Fish and seafood

Fish and seafood are excellent low-fat sources of many nutrients and an important part of a healthy
diet. However, there is a concern about eating fish and seafood during pregnancy, since some types
may contain high levels of mercury. To be safe, choose wisely among types of fish.
Precautions
Eat no more than 12 ounces of cooked fish a week.

Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish.

Limit albacore (white) tuna (even canned) to once a week.

If you eat fish caught by family and friends from local waters, check local advisories
about the safety of fish.

Fish sticks and fast food sandwiches are commonly made from fish low in mercury.
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Alcohol
No one knows how much alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy.
The danger of alcohol use during pregnancy is that it may cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
(FAS). Babies born with FAS may:

Grow more slowly

Have learning problems

Have abnormal facial features

There is no cure for these problems caused by FAS.

Alcohol is an ingredient in many over-the-counter medications. For example, some
cough medicines are 25 percent alcohol. Ask your health care provider if you should use
such products during pregnancy. Always read the label before taking any medication.
Precautions
Because there is no known safe level of alcohol taken during pregnancy, the National
Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the March of Dimes caution pregnant
women to follow the safest course by:
Completely avoiding alcoholic beverages while pregnant.

Discuss your concerns about alcohol and pregnancy with your

healthcare provider.

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Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that affects people differently. Caffeine can cause nervousness,
irritability, anxiety, irregular heartbeats and problems sleeping. How caffeine affects
an unborn baby is still under investigation. Some scientists believe caffeine can cause
premature or smaller than normal babies or possible birth defects.
Precautions

Cut down or eliminate food and drinks that contain caffeine such as
coffee, tea, colas and other soft drinks, cocoa and chocolate.

Caffeine is an ingredient in many non-prescription medicines such as

headache, cold, allergy, and pills made to combat drowsiness.

If you have been consuming caffeine in large quantities, gradually

decrease your intake. Stopping all at once can cause severe headaches,
nausea, fatigue and other symptoms. Check with your health care
provider for more information.

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Cigarettes
Cigarette smoking may lead to serious health problems. Women who smoke during
pregnancy usually give birth to babies that weigh less than those of women who dont
smoke. Low birth weight babies are more likely to have health problems, such as:

Infections

Trouble keeping warm

Feeding problems

Breathing problems

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

New research shows that exposure to second hand smokeis also linked to SIDS and can
cause major health problems to your baby.
Precautions
Stop smoking or cut down your smoking when pregnant. There are
many community programs available to assist you. Call the American
Cancer Society for information on Smoke-Stopper Programs in your
area. Call 1-800-NOBUTTS(800-662-8887) or visit www.cancer.org.

Avoid smokers and smoking areas whenever possible.

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Food additives
Precautions
Whenever possible, try to minimize your use of:

Processed food items, such as hot dogs.

Foods containing sodium nitrate, such as cured meats like ham or

bacon. These substances may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing).

Be sure to wash fruits and vegetables and peel carrots to avoid eating pesticides used
on farms to kill insects.
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Food handling concerns
Eating raw fish, meats or poultry may increase your risk of infection or parasitic
disease. Cooking food destroys bacteria and parasites. Milk that is not pasteurized may
also cause illness.
Precautions

Avoid eating raw fish, such as sushi and ceviche, meats or eggs.

Only drink pasturized milk.

Cook your fish, meat, poultry and eggs thoroughly.

Always wash cutting boards after slicing any raw fish, meats, or
poultry.

Suggestion:
Run plastic cutting boards through the dishwasher. Microwave wooden
cutting boards for five minutes.

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Medications and herbs
Some medications and herbs may harm your baby. Before taking any medication or
medicinal herbs during your pregnancy, ask your health care provider these questions:

What is this medicine/herb?

What does it treat?

What are the side effects my baby or I may experience?

What is the smallest effective dose?

How long will I need to take this medication?

Precautions
Be cautious about using medications that contain multiple ingredients.
They are more likely to contain extra substances that may harm your
baby.

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Saunas and hot tubs
Avoid saunas and hot tubs that maintain a temperature greater than body temperature.
They can potentially cause overheating and affect the development of your baby.
Precautions

Avoid possible overheating.

Check with your health care provider for recommendations.

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Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a condition caused by a parasite found in cat feces, plant soil, and
raw or undercooked meat. The parasite can cause brain damage in a developing baby if
the mother becomes infected during pregnancy.
Precautions

Avoid contact with cat feces. Have someone else change the litter
box.

Wash dirt from fresh produce before eating.

Use gloves when you garden.

Cook all meat to at least medium, preferably well done.

A blood test is available to determine if you have been exposed to toxoplasmosis. Ask
your health care provider for more information.

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Fetal solvent syndrome risk for major birth defects
Exposure to chemicals may cause birth defects. Talk to your health care provider if you
are concerned about exposure to chemicals in your environment.

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Video Display Terminals (VDTs)
At this time, there are no solid research findings regarding the effects of computer
monitors or Video Display Terminals (VDTs) on a developing baby.
Precautions

Reduce your exposure to VDTs whenever possible.

Be sure to take frequent stretch breaks and look away from the
computer screen whenever possible.

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Other precautions and concerns
Rh Negative Mothers and Rhogam
If you (mother) are Rh negative and your babys blood is Rh positive there is an Rh
incompatibility. Because some of the babys red blood cells leak into your system, your
body will produce antibodies to fight the Rh factor as if it were a harmful substance.
These antibodies will remain in your body and may affect your next baby. If you are Rh
negative, you will be given an injection of Rhogam at about 28 weeks of pregnancy,
and within 72 hours after a birth, miscarriage, abortion or amniocentesis. The Rhogam
will prevent your body from making these harmful antibodies. If your baby is Rh
negative, you will not need Rhogam after delivery. Talk with your health care provider
for more information.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is also called Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) or toxemia. The

cause of Preeclampsia is unknown. It occurs in about 5% of pregnancies and is most

common in:

First pregnancies

Twin or other multiple pregnancies

Women with high blood pressure before 20 weeks of pregnancy

Teenage pregnancies

Women with diabetes

Women who have had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy

Symptoms of preeclampsia include a rise in blood pressure, protein in your urine and
rapid weight gain due to fluid retention. If left untreated, preeclampsia can cause
many problems that could be life threatening to you and your baby. Early preeclampsia
can be diagnosed during a routine visit with your health care provider. Call your health
care provider immediately if you experience blurred vision, headache, upper abdominal
pain, rapid weight gain or increased swelling.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy. The changes in your body during
pregnancy can cause your blood sugar (glucose) levels to be high, which can cause
problems for you and your baby. You will receive specific education on how to care for
yourself if you develop gestational diabetes. It is very important to follow the diet,
exercise and blood sugar monitoring plans given to you.
Gestational diabetes is most likely to develop if you:
Are overweight

Have a family history of diabetes

Gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more

Had a baby who died before birth

Had gestational diabetes in the past

Are of Latin, American Indian, African, Asian or Pacific Islander descent

You and your baby may have the following problems if you don't keep your blood sugar
under control:
Baby

Big baby

Premature birth

Jaundice

Low blood sugar

Stillborn (although this is rare)

Mother

High blood pressure

Bladder or kidney infection

Shortness of breath

Harder birth and longer recovery time

Increased chance of cesarean delivery

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Informational hotlines - chemical use and precautions
Many pregnant women are concerned about the possible effects of different products
on their developing baby. These may include household cleaners, insecticides, hair
dyes, permanents, finger nail polish, electrolysis, paint fumes, microwaves and tanning
beds.

Check with your health care provider for his/her recommendations before
using these products. When in doubt, be cautious and avoid the substance or item in
question during pregnancy.