Some precautions should be taken during pregnancy, but not everything people say out there is true! Pregnant women are sometimes forbidden from doing everything by friends and family. But can pregnant women drive? Can they dye their hair? Does nail polish harm the baby in any way? I invite you to debunk some myths about what pregnant women can and can’t do, so let’s get started!
Myths and Truths
Pregnant women are more sensitive because of their hormones, but nothing stops them from having a normal life if the pregnancy is healthy, of course. Most women tend to be more careful at the beginning of pregnancy, and of course, extra care is never a bad thing. But don’t deprive yourself of doing absolutely everything. Let’s start with a list of what pregnant women can do:
Driving – Pregnant women can drive as usual up to the 7th month of pregnancy1. Just pay attention to the seat belt. It should go across the lower part of the abdomen to avoid compressing the amniotic sac and, consequently, the baby. In case of a collision, the belt will restrain an area that poses no risk to the child. Avoid driving when you’re drowsy, but apart from that, pregnant women can travel safely.
Riding a Bike – Pregnant women can ride a bike up to the sixth month of pregnancy. Just take precautions to avoid falls and only do this exercise if you are already used to it in your daily life and if your doctor allows it.
Swimming – Water aerobics and swimming are excellent forms of exercise because they’re low-impact. However, the rule of getting your doctor’s approval still applies. Talk to your obstetrician; if you are cleared, swim as much as you like! It also helps a lot when it comes time for labor. One benefit of this exercise is strengthening the pelvic floor2.
Painting your nails – Pregnant women can definitely paint their nails! Just be cautious when removing cuticles. If you’re used to getting your nails done at a nail salon, it’s better to bring your own set of nail clippers, sticks, and pushers. This precaution is important so you can be sure that no one else has used your tools and to avoid contact with poorly sterilized equipment.
Taking medication – Pregnant women can take medication. Provided that it is prescribed by a doctor. The gynecologist knows what is safest for your condition, including appropriate antibiotic use.
Taking a bath in the bathtub – Pregnant women can indeed take baths in the bathtub. But this is only recommended for women who do not have problems with high or low blood pressure. For other pregnant women, the temperature of the bathwater should not exceed 38 degrees Celsius (about 100°F), because hot water can lower a pregnant woman’s blood pressure. Also, avoid closing off the room completely. Keeping a window open or the door slightly ajar prevents ventilation from becoming limited.
Lymphatic drainage – This is a delicate issue. Some doctors discourage the practice, but because it is essential for reducing swelling, you should get your doctor’s approval. Usually, clinics have procedures for pregnant women that are not as aggressive3. The risk here is vascular injury, so it should only be done by a physical therapist.
Pap smear – Pregnant women can have a Pap smear, as long as the sample is collected by a gynecologist.
Sea bathing – Yes, pregnant women can go swimming in the sea. It’s only advised to avoid strong waves hitting the abdomen directly because of their force. The ideal is to swim in calm waters that come up at most to your thighs (femur area).
Flying – There’s no problem with flying before the 7th month, as long as the woman doesn’t have high blood pressure and has her doctor’s authorization. You should avoid flying at the end of pregnancy because of the aircraft pressurization. At 8 months, a medical certificate is required, and in the 9th month only travel by car or bus is allowed.
Eating chili and spices – Yes, as long as it doesn’t cause discomfort like gas or heartburn. At the beginning of pregnancy it’s recommended to avoid using cinnamon, as theoretically it could cause uterine contractions.
Sexual intercourse – Women with perfect health during pregnancy are indeed allowed to have sex. However, if there’s discomfort, it’s recommended to use a water-based lubricant.
What Pregnant Women Are Advised to Avoid
So what do doctors advise pregnant women not to do, or to do only in moderation? Below is a short list of procedures banned by gynecologists.
Not Recommended During Pregnancy
Smoking and other addictions – Pregnant women should quit smoking as soon as they find out they’re pregnant. In fact, any kind of addiction, such as alcohol or drugs, should be stopped during this stage of a woman’s life. Smoking poses risks to the pregnancy and to the mother’s life at childbirth. It can result in a low birth weight baby and neurological deficiencies, because reduced oxygenation affects the placenta, causing harm.
Contact with cat feces – If you have a pet cat, you don’t need to get rid of it. But you should be extremely careful with the feces. Women who have had toxoplasmosis testing and are not immune (IgM negative) should not clean the cat’s litter box. Ask someone else to do this task. Contact with cat feces brings serious risk of toxoplasmosis, which can cause malformation in the baby.
Hair dye – Some women want to keep coloring their hair during pregnancy, but doctors advise against it. The chemicals used are strong and can absorb into the scalp. The ideal is to get your doctor’s permission and use formulas without ammonia, and even then, avoid touching the roots.
Motorcycle riding – The risk of falling is very high in these cases. No matter how far along you are, using this type of vehicle is discouraged. Pregnant women should also be cautious when using public transportation. Be very careful, as a sudden stop could cause you to hit your belly, potentially causing placental abruption or premature labor.
Laser hair removal – Swap laser hair removal for waxing or shaving. Hair removal can be done, but laser hair removal is not approved by professionals because it’s unclear whether it could pose risks to the baby.
Seafood – Seafood should be avoided as much as possible because of the risk of triggering allergies or food poisoning. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats and fish as well, due to the risk of bacteria and salmonella. Food poisoning during pregnancy is dangerous, so avoid these foods.
Some things should be avoided, such as wearing high heels late in pregnancy, because of the risk of lordosis, as well as lifting heavy weights. Of course, everything should be done in moderation. Whatever your question, talk to your gynecologist. He or she will certainly answer them confidently and safely.
Also check out: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag?
