Pregnancy Warnings

Medicines

It is best not to take any drugs in pregnancy. The only Over the Counter medicine that is safe is Tylenol and Claritin and have this okayed with the Doctor. Do not take Ibuprofen, Aspirin, antibiotics, or any other drugs unless Okayed by your Doctor. DO not take any herbs!

Other Hazards

DO NOT SMOKE!! Enough said!!...terrible things happen when mothers to be smoke. Avoid second hand smoke too.

Avoid X-rays including dental X-rays

Do not handle cat litter. If it is unavoidable use rubber gloves and wash hands afterwards.

Use gloves if gardening to avoid contamination from the soil….Toxoplasmosis

Exercise regularly but avoid strenuous activity. You should aim to exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week or more. Simple things such as brisk walking or swimming are perfectly adequate. Always check with your doctor before beginning any kind of exercise, especially during pregnancy.

Avoid exposure to toxic substances and chemicals.

Safe Food Handling

Wash your hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling food.

Clean cutting boards and other work surfaces and utensils with soap and hot water after contact with raw meat, poultry, or fish.

Store and prepare raw meat, poultry, and fish separately from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.

Refrigerate leftovers promptly, and never eat cooked food that has been unrefrigerated for longer than two hours.

Use a thermometer to make sure that the temperature in your refrigerator remains at 40 degrees F or below and your freezer at 0 degrees F or below.  Also clean you refrigerator regularly.

Other Questions 

Is hair coloring safe?
Some doctors say that pregnant women should avoid hair dyes (or at least minimize their contact with them), especially during the first trimester. Highlighting or streaking your hair, both processes that involve less scalp contact, may be safer. Vegetable-based products, such as henna, are also considered safe. If you decide to color your hair yourself, wear plastic or latex gloves to minimize absorption of the chemicals through your skin, and don't leave the product on your scalp any longer than necessary.

Is painting safe?
It's probably safer to let someone else paint for you. All paints contain chemicals, and few have undergone safety studies focusing on exposure during pregnancy. If you do decide to help paint, be sure there is good ventilation (keep the windows open), wear gloves and protective clothing, and don't eat or drink in the room you're painting.

Are hot tubs and saunas safe?
The March of Dimes recommends that pregnant women and women attempting to conceive avoid hot tubs and saunas. A number of studies have suggested that a body temperature of 102 degrees or higher during the first four weeks after conception increases the risk of neural tube defects, problems with closure of the baby's spinal cord or skull. Besides steering clear of hot tubs and saunas, avoid exercising strenuously on hot days. And contact your health-care provider if you develop a fever over 100 degrees.