Pregnancy

From prescriptions to pilates: What’s safe during pregnancy?

By Alyson McNutt English

If you asked my husband, he would probably recommend that all pregnant women be (carefully) given pre-natal suits of breathable but shock-padded foam that sets off an alarm whenever she even begins to contemplate lifting something heavier than ten pounds. The truth is, however, that no woman can (or wants to) completely cease her day-to-day activities when she becomes pregnant. While its important to talk to your doctor about any questions, here are some general answers to common concerns that pregnant women encounter on the way to the big delivery.

Health and Beauty

Is it safe to color my hair while I’m pregnant?

This is a really common questions among pregnant women. There is a lot of debate on this issue, but the most recent studies show that it is nothing to worry about. Many doctors and midwives recommend waiting until after the first trimester, however.

Can I use a hot tub while I’m pregnant?

No. A recent study found that women who used hot tubs or Jacuzzis in early pregnancy were twice as likely to have a miscarriage as women who did not. Studies have also shown an increase in neural tube defects. Expectant mothers should not let their body temperature rise above 102.2 degrees for more than 10 minutes. This can interfere with a baby's cell division and cause brain damage or other birth defects. They should also avoid aerobic exercise in hot weather or overheated swimming pools.

Can I go to the spa while I’m pregnant?

Depends. Many spas have pregnancy massage services that can be great for an expecting mom’s sore muscles and aching back. There are even specially designed massage tables for women who are expecting. It is also fine to get manicures, pedicures and facials – just let your technician know you are pregnant, because your skin may be more sensitive than usual during gestation.

Avoid any type of wrap or sauna, however, while at the spa. Any type of body wrap that heats your body up and includes covering your stomach probably isn’t safe during pregnancy. A body wrap may also result in dehydration, which can increase your risk of preterm labor. And as with hot tubs, overheating from a body wrap or a sauna can cause any number of pregnancy complications or even miscarriage.

Can I exercise while I’m pregnant?

Exercise is great for pregnant women as long as it is approved by their doctor. What and how much you do when you exercise is really an individual issue that can depend on your pre-pregnancy exercise regiment, but staying (or getting) in shape while pregnant is always a good decision when done under a doctor’s supervision. Even women who were sedentary before they became pregnant can find lots to safely do. Talk to your doctor and develop a plan that works for you.

Some exercises, like yoga and Pilates, can be both very stressful on the body and very relaxing. Especially later in pregnancy, avoiding undue stress on the abdominal muscles is important, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up these helpful exercises. Modifications to adjust for your state of pregnancy are possible – working with a certified instructor and double-checking with your doctor is a good course of action.

In the medicine cabinet

Medicines are something that it is always wise to contact your doctor about if you are the least bit unsure about whether or not something is safe. On my first visit to my obstetrician when I was pregnant with my daughter last year, I received a list of over-the-counter medications that are considered safe to use during pregnancy. Ask your doctor if their office has a similar list.

If you have a question about a medication but your doctor is unavailable, try calling your pharmacist. I didn’t find my wonderful family pharmacist, Angie, until after I had delivered my daughter, but when I was breastfeeding, she was an indispensable wealth of knowledge and always had time to talk to me. Find a pharmacist you trust, because when you’re pregnant (and breastfeeding) you will want to have someone who doesn’t make you feel like you’re being rushed in and out and who you know is willing to listen to all your questions, even when you ask her to check one more time just to make sure that what’s clinking around in that little plastic container is safe for you and your baby.

What painkillers can I take while I’m pregnant?

The short answer is easy: acetaminophen, which comes in brand names like Tylenol. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are notrecommended during pregnancy – they’ve been shown to raise the risk of certain types of birth defects, particularly when taken in the first trimester. Some common NSAIDs:

• Aleve® (naproxen)
• Advil® (ibuprofen)
• Vioxx® (rofecoxib)
• Celebrex® (celecoxib)
• Cataflam® or Arthrotec® (diclofenac)
• Aspirin (multiple manufacterers)
• Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, Motrin IB®)
• Naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®)
• Nabumetone (Relafen®)

For women who have pregnancy-induced migraines or other problems that require more potent painkillers for normal functioning, talk to your doctor.

How can I treat my allergies while I’m pregnant?

Most doctors rely on Chlorpheniramine, which is found in Chlor-Trimeton allergy tablets. Also considered safe are Benylin Expectorant and Vicks Cough Syrup; most cough drops; and Vicks VapoRub. Sudafed is generally accepted as a safe remedy for stuffy noses, as well.

What if I get sick?

When you’re pregnant and you get sick, it is usually perfectly acceptable to see your obstetrician about the illness, be it strep throat, a sinus infection, or a yeast overgrowth. Your OB will be able to treat you with medications that are safe to take while pregnant.

If you aren’t able to see your obstetrician, make sure you tell the doctor you’re pregnant if it isn’t completely obvious. (And sometimes, even if it is – I know one woman who was 8 months pregnant and went to the doctor to get treated for an illness. The physician was so harried, he didn’t even notice her bulging belly! She had to point it out and make sure the medicines were safe for her and the baby.) And once again, a good pharmacists is another line of defense against potentially harmful medications.

Above all, do go to the doctor when you’re unwell, even if you are concerned about antibiotics. Your baby will be better off for it.

Food and drink

One of the best things for many women about being pregnant is indulging their cravings. But there are some cravings that cannot be enjoyed while pregnant. Here is a short list:

• Sushi and oysters. Uncooked seafood can carry hepatitis A or parasites like tapeworm Hot dogs, deli and lunch meats. Deli meats can carry listeria, which can cause miscarriage, premature delivery or stillbirth
• Brie and other unpasteurized soft cheeses. These also carry the risk of listeriosis
• Large fish like shark, shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. These can contain levels of mercury high enough to harm an unborn child, but pregnant woman can safely eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish lower in mercury such as crawfish, shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon and catfish
• Raw sprouts. Raw vegetable sprouts can carry Salmonella and E. coli
• Raw or undercooked meat, poultry or eggs. These can carry many food-borne illnesses, including listeriosis, E. coli and Campylobacter infections, salmonellosis and toxoplasmosis.