Staying Safe and Healthy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings new awareness to everyday choices — what you eat, how you move, medications you take, and environmental exposures. Most daily activities remain safe during pregnancy, but some adjustments help protect both you and your baby.

If you would like to return to the Pregnancy Health guide, visit the Pregnancy Health hub.

Pregnancy Topics

Safe Exercise During a Multiples Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Safe Exercise During a Multiples Pregnancy

You have been told that you are expecting multiples and that you will need to gain more weight, eat more…
Swollen Gums During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Swollen Gums During Pregnancy

Pregnancy gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums also known as swollen gums. Swollen gums during pregnancy may be sore…
Caffeine While Pregnant
Pregnancy

Caffeine While Pregnant

How Much Caffeine Can You Have While Pregnant? Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants in America, which makes…
Is Sushi Safe for Pregnant Women?
Pregnancy

Is Sushi Safe for Pregnant Women?

Most women who are pregnant or wishing to become pregnant have heard the warnings about eating sushi. There are risks to…
Cleaning and Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Cleaning and Pregnancy

Unfortunately, ladies, most products are safe to use for cleaning during pregnancy. Yes, even bleach. So you don’t have to…
Travel During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Travel During Pregnancy

As long as there are no identified complications or concerns with your pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel during…
Pregnancy and Roller Coasters
Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Roller Coasters

Safety Concerns of Riding a Roller Coaster While Pregnant For many people, the reason to go to an amusement park…
Painting While Pregnant
Pregnancy

Painting While Pregnant

Is it Safe to Paint While Pregnant? There are basically three categories of paint which pregnant women could be exposed…
Perfume and Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Perfume and Pregnancy

  Pregnancy has given you a natural glow. Now it’s time to find a scent that will reflect the beautiful,…
Piercing and Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Piercing and Pregnancy

The following piercing and pregnancy information will help you care for the piercings you already have and can help you…
Laser Hair Removal and Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Laser Hair Removal and Pregnancy

The Safety of Hair Removal While Pregnant Laser Hair Removal Laser hair removal targets dark pigment in the hair and…
Kippered
Pregnancy

Kippered

  Is Eating Kippered Fish During Pregnancy Safe? What is kippered? It usually refers to a style of food preparation…
Deli Meat in Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Deli Meat in Pregnancy

Eating Deli Meats During Your Pregnancy: Is it Safe? Deli meats refer to cooked meats that have been sliced and…
Lifting While Pregnant
Pregnancy

Lifting While Pregnant

How Much Can You Lift While Pregnant? As your growing baby develops, your body will go through changes to make…
Laxatives During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Laxatives During Pregnancy

Constipation is a common complaint during pregnancy, which means questions about using laxatives during pregnancy are frequent, as well. If…
Parasitic Worm Infection During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Parasitic Worm Infection During Pregnancy

It is best to prevent parasitic worm infection during pregnancy – like tapeworms. There are a couple of ways to…
Effects of Exercise During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Effects of Exercise During Pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy helps to alleviate many of the common problems of pregnancy. It improves circulation, which helps prevent constipation,…
Exercise Warning Signs During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Exercise Warning Signs During Pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy is considered a basic building block of health. More than likely your health care provider will have…
Pesticides and Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Pesticides and Pregnancy

Using bug spray during pregnancy is risky. Pesticides and insecticides contain chemicals that are used to attack the nervous system of…
Saunas During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Saunas During Pregnancy

For many pregnant women, sitting in a sauna sounds like a great way to ease muscle aches related to pregnancy.…
Pregnancy and Tanning
Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Tanning

Pregnancy and tanning questions are sure to follow as the weather warms. As soon as summer is here, shorts, sundresses,…
CT Scan During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

CT Scan During Pregnancy

A CAT scan also known as a CT scan is a common name for the imaging procedure called a computed axial…
X-Rays During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

X-Rays During Pregnancy

You may have heard getting an x-ray during pregnancy can harm your baby. This can be true, but in some cases…
Oral and Anal Sex During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Oral and Anal Sex During Pregnancy

Many people have questions about the safety of oral sex and anal sex during pregnancy. There are serious risks including…
Can You Drink Wine While Pregnant?
Pregnancy

Can You Drink Wine While Pregnant?

  Can Pregnant Women Drink Wine? Can you drink wine during pregnancy?  A common area of concern during pregnancy is…
Pregnancy

What's the big deal with Marijuana & Pregnancy?

In December 2017, JAMA conducted a study evidencing the rise of marijuana use among pregnant mothers in Northern California. In…
Prenatal Massage Therapy
Pregnancy

Prenatal Massage Therapy

The Benefits of Prenatal Massage Therapy Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and…
Roller Coasters While Pregnant
Pregnancy

Roller Coasters While Pregnant

Amusement parks are tons of fun, but can I go on a roller coaster during early pregnancy? Disney, Six Flags,…
Activities to Avoid During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Activities to Avoid During Pregnancy

When you discover that you are pregnant, you start asking questions if there are activities to avoid during pregnancy. Vacation,…
Hot Tubs During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Hot Tubs During Pregnancy

For many pregnant women, sitting in a hot tub during pregnancy sounds like a great way to ease muscle aches.…
Electronic Cigarettes and Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Electronic Cigarettes and Pregnancy

Are electronic cigarettes (also known as e-hookah, e-pens, vape pens, or tanks) are battery-operated cigarettes that turn chemicals, including nicotine,…
Exercise During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Exercise During Pregnancy

There are usually many questions that come to mind when planning how to exercise during pregnancy. Physical exercise is a…
TUMS During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

TUMS During Pregnancy

Heartburn is a common discomfort experienced during pregnancy. However, many women experience heartburn for the first time after getting pregnant.…
Eating Shrimp During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Eating Shrimp During Pregnancy

Every pregnant woman wants to eat well during her pregnancy, and a common question is, “What is safe to eat…
Alcohol and Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Alcohol and Pregnancy

When you consume alcohol during pregnancy, so does your baby, because alcohol passes freely through the placenta to your baby. If…
Acne During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Acne During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels can bring a variety of skin changes, which makes acne during pregnancy a common complaint.…
Pregnancy and Dental Work
Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Dental Work

Is Having Dental Work While Pregnant Safe? Pregnancy and dental work questions are common for expecting moms. Preventive dental cleanings…
Mercury Levels in Fish - Safe Fish for Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Mercury Levels in Fish - Safe Fish for Pregnancy

Despite the previous concern regarding mercury levels in fish, the FDA now recommends that women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or…
The Right Tuna for Pregnancy
Pregnancy

The Right Tuna for Pregnancy

Can Pregnant Women Eat Tuna? Whole fish contain vital nutrients including Omega-3 fatty acid (DHA and EPA), protein, vitamins, and…
Drug Relapse During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Drug Relapse During Pregnancy

A Relapse Doesn’t Mean Recovery is Impossible Studies show that using drugs, legal or illegal, during pregnancy has a direct…
Herbal Tea & Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Herbal Tea & Pregnancy

Are Herbal Teas Safe During Your Pregnancy? Many alternative medicine health care providers feel that consuming certain herbal teas during…
Herbs and Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Herbs and Pregnancy

Although medicine has replaced most natural supplements with a synthetic substitute, there are many who still look to natural herbs and…
Pica Cravings During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Pica Cravings During Pregnancy

Unusual Cravings During Pregnancy Pica is the practice of craving substances with little or no nutritional value. Most pregnancy and…
Vaccination During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Vaccination During Pregnancy

Taking Vaccinations While Pregnant Vaccinations are an important part of normal healthcare and help prevent a number of diseases, such…
Hair Treatment During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Hair Treatment During Pregnancy

Can I Dye My Hair While Pregnant? Questions related to hair treatments during pregnancy are common. Most treatments involve chemicals…
Artificial Sweeteners and Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Artificial Sweeteners and Pregnancy

There is a lot of concern about diet and nutrition during pregnancy.  One of these concerns is regarding artificial sweeteners…
Can You Get a Tattoo While Pregnant?
Pregnancy

Can You Get a Tattoo While Pregnant?

Maybe you’ve thought of remembering this special time in your life by getting a tattoo, or maybe you have concerns…
Diarrhea During Pregnancy
Pregnancy

Diarrhea During Pregnancy

Diarrhea during pregnancy is one of the unfortunate discomforts that may be experienced.  Diarrhea literally means “flowing through” and is…
Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy

Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes! As long as you’re having a normal pregnancy without complications, sex during pregnancy is safe up until your water…
Is CBD Oil Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy

Is CBD Oil Safe During Pregnancy?

CBD Oil is becoming increasingly popular for a variety issues, from pain relief, suppressing nausea, anxiety help to a restful…
Pregnancy and Ice Cream
Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Ice Cream

Is eating ice cream during pregnancy safe? YES, it can be, when eaten in moderation. So what is the best…

Physical Activity and Exercise

Exercise during pregnancy is generally encouraged for uncomplicated pregnancies.1 Certain warning signs require stopping exercise and contacting your provider.2

Benefits may include:

  • Improved circulation
  • Reduced back pain
  • Lower risk of gestational diabetes
  • Better mood stability
  • Improved sleep

Discover the benefits of exercise during pregnancy and how to get started

Review general exercise recommendations for each trimester

Substances to Avoid

Some substances increase risk during pregnancy. Avoiding harmful substances supports healthy development.

Alcohol — No safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy has been established.3
Learn why alcohol is not safe at any stage of pregnancy

Smoking & Secondhand Smoke — Smoking increases risks including preterm birth and low birth weight.4
Understand the risks of smoking and secondhand smoke during pregnancy

Marijuana & Recreational Drugs — Research suggests potential risks to fetal brain development.5
Find out what the research says about marijuana use during pregnancy

Medications During Pregnancy

Some medications are safe. Others are not. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication. Individual assessment matters.

Find out whether Tums is safe to use during pregnancy

Learn which laxatives are considered safe during pregnancy

Understand the current guidance on CBD oil use during pregnancy

Food Safety and Environmental Exposure

Pregnancy increases susceptibility to certain infections. Reducing unnecessary exposure supports peace of mind.

Learn about the listeria risk associated with deli meats during pregnancy

Find out which fish are safe to eat and which to avoid due to mercury

Understand which cleaning products are safe to use during pregnancy

Learn how to reduce pesticide exposure during pregnancy

Heat Exposure

Avoiding overheating is important during pregnancy. Elevated core temperature in early pregnancy may increase certain risks.6

Find out whether hot tubs are safe to use during pregnancy

Learn what the guidance says about sauna use during pregnancy

Travel and Physical Strain

Travel is generally safe in uncomplicated pregnancies, especially before 36 weeks.7 Moderation and medical guidance support safe activity.

Get practical travel tips and safety guidance for pregnant travelers

Understand safe lifting limits and techniques during pregnancy

Find out whether roller coasters and amusement park rides are safe during pregnancy

Sexual Activity During Pregnancy

For most uncomplicated pregnancies, sexual activity is safe.1 Certain complications may require temporary restrictions.

Learn what you need to know about sex and intimacy during pregnancy

Vaccination During Pregnancy

Vaccines such as Tdap and influenza are recommended in pregnancy to protect both parent and baby.8 Vaccination decisions should be discussed with your provider.

Find out which vaccines are recommended during pregnancy and why

Mental and Emotional Health

Safety includes emotional well-being. Stress management, sleep, and support networks all matter during pregnancy. Caring for mental health supports physical health.

Explore strategies for managing stress during pregnancy

Learn about depression during pregnancy and how to get support

When to Call Your Provider

Contact your provider if you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, sudden swelling, decreased fetal movement, or a persistent high fever. When in doubt, calling is always appropriate.

Learn about common pregnancy complications and their warning signs

A Balanced Perspective

Pregnancy does not require fear. It requires awareness. Most daily activities remain safe. Small adjustments and informed choices support a healthy environment for your baby to grow.

Return to the Pregnancy hub for more guidance