What You Can and Can’t Do When Pregnant
When you’re pregnant you may feel like there’s a lot you can’t do. Everyone knows the basics: stay away from drugs, cigarettes and alcohol. But did you also know you should stay away from the litter box?
"There is evidence that toxoplasmosis is carried in cat feces and therefore pregnant women should not be taking care of kitty litters," says Dr. Robert Aepli, OB/GYN.
Also, pass on raw meat or fish. That means sushi. And once you’re into week 14 it’s time to skip activities like water skiing, horse back or motorcycle riding.
"That’s fine to do in the first trimester, but once the uterus becomes an abdominal organ and you start to show that’s a time when blunt injury can cause trauma to the abdomen and uterus and therefore those kinds of activities should be avoided," says Aepli.
And you may be surprised that you’ll need to skip using a hot tub or sauna to relax.
"There is definite evidence that if you increase your core temperature in the first weeks of pregnancy there is an increased incidence of birth defects," he says.
But you can hop back into the hot tub after the baby’s through its organogenisis growing phase. There are other things you may be surprised you can do through your entire pregnancy. You can fly up until your last four weeks with caution.
"Whether you’re talking a car trip or airplane you have to take more breaks. You should not be sitting for long periods of time just in a seat without getting your legs moving."
You can also keep up your beauty regimen.
"Tanning is okay during pregnant, however you may be more photosensitive pregnancy so again discretion is the rule," says Aepli.
You can also dye your hair… and even put on some high heels, though you may not want to.
"You are at risk for becoming more uncomfortable with your increased weight so certainly changing your shoe style should be in order," he says.
It’s also okay to have caffeine in moderation and to use the microwave.
Tune in next week when I cover how to keep your teeth healthy while pregnant,
