What to Avoid
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Nicotine
- Vaping
- Marijuana
- Raw and Undercooked Fish
- Raw and Undercooked Meat
- Unwashed Vegetables and Fruit
- Unpasteurized Dairy Products
- Fast Food
- Foods being recalled for possible Listeria contamination. Note: Unheated deli meats could also potentially increase the risk of Listeria, but the risk is uncertain.
- Hot Tubs - Avoid in first trimester
- Cat Litter - Do not change cat litter
- Soil - When gardening, wear gloves
What to Limit
- Artificial Sweeteners - Low (typical) consumption is likely safe
- Caffeine - No more than 200 milligrams a day
- A typical 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee =130 mg of caffeine
- An 8-ounce cup of tea or 12-ounce soda = 50 mg of caffeine
- Exact amounts vary based on the specific beverage or food
What is Allowed
- Fish Consumption - Two to three servings per week of fish with a high DHA (a type of omega-3 fat) and low mercury content
- Exercise - Exercise regularly; swimming allowed
- Oral Health - Continue as scheduled
- Hair Dyes - Data is limited, but presumed safe
- Insect Repellants - Including DEET
- Travel
- Wear lap and shoulder seatbelts
- Air travel is safe
- Balance risk with the benefit of the trip
- Be familiar with infection exposures and available medical care at each destination
- Sexual Intercourse - No restrictions unless there is bleeding, placenta previa after 20-week mark or ruptured membranes
- Vaccinations
- Get Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) during third trimester
- Get flu vaccine when available
- Get COVID-19 vaccine
Printable Document
Download a complete list of pregnancy dos and don'ts here.