celebrate
is it
safe?
The real deal on what’s off-limits during pregnancy and what’s no biggie.
yes high heels
nail polish
sexual (ahem) lubricant
caffeine
Sure, wear pumps, but avoid them in the third trimester, when you’re most likely to fall.
Water- and oil-based lubricants are safe, but you might be sensitive to a warming lube.
sunscreen
It’s important to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Use a physical or mineral block, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
deli meat
Lunch or deli meat could potentially carry listeria, a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious illness that can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery or stillbirth. Sorry, but it’s not worth the risk. Instead, stick to grilled chicken or tuna if you’re dying for a sandwich.
no 42
sometimes
thebump.com
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Choose polish that’s 3-free (doesn’t contain DBP, toluene or formaldehyde). Make sure the salon is well ventilated. OBs say caffeine is okay in moderation. Cut back to less than 200 milligrams (one 12-ounce cup of coffee) a day.
highlights
Because the dye doesn’t contact the scalp and is covered in foil, it’s not considered risky.
sushi
Skip all raw and seared fish, since they contain parasites and bacteria or both that can make you sick. Instead, order cooked items, such as edamame, miso soup, shrimp shu mai, chicken teriyaki, and veggie or shrimp tempura. Cooked rolls, like a California roll, are A-OK too.
artificial sweetener This depends. You can safely use Equal or Nutrasweet (aspartame), Sunett (acesulfame-K), Splenda (sucralose) and Stevia, as long as you’re not overconsuming them. But stay away from Sweet’N Low (saccharin). It crosses the placenta, and doctors don’t know how exactly that may affect a fetus.
soft cheese
Heard you can’t chow down on your fave Brie or feta? Not necessarily. Only unpasteurized cheese is a no-no. If it has a “pasteurized” label, it’s totally fine to indulge.
exercise
Staying active is good for you and for baby, but listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, or you get nauseated or lightheaded, slowly stop and relax. Steer clear of high-impact aerobics and lying on your back.
Get all the safety answers at TheBump.com/isitsafe
3/21/14 8:11 AM