As much as you may love snakes and rollercoasters, there are just some things that you can’t do during pregnancy for the sake of your (and baby’s) safety. Here are some key things to avoid during pregnancy:
- Changing the cat’s litter box – Cat poop can contain bacteria that can be dangerous for you and Baby, so it’s best to stay away from the litter box. If you have a cat, you should have somebody else change the litter box to be safe. If that’s not an option, wearing gloves, changing the litter box in a well-ventilated area, and not breathing in over the litter box while changing it can help to cut down on risk.
- Handling amphibians and reptiles – Amphibians and reptiles may play host to billions of salmonella bacteria, so pregnant people should avoid handling these creatures.
- Overheating – Pregnant people should take care to avoid overheating, such as remaining in excessively hot areas for long periods of time. Take care to stay cool during the summer, stay hydrated and avoid hot tubs.
- Sun tanning – Pregnant women can be more sensitive to UV radiation, and should take great care to stay shielded from the sun, and not get over-exposed. If you are out in the sun, make sure you apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, drink plenty of water, and wear a hat to avoid any risk.
- Carnival rides – Carnival rides could be dangerous when you’re pregnant, they just aren’t designed or tested for pregnant folks. Be sure to read entrance signs or check apps to see if there are pregnancy warnings. The ferris wheel and other gentle rides are safe ways to seek some thrills with Baby on board!
- Contact sports – Pregnant women should avoid playing contact sports like basketball or football, as large applications of physical force to your belly and baby are possible. You should talk to your healthcare provider about any sport that you wish to play, as opinions on the matter may differ.
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding – A high-speed tumble could result in very serious damage to your baby’s development, so it’s best to slow down while pregnant. Cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing are perfectly pregnancy-safe.
- Gymnastics – Many gymnastic events put women at risk of falling and hurting themselves, or their babies, and should be avoided during pregnancy. There is no safe alternative for flying gymnastics, but stretching and yoga are good ways to stay limber.
- Horseback riding – Riding horseback during pregnancy, at even a slow pace, isn’t recommended. Even if you’re an expert rider, you should consult your healthcare provider first.
- Scuba diving – Scuba diving can cause bubbles to form in the bloodstream when the diver surfaces from the water. Air bubbles can cut off circulation, and prove very damaging to the developing baby. Snorkeling is a great way to mermaid it up, and explore under the sea.
- Waterskiing – Waterskiing is a very risky activity for expectant women to engage in, considering the high likelihood of falling.
- Dieting for weight loss – Pregnant moms should not intentionally diet to lose weight, unless specifically instructed to by their healthcare provider. Not gaining enough weight can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or stunted development.Folks can focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods, which will benefit pregnancy and postpartum health..
- Live virus immunization – Immunizations that use live viruses should definitely be avoided, as there is a small risk that the immunization can infect your baby with the disease. Most vaccines are not live vaccines, however, and are perfectly safe (and beneficial) to get while pregnant.
- Frequent exposure to loud noises – Consistent exposure to loud noise, such as in the workplace, can damage your fetus’ hearing. You may need workplace accommodations during this phase.
- Cosmetic surgery – Needless to say (hopefully), you shouldn’t get cosmetic surgery while you are pregnant. Cosmetic surgery would put your baby at risk of both physical harm, and the potential effects from certain chemicals used during the surgery. Pregnant women should wait until after they give birth to get any cosmetic surgeries.
You should call your healthcare provider about the pregnancy safety of any activity that you are unsure about.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health by Labcorp Clinical Team
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Sources
- “Toxoplasmosis.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes, 6/03/2016. Web.
- “Salmonellosis.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes, 3/13/2015. Web.
- Julie A. Lamppa, C.N.M., R.N. “Pregnancy beauty routine: What’s safe?” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 6/03/2016. Web.
- “About Noise and Reproductive Health.” National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety NIOSH. 12/15/2023
- “Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Number 548.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1/13/2015. Web.
