Is This Affecting My Baby?

A guide to pregnancy ‘shoulds’ and ‘shouldn’ts’

The baby arrives— And the pregnancy worries are over for Tricia Singh of Jim Thorpe (photo above) with baby James and Tiffany Lopez of Catasauqua (below) with baby Reece.

Another happy outcome —Lexie Gallagher is a healthy 2-day-old. (See her and her mother below.)

Worry—it’s pregnancy’s middle name. How much caffeine is too much? Can I use cleaning products? Is it safe to exercise?

“Worrying about the health of your unborn baby is completely natural,” says obstetrician Amanda Flicker, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “You are responsible for a new life.”

If you’re unsure about how a decision will impact your baby, talk to your doctor, says Kara Coassolo, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the hospital. Meanwhile, Flicker and Coassolo ease your fears with these guidelines:

Caffeine—Although no studies show clearly that caffeine causes miscarriage or preterm labor, it’s probably wise to limit yourself to one or two coffees a day.

Artificial sweeteners— Aspartame (Equal or NutraSweet) and sucralose (Splenda) are safe in moderation. If in doubt, stick to old-fashioned sugar.

Fish—One to two servings weekly provide healthy omega-3 acids for you and your baby, but avoid fish containing high levels of mercury (shark, swordfish, mackerel, tilefish, some types of tuna). It can harm the baby’s developing nervous system. Also avoid raw shellfish (oysters, clams).

Weight gain—If you’re average-weight, expect to gain 25- 35 pounds by the end of your pregnancy. Avoid gaining more by consuming a healthy diet and exercising 30 minutes a day. Excess weight raises your risk for diabetes, pre-eclampsia and health problems in the baby.

Exercise—It’s safe as long as there is no risk for falls or injuries (avoid in-line skating, skiing or powerlifting). Try walking, running, yoga, Pilates or swimming.

Massage—Find a therapist with experience in prenatal massage who will avoid trigger points that can stimulate preterm labor.

Hair coloring—Because so little dye is apparently absorbed through the skin, hair coloring is generally considered safe for pregnant women.

Household cleaning products—They’re generally safe, but consider wearing gloves and make sure there’s good ventilation (or go natural with baking soda and vinegar).

Ultrasounds and X-rays—There’s been no demonstrated risk from ultrasounds, and you’ll probably have one or more to check the baby’s growth and development. X-ray tests also may be done during pregnancy; your doctor can determine what level of radiation is safe.

Amniocentesis—Some women choose to have this test to reveal conditions such as Down syndrome. A needle is inserted into the uterus to withdraw amniotic fluid. There is a small risk for miscarriage afterward; discuss it with your doctor or genetic counselor.

Pain medications—It’s fine to use acetaminophen (Tylenol) in standard doses. High doses can damage your liver. Avoid ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), which can decrease amniotic fluid and affect an important blood vessel in the baby’s heart.

Air travel—Flying is generally safe, but talk to your doctor and check the airline’s policy—most allow pregnant women to travel until about a month before their due date. The airport security metal detector won’t harm you or your baby. On the plane, choose an aisle seat so you can easily get up to go to the bathroom or stretch your legs.

Worrying—If you’re extremely anxious or have a specific concern about your baby’s health, talk to your doctor. Part of taking care of your baby is keeping yourself as relaxed and stress-free as possible.

Want to Know More about what to expect during pregnancy? Call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, September-October 2008

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