Activities to be careful about when you're pregnant

| Healthy You | Women’s Health

Pregnant woman holds a cat

Certain situations or habits can put you and your baby at risk.

Expecting a baby can make you see your world in a whole new way. You might realize you need to change some habits. Or you might become aware of risks you hadn't thought of before.

“When it’s just you, you could feel fine with things like drinking alcohol,” says Nathan Amrine, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist at PeaceHealth in Vancouver, Washington. “But during pregnancy, many parents-to-rightly be want to be extra careful to protect their little one.”

Here are a few things to watch out for when you’re pregnant:

Harmful substances

If you commonly — or even casually — use any of the following products, now you have a great reason to stop:

  • Cigarettes and other tobacco
  • Alcohol 
  • Marijuana/cannabis
  • Drugs not prescribed by a doctor

Using these can make it more likely for you to have:

  • Miscarriage
  • Bleeding
  • Premature delivery
  • Poor growth or developmental delays in your baby

It might be difficult for some people to stop using certain substances. Your doctor or care team can help you create a plan to quit that's good for you and your growing baby.

Over-heating

Getting too hot during pregnancy can affect your baby’s growth and development. It can also make you faint more easily. Depending on where you live, summer might be the most hazardous time. Read these tips on keeping cool.

In the winter, if you like using a hot tub or sauna, set the temperature below 100° F or limit your time in the spa.

Infection

Toxoplasmosis (tok-so-plaz-moe-sis) is an infection caused by a parasite found in cat poop. It’s also in garden soil and raw or undercooked meat. If you get infected while pregnant, it can cause damage to your baby’s brain. 

Follow these tips to reduce your risk:

  • Don’t handle cat poop. Have someone else clean your cat’s litter box. If you must do it, wear gloves and a mask. (Consider additional cautions for staying safe around animals.)
  • Wash all fresh produce before eating.
  • Wear gloves when you garden. And wash your hands.
  • Cook all meat thoroughly.

“These are a few of the most common activities with potentially serious risks,” says Dr. Amrine. “Being aware of these is the first step to making changes that keep you and your little one safe.”

Talk to your doctor or care team for medical advice specific to your situation.

Interactive tool: Your baby's growth Explore pregnancy resources
portrait of Nathan F. Amrine MD

Nathan F. Amrine MD

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Nathan Amrine is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Amrine earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University and a medical degree from Ross University before completing his residency at LSU Health in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Amrine is focused on providing patient-centered care. "It is important to keep the patient and their family and support persons involved during care, so everyone involved knows what is going on, why it is happening, and what to expect. I believe the patient should be fully engaged with the decision-making process so that we can achieve common care goals." Dr. Amrine chose to serve OB-GYN patients to work with families during all phases of life, from pre-pregnancy to birth, through peri- and post-menopause, including both routine health care and for specific gynecology issues that may arise later in life. Away from work, Dr. Amrine is a devoted husband, father of two and the proud owner of two golden retrievers. He is an avid golfer and sports fan, particularly enjoying college and pro football.