January 2004

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What not to worry about when you are pregnant

By Anissa Anderson Orr

Eating too much. Eating too little. Drinking several mocha Frappuccinos before realizing (gasp!) they contain caffeine. By the third month of pregnancy, I was convinced my eating habits had sentenced my baby to a lifetime dependency on Starbucks.

By the middle of the fourth month, not yet feeling any movement from what I assumed had to be a huge baby, I could think of only two options: either my baby was in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup-induced sugar coma, or I was not actually carrying a baby at all, but the remains of a grande burrito I ate back in July.

Of course, everything turned out fine. My doctor assured me my eating habits weren’t harmful, although I should cut back on the sweets. And a growing baby, not a burrito, was making my clothes fit more snugly, and in the process, short-circuiting my brain.

Like many mothers-to-be, my worry-meter starting working overtime once the words, “you’re pregnant,” came out of my doctor’s mouth. I read every book and magazine and surfed every web site to learn what I should and shouldn’t do. While much of the information was useful, some just fueled my fears.

Can I still drink coffee?

While some recent studies have shown that high caffeine usage may be related to miscarriage in early pregnancy, once a woman passes the miscarriage worry stage, she should be able to enjoy an occasional jolt of java, or soft drink or tea. Having a cup of coffee a day should be fine. If you are a five-large-Starbucks-a-day woman, you should cut back.

How about herbal teas?

Stick to the established brands in the grocery store. The type of herbal tea that worries doctors is often sold in natural health food stores as a health “cure-all.” Be suspicious of herbal teas advertised to stop all kinds of different problems such as getting rid of depression or stopping pregnancy nausea. Some of them have not have been tested as safe during pregnancy.

Is fish dangerous to eat?

“High in protein and low in fat, fish is a great part of a nutritious diet for pregnant women, but should be eaten selectively because some types are high in mercury,” said Paula Amato, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology. Pregnant women should avoid eating swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish, which can contain potentially risky levels of mercury. Mercury can be transferred to the growing fetus and cause serious health problems. An expert panel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised pregnant women to eat no more than 12 ounces of canned tuna per week. Also avoid eating any game fish without first checking its safety with your local health department.

I just spent three hours inhaling smoke (who knows what kind) at a rock concert. Will secondhand smoke hurt my baby?

Smelling someone else’s smoke from time to time at a concert or festival (even marijuana smoke) will not cause birth defects in your growing child. However, constant exposure to secondhand smoke can reduce the amount of oxygen your child gets in the womb. Few studies have been conducted on the effect of secondhand smoke on pregnant women, but some recent studies show that constant exposure to secondhand smoke may result in lower birth weight babies.

Are the fumes of cleaning products or paint harmful?

Using most household cleaning products is fine in a well-ventilated environment. The same is true for latex paints. Working in environments that use strong chemicals, like a drycleaners, is another matter. Women who work in environments with exposure to strong fumes should make other work arrangements with their employer.

I have been using acne medication to clear up my bad pregnancy skin. I hear that’s bad to do.

Yes and no. Women should definitely stay away from products that contain retinoic acid, or Retin-A. The prescription Accutane, which contains a similar retinoic acid, has been shown to cause malformations in growing infants. Accutane is a prescribed medication and contains a warning that it should not be used in pregnancy at all. Some over-the-counter skin care products also contain a form of retinoic acid, which is also sold under the name retinol. Be sure to check labels carefully. Topical products containing benzyl peroxide and acne pads containing salicylic acid have not been shown to be harmful to the fetus.

I hate milk. I’m worried that the baby is not getting enough calcium.

Don’t worry if you can’t stomach milk. There are other sources of calcium besides milk, including cheese and yogurt. Many food products, like orange juice, are now fortified with calcium. Growing babies are also effective at getting the calcium they need, no matter how much you eat. Pregnancy is a good time to start paying attention to your calcium intake, because most women don’t get enough, which can lead to problems like osteoporosis later in life.

Do I have to give up looking good to be safe during pregnancy?

Here’s the good news. Dyeing your hair is OK as is getting manicures and pedicures. A massage is also permitted during pregnancy and can help relieve stress and tension. Make sure you tell your therapist about your pregnancy before the massage. He or she has special pillows available to make your massage more comfortable. Chair massages are also a good and safe option.

Is it safe to fly while I am pregnant?

This is a matter pregnant women should definitely discuss with their doctor before traveling. In most cases it is safe for pregnant women to fly. However, if you have a history of pregnancy complications, your doctor may have some specific advice. Also pregnant women are at higher risk for developing blood clots in their legs, so moving around often during the flight is recommended. “Most airlines also restrict flying beyond 36 weeks of pregnancy,” Amato said.

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