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Precautions During Pregnancy


Taking good care of yourself is important during pregnancy. You should avoid the following:

AVOID ALCOHOL

Even if you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, it is recommended that you stop now. Regular high amounts of alcohol have been associated with some serious problems for babies. There is no amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy proven to be safe.

AVOID SMOKING & VAPING

Whatever you take into your body, your baby also takes in. Smoke is harmful for the baby as well as for you. Smoking prevents your baby from growing properly. It affects the amount of oxygen your baby receives. Nicotine permanently damages a baby's developing brain and many other organs. Smoking also increases incidence of respiratory infections in babies and children. Many women feel nauseated when they smoke or breathe second-hand smoke during pregnancy and find that it is a good time to quit.

AVOID ILLEGAL DRUGS

All illegal drugs, including marijuana, are unsafe during pregnancy. Even small amounts of illegal drugs can cause harm or death to your baby. Let your prenatal caregiver know if you are struggling with any of these habits. There are tools available that may make it easier to stop.

AVOID HARMFUL SUBSTANCES

Do not breathe fumes from paint, spray cans, or insecticides. Saccharin (an artificial sweetener) is discouraged, as it crosses the placenta. Limit caffeine to 100mg (one eight ounce cup of coffee) per day. Avoid raw eggs, raw fish, and un-pasteurized milk and cheeses as they may cause food infections. Don't eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish (also called white snapper) as they contain high levels of mercury. Do not eat meat until it is well done.

AVOID HARMFUL ACTIVITIES

Avoid getting overheated during your pregnancy, which can occur by using saunas or hot tubs. Light exercise, however, is safe to continue and encouraged.

Do not empty a cat litter box. Many cats carry a disease called toxoplasmosis, and exposure to their feces can cause you to contract the disease. It can be very harmful for unborn babies. Stay away from wild or pet rodents and their droppings. Some rodents might carry a harmful virus. Try not to share forks, cups, or food with young children. Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent that contains DEET, such as OFF, Cutter, Sawyer, or Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard products. These are CDC approved for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN WITH SOAP AND WATER WHEN:

  • Using the bathroom
  • Touching raw meat, raw eggs, or unwashed vegetables
  • Preparing food and eating gardening or touching dirt or soil
  • Handling pets
  • Being around people who are sick
  • Caring for and playing with children
  • Changing diapers


Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center does not provide emergency medical care. If any of the following symptoms occur, you should seek immediate care from your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room.

  • Bleeding from the vagina
  • Sudden gush or leaking of fluid from the vagina
  • Sudden weight gain with puffiness in hands and face
  • Severe and constant headaches with dizziness, blurred
  • Vision or spots before the eyes
  • Pain in your abdomen or severe cramping
  • Severe nausea or vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
  • Burning or pain when urinating
  • Fever of 100.4 or higher
  • No fetal movement for more than one day (after you begin to feel the baby move)
  • Feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
  • Signs of labor
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