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Newly Pregnant—Helpful Information for You
 Congratulations---your obstetrician will be available to answer your questions and discuss your health and pregnancy in detail during your office visits. Call the office as soon as you know you are pregnant to schedule your first appointment. Your first prenatal visit will be scheduled for when you are approximately 2-3 weeks late for your period. The following information can help get you started and answer any preliminary questions you have prior to your first obstetrical visit and serve as a reference throughout your pregnancy.
Food Safety
Mercury avoid swordfish, tile fish, mackerel and shark.
Limit total fish intake to 12 ozs per week (i.e.2 average size servings/week).
FDA information sheet on mercury »
Listeria Avoid deli meats, lox, and unpasteurized cheeses.
USDA Fact sheet on Listeria »
Artificial Sweeteners Splenda and equal are fine in moderation. Avoid saccharin (Sweet n Low).
Raw food Avoid raw meat, eggs, and fish.
Toxoplasmosis Make sure meat is cooked well; hot dogs must be completely heated through (do not change the cat litter).
Alcohol Avoid during pregnancy.
Caffeine It is safe to consume 2 caffeinated beverages per day.
Exercise: Exercise is safe in uncomplicated pregnancies. Avoid activities with a risk of falling or injury such as skiing, horseback riding, contact sports, or jet skiing. Scuba diving is not safe in pregnancy. Please discuss your exercise plans with your doctor at your first prenatal visit.
ACOG recommendations re: exercise in pregnancy »
Travel: Medically safe in an uncomplicated pregnancy up to 34 weeks. Check with your doctor prior to international travel.
ACOG recommendations re: travel in pregnancy »
Hair Coloring:
Hair Treatments and Pregnancy »
Lying on your back while pregnant It is fine for you and for your baby to sleep on your back in the first and second trimester. Once you are later in the third trimester the size and weight of the uterus may compromise the volume of blood returning to your heart by compressing the vena cava (the major blood vessel that brings blood back to your heart from the lower half of your body). If the blood return to your heart is diminished you may feel short of breath when lying flat on your back. If you feel short of breath when you lie on your back, sleep on your side.
Medications that are safe to take for common ailments:
Over the counter medications in pregnancy »
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