While google can be your friend, it can also be your worst nightmare for finding out some scary information. At my first pregnant appointment, I had a ton of questions for my OB. Below are my questions and my OB’s response:
Can I take a hot bath when pregnant?
Yes, just make sure that the water isn’t so hot that it turns your skin red.
Can I eat blue cheese dressing when pregnant?
Yes, make sure that it is pasteurized though.
Can I eat lunchmeat/Subway? Do I have to heat the lunchmeat up? What about listeria when pregnant?
Yes, you can eat Subway. No, you don’t have to heat it up. Just eat it in moderation as you do everything else. Of course there is a chance for listeria, but think back to when our moms were pregnant with us. They didn’t know half the information that we know now and we came out healthy. If you are really worried about listeria, just heat up the lunchmeat to kill any bacteria.
Can I sleep in any position I want right now?
Yes, you can sleep in any position that is comfortable. I will ask that you stop sleeping on your back at 16 weeks.
Can I exercise when pregnant?
Of course. It’s really healthy for you and the baby.
Do I need to watch my heart rate?
Just try to watch your body and see how you are feeling. Try to keep your heart rate under 140 bpm.
Can I eat chocolate when pregnant?
Yes, in moderation.
Can I have caffeine when pregnant?
If you are addicted to your morning coffee, you can have 1-2 cups per day. I wouldn’t go over 200 mg of caffeine and doing without it is even better.
Can I have artificial sweeteners when pregnant?
I would rather that you stay away from them. Instead of drinking a diet drink, have the regular one instead. Real sugar is better than an artificial sweetener.
Can I eat fish?
Yes. If you eat tuna, only have it once per week because of the mercury. Also, stay away from shark, kind mackerel, swordfish, and tilefish since those eat just about everything and tend to have the highest levels of mercury.
Can I eat sushi?
Yes, just make sure that you do not eat anything raw. Anything you eat should be cooked.
Can I avoid pregnancy stretch marks?
Not really. You can use cream to try to help prevent them and to help with any itching you may have.
Can I get massages during pregnancy?
Yes, just make sure that the masseuse is licensed in pregnancy massages and knows that you are pregnant. They are some pressure points that the masseuse will know to stay away from.
What foods should I avoid while pregnant?
Raw meat. Fish that is high in mercury. Soft cheeses. Alcohol. Unwashed Veggies. Unpasteurized milk and cheese.
Can I drink hot tea when pregnant?
Yes, just make sure that it is decaf.
*Disclaimer: Obviously I’m not a doctor and this blog post is in no way intended to be your medical advice for what you should and should not do/eat when pregnant. I’m simply sharing my experience with my own questions and my OB’s answers with you. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything, please call your doctor or nurse.
You might also want to read:
- 33 weeks pregnant: Seafood, pregnancy, and me do not mix
- 37 weeks pregnant: Reminiscing about my pregnancy
- 30 weeks pregnant: OB pregnancy appointment
- 37 weeks pregnant: Full term OB pregnancy appointment
- 37 weeks pregnant: Finally saw “The Business of Being Born”
Thanks Bill!
It's so confusing when you look online because I saw that pregnant women couldn't eat tuna, have caffeine, etc, but my doctor said that all was fine in moderation. I'm glad that it helped you guys!
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