Let's talk about the Dos and Don'ts of pregnancy

[jwinct]

The conversation about moisturizers and cleansers gave me this idea. It also got me thinking about how we were at my SIL's Christmas party and a pregnant woman thought she couldn't eat something with blue cheese in it and I explained to her that she can absolutely eat it, as long as it's pasteurized.

So anyway, I thought we could start a conversation about that kind of stuff... ask questions, give advice,  whatever! This is a great place to learn and share, as we have both first-time and second/third-time moms here.


I'll start:

Here's a WebMD article about Acne medications to avoid. They say Benzoyl Peroxide is safe, but "products containing salicylic acids are not, as they can lead to birth defects. Doctors also recommend not using products with alpha-hydroxy acids, as they are absorbed into the bloodstream and the effects on fetuses are unknown."
www.webmd.com/baby/features/is-it-safe-to-use-acne-medication-during-pregnancy

Any cheese you can buy in your grocery store is likely safe to eat, including soft cheeses, because they are pasteurized... be sure to check the label, though.  I'm pretty sure that unpasteurized cheese products cannot be sold across state lines, so national brands would have to be. If you go to a local shop that makes their own cheese, there's a good chance that the cheese isn't pasteurized, so be sure to ask.

Coffee - with both of my pregnancies, I drank an 8 oz cup of regular coffee every morning. My OB said coffee/caffeine in moderation is not harmful and that "nobody should be drinking 3 cups of coffee or more a day, anyway."  I never got constipated during my pregnancies and I think drinking coffee had a lot to do with it.

I'm not big into eating deli meats on a regular basis, but I do try to avoid it during pregnancy, unless it's toasted on the sandwich. The idea of heating my deli meat grosses me out, but it's different if the whole sandwich is toasted somehow. LOL

[jwinct]

Oh, I just thought of another thing I remember reading back in the day that has never left my mind...

If you're having oral sex performed on you, make sure no air is blown into your vagina because it can cause an embolism.

[macaronmama]

This is wonderful, jwinct. As a FTM, I need all of this. Especially now when I haven't told my mom and can't pick up the phone and just call her.

I have figured out the tea thing on my end, though. I am down to one cup of decaf a day and I can have a cup of caffeinated a day if I want, but I'm trying to leave that for special occasions. Ginger and mint teas are fine, but I'm reading the ingredients labels for blends obsessively. Chamomile is okay, rooibos is good for you - avoid marigold, calendula, red raspberry leaf (until you are nearing labor), and a lot of other herbs. Ovia (my preg app) is pretty good at finding what tea ingredients are not approved of.

[caer]

I generally follow those on your list too jwinct. Well, except the oral sex one. Never heard of that!

I also avoid hot tubs. And this time I'm considering skipping bag salads because of all listeria outbreaks in recent years. I know the chances are low but I think it will be better for my anxiety if I stay away from them for now!

[adouces06]

Agree with your list jwinct! I do want to talk to my OB about coffee. I didn't drink it too much with my firsf, but now I live off of a medium iced every morning from Dunks. It's probably over 8 oz, but not by much. Hopefully that's "within moderation!"

[jwinct]

Oh, and it sucks not being able to take ibuprofen. I have a headache and I know Tylenol is not going to help much.

[ellabee]

It's not one that I hear as frequently as others, but during my last pregnancy, my OB recommended a limited artificial sweetener intake. The big one to try to avoid is aspartame (in all major diet sodas).

I will also mourn the loss of being able to eat sushi and rare meat. Oh, and oysters.

[brit365]

Feb 4, 2016 12:26:40 GMT -5 jwinct said:

Oh, I just thought of another thing I remember reading back in the day that has never left my mind...

If you're having oral sex performed on you, make sure no air is blown into your vagina because it can cause an embolism.

I read this a couple of days ago actually. DH and I were confused if this is something that people do that we were missing out on pre-pregnancy?!?

[brit365]

Thankfully I drink very little caffeine anyways so that won't be affect me.

I agree with the above that warm deli meat is gross so I'll be steering clear of it too.

Is sushi with crab and things like that that aren't actually raw okay?

The one thing I will be mourning is cookie dough. The break and bake cookie dough is my go-to comfort food so last week when I was informed that it was off-limits I died a little inside.

[jwinct]

Feb 4, 2016 13:55:55 GMT -5 brit365 said:

Feb 4, 2016 12:26:40 GMT -5 jwinct said:

Oh, I just thought of another thing I remember reading back in the day that has never left my mind...

If you're having oral sex performed on you, make sure no air is blown into your vagina because it can cause an embolism.

I read this a couple of days ago actually. DH and I were confused if this is something that people do that we were missing out on pre-pregnancy?!?

I know, right? Or maybe it's more like, "Hey honey, make sure if you have to sneeze, don't do it in my vag."  ?! LOL

[raechay]

I know it's exaggeration but I seriously feel like I've been pregnant for the last three consecutive years. I told my husband "oh hey, remember to make sure the Gorgonzola is pasteurized" before a grocery run the other day and he's like "I know...." It's such an ingrained part of life.

I was always nervous about tea ingredients. It's weird to me how they have medicinal properties, and I totally avoided them last time. This time I'm drinking tazo's cinnamon chalet. I thought mint was no go? I love mint.

Last time I only drank decaf, but with a toddler I need my coffee.

Oh hey, types and amount of fish per week is a good one- American pregnancy association has a list I used to bookmark on my phone. I really craved tuna last time and had to limit it. Additionally, sushi is ok if it's cooked (tempura rolls) and California or veggie rolls.

Limit exposure to secondhand smoke (I adore penny slots so this was a thing for me). Ask your OB about topical medications/nasal sprays/inhalers etc to see if they're safe. Eat organic if possible.

[jwinct]

brit365 - I don't eat fish or seafood, but I found this on americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/mercury-levels-in-fish/


Despite the previous concern regarding mercury levels in fish, the FDA now recommends that women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan on becoming pregnant consume more fish. Fish contain vital nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals such as iron. These nutrients are essential, particularly for pregnant moms, as they foster healthy fetal, infant, and childhood development.

How much fish should I eat?

Many Americans do not eat adequate amounts of fish. However, the FDA recommends eating 8 to 12 ounces of fish low in mercury per week. That amounts to about 2 to 3 servings of fish per week, which can be eaten in place of other types of protein. Make sure to choose a variety of fish lower in mercury, such as salmon, tilapia, shrimp, tuna (canned light), cod, and catfish.

Consumption of white (albacore) tuna should not exceed 6 ounces per week.

What fish should I avoid?

Mercury is an element that can collect in oceans, lakes, and streams. In these bodies of water, mercury turns into methylmercury, a neurotoxin found in most fish in at least small amounts. In high quantities, methylmercury can be toxic to the nervous system. Due to their high mercury levels, there are four types of fish that should be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding.

These include tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, swordfish, shark, and king mackerel.

Also, if you eat fish from a local river, stream, or lake, make sure to first check the advisories for those bodies of water. You can find this information on your local fishing regulations website or through your local health department. If this information is not provided, consumption of such fish should be limited to 6 ounces per week.

It is also recommend for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid eating raw fish as they are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses. Learn more about foods to avoid while pregnant.
What if I ate one of the high-mercury fish?

It is unlikely that one serving of such fish would pose a risk. However, it is best to avoid these while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is it okay to avoid all fish and just take omega-3 supplements?

While omega-3 supplements are beneficial, if you avoid all fish, you will be missing out on other essential nutrients. It is best to eat a variety of lower mercury fish. In addition, you can take an omega-3 supplement. The Association recommends the brand Nordic Naturals.

Last Updated: 07/2015

[raechay]

My OBs office recommends all their pregs to take DHA; I use the Nordic naturals. If you keep it in the fridge it tastes less fishly

[jwinct]

brit365 - This one actually mentions crab. I didn't realize the other article didn't.
www.eatright.org/resource/health/pregnancy/what-to-eat-when-expecting/seafood-dos-and-donts-when-pregnant

Does eating seafood while pregnant seem fishy? You're not alone in thinking so. Pregnant women are bombarded with lists of things they can't eat, and misinformation about seafood abounds. But the truth is that pregnant women can and should eat fish (with a few exceptions).
Why Eat Fish?

It's true that not all fish is safe for pregnant women, but avoiding seafood can be detrimental too. Pregnant women should aim to eat eight to no more than 12 ounces of safe seafood a week. And, here's why.

Fish is full of protein and iron. Pregnant women need at least 27 milligrams of iron a day (up from 18 milligrams pre-pregnancy) to help prevent anemia, and 71 grams of protein daily (up from 46 grams) to support the baby's growth and a woman's own physical changes. "Soon-to-be mothers need to make sure they're getting adequate amounts of protein during pregnancy," says Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson Jessica Crandall, RDN, CDE, AFAA. "Fish is encouraged because it's a great source of both protein and iron."

You and your baby need omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish like wild salmon and sardines are high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. "Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful with decreasing inflammation and also help with infant brain development," says Crandall. "Eating omega-3-rich proteins like fish is very healthy for pregnant women."

Food aversions may narrow your diet. Expectant mothers should eat a wide variety of healthy foods, but pregnancy may limit your food tolerances. Fish is a nutrient-rich food, and expectant mothers should add it to their diets if it appeals to them.

Because omega-3 fatty acids are so important for your baby's development, Crandall recommends talking to your doctor to see if you should take a fish or flaxseed oil supplement if you cannot tolerate fish. "I always choose food as the first line of action, but a supplement can be helpful for those women not eating an adequate amount of omega-3."
What Fish Is Safe?

Avoid seafood high in methyl mercury and other environmental toxins when pregnant. "Methyl mercury can damage brain, kidney and central nervous system development of the fetus," says Crandall. "It is a toxic chemical and it builds up most commonly in predatory species of fish. The chemical passes through the placenta and may harm the fetus."

Mercury is both naturally occurring in our environment and also results from industrial pollution. When it falls from the air and accumulates in water, it becomes methyl mercury. Some fish accumulate more methyl mercury than others, depending on their diet, habitat, size and longevity. Here's what seafood to eat, and what to avoid.
Seafood to Eat and to Avoid

Eat: Eight to 12 ounces per week

Tilapia
Cod
Salmon
Crab
Shrimp
Sardines
Canned light tuna
Pollock
Catfish

Eat: Up to 6 ounces per week

Albacore or "white" tuna

Avoid

Shark
Swordfish
King Mackerel
Tilefish
Raw fish (including sushi, sashimi, ceviche and carpaccio) due to food poisoning risk
Refrigerated smoked seafood due to listeria risk

Cook Quality Fish

Check local advisories for food safety alerts before eating locally caught fish. When in doubt, limit your consumption of local seafood to 6 ounces a week.

Quality fish has these characteristics:

Bright, clear eyes
Intact scales
A fresh or mild salt water scent
Firm to the touch with flesh that springs back when pressed
Cold (below 40°F) with no ice crystals

Refrigerate fish quickly after purchase, consume it within a day or two of purchase, and cook it to an internal temperature of about 145°F to reduce your risk of food poisoning. Enjoy fish and the nutritional boost it provides you and your growing baby.

Reviewed June 2014

[jwinct]

Feb 4, 2016 14:05:29 GMT -5 raechay said:

My OBs office recommends all their pregs to take DHA; I use the Nordic naturals. If you keep it in the fridge it tastes less fishly

If you or anyone else is looking for a prenatal vitamin that includes it, this is the one I take - Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA. It contains 200 mg of DHA and 28 mg of EPA.

[WittyLittle]

Here's one that stumped me with my first... Liver products have a really high amount of vitA and that can be harmful. However carrots are fine to eat! They have high VitA but in the form of carotenoid so this is fine

[brit365]

Thanks for the info jwinct!! Looks like I actually need to add a little more fish to my diet, haha!

[macaronmama]

Feb 4, 2016 14:01:34 GMT -5 raechay said:

I was always nervous about tea ingredients. It's weird to me how they have medicinal properties, and I totally avoided them last time. This time I'm drinking tazo's cinnamon chalet. I thought mint was no go? I love mint.

Mint is totally okay. It can help with stomach issues. Just don't get mint blended with something else because they you run the risk of odd herbals or caffeine - stick to a straight up peppermint with no black tea in it. Bigelow Peppermint is fine. In fact, I grow my own peppermint and dry it for tea.

[macaronmama]

Feb 4, 2016 12:26:40 GMT -5 jwinct said:

Oh, I just thought of another thing I remember reading back in the day that has never left my mind...

If you're having oral sex performed on you, make sure no air is blown into your vagina because it can cause an embolism.

Okay - I have a question on this - is any air up there bad? I occasionally get a bad case of vaginal farts after sex because so much air gets sucked up in there - is this something I should be worried about and limiting our positions for awhile?

[jwinct]

Feb 4, 2016 16:01:51 GMT -5 macaronmama said:

Feb 4, 2016 12:26:40 GMT -5 jwinct said:

Oh, I just thought of another thing I remember reading back in the day that has never left my mind...

If you're having oral sex performed on you, make sure no air is blown into your vagina because it can cause an embolism.

Okay - I have a question on this - is any air up there bad? I occasionally get a bad case of vaginal farts after sex because so much air gets sucked up in there - is this something I should be worried about and limiting our positions for awhile?

I think that would be okay because it's getting stuck in there, not blown in. ?!?! I have no idea! LOL

[league2b3]

Crap. I have sebborheic dermatitis. I stopped my ketoconazole after my BFP, but not my TSal. There is nothing else for me to use that will touch my flakes.

I only drink one cup a coffee, 5 days a week. I teach, and 2nd graders need a caffeinated teacher.

I'll have to stop my seltzer water. I know the one I drink has aspartame in it. I don't drink pop, though.

[ellabee]

league2b3, I love drinking bubbly water too. We got a soda stream during my first pregnancy, which was helpful. I also like the La Croix water when I want something with flavor.


Oh I thought of one more thing to try and avoid - foods high in nitrates. Although, that may be more of a general rule rather than one specific to pregnancy. Possible carcinogens and all...

[league2b3]

I HATE La Croix. I like the ones with all the bad stuff

[ellabee]

Lol bummer league2b3. I think artificial sweeteners are hit and miss depending on the individual. I will miss my diet coke.

[macaronmama]

If I am using pasteurized eggs, are eating yolks safe if they're cooked up but still runny?

[jwinct]

Bumping, since we have lots of new people.

[ellabee]

So I'm a big fan of cheese. Like, stinky gooey raw milk cheese. If I lived in france I'd be 300lbs from eating fromage all day. My in laws are also big fancy cheese folk too.

Today I learned that Stilton is acceptable to eat during pregnancy (per NHS). I always thought any blue-veiny cheese (like Bleu) were a big no-no. But apparently Stilton isn't on the list. Hooray!

Just thought I'd throw that out there for any other cheese-o-philes.

[jwinct]

Feb 24, 2016 10:15:55 GMT -5 ellabee said:

So I'm a big fan of cheese. Like, stinky gooey raw milk cheese. If I lived in france I'd be 300lbs from eating fromage all day. My in laws are also big fancy cheese folk too.

Today I learned that Stilton is acceptable to eat during pregnancy (per NHS). I always thought any blue-veiny cheese (like Bleu) were a big no-no. But apparently Stilton isn't on the list. Hooray!

Just thought I'd throw that out there for any other cheese-o-philes.

It's my understanding that you can eat any kind of cheese, as long as it's pasteurized. I still eat blue cheese and gorgonzola. Most cheese that you can buy in a grocery store is pasteurized. I'm pretty sure that unpasteurized dairy products cannot be sold across state lines, so it's cheese that's locally made that you need to be careful of.  

[ducktale]

Anybody else pretty chill about these rules? I don't pound the deli meat daily but I don't avoid it. Hell yes to runny egg yolks. I don't believe the occasional glass of wine is harmful. Well done steak will never enter this body, and I have a freezer full of steaks so...And that vagina air thing sounds made up.

[ducktale]

I think Trader Joes sells a kick ass unpasteurized blue cheese.

Feb 24, 2016 10:23:33 GMT -5 jwinct said:

Feb 24, 2016 10:15:55 GMT -5 ellabee said:

So I'm a big fan of cheese. Like, stinky gooey raw milk cheese. If I lived in france I'd be 300lbs from eating fromage all day. My in laws are also big fancy cheese folk too.

Today I learned that Stilton is acceptable to eat during pregnancy (per NHS). I always thought any blue-veiny cheese (like Bleu) were a big no-no. But apparently Stilton isn't on the list. Hooray!

Just thought I'd throw that out there for any other cheese-o-philes.

It's my understanding that you can eat any kind of cheese, as long as it's pasteurized. I still eat blue cheese and gorgonzola. Most cheese that you can buy in a grocery store is pasteurized. I'm pretty sure that unpasteurized dairy products cannot be sold across state lines, so it's cheese that's locally made that you need to be careful of.