimize your risk by rinsing your skin with cold water beforehand (to shrink those pores), work in a well ventilated room and don't leave the products on your skin for too long.


Hair color: Here again evidence is limited but hair coloring is probably safe. Low level exposure cannot be harmful; very little gets absorbed into your system. Despite this there is no absolute guarantee. To play safe skip coloring until you are into your second trimester. Vegetable dyes were considered good substitutes until many were found to contain chemical compounds that are found in major dyes. Pure henna however is considered safe. Another alternative is highlighting your hair. The hair coloring agent is applied on your hair shaft instead of your scalp so through this process chemicals don't enter your system. Color your hair in well ventilated environment and don't forget to wear your gloves if you are doing it yourself.

Hair perms: Chemically straightening or perming your hair is not dangerous in itself but the fumes might be irritatingly strong. The concern here is the solvents that's in use but that again is an issue for women who work in the parlors all day and are therefore liable to developing symptoms from over-exposure.


Computers: It is perfectly safe to sit at your terminal and work away. Numerous researches have been done because this is a widely used machine. All have one conclusion - there is no risk of birth defects or miscarriage. On the other hand sitting anywhere for long periods is considered a health hazard; it is a good habit to get up and walk around every now and then for circulation


Dental care: Dental care is important during pregnancy. There are some serious repercussions such as premature delivery if you don't receive proper dental care. Don't delay dental appointments.


Airport screening machines: Many people assume that these machines emit X-rays but the fact is they don't. Airport x-ray machines are used on luggage. The metal detectors that passengers walk through use low frequency electromagnetic fields to look for dangerous objects. At such low levels, this exposure is considered safe even for the pregnant woman. The same holds true for the screening wands that are passed over individual passengers