Is (blank) ok while pregnant??

TrulyBlessed22

Based on some post I know that several Ladies have already had their 1st Dr. Appt and thought it would be nice if you could share the answers to some of the questions you asked (provided you're comfortable doing so). I'm not a FTM but I know I've already started my list for my 1st visit because I've forgotten some things and also have new concerns etc.

Every Dr is different and therefore may answer some things differently so let's try to keep it somewhat generic, meaning nothing about your specific health regarding conditions, meds, age etc as I believe those are better left as one-on-one questions for your Dr since they know your history etc.  

For example, I can't recall where but I know I saw one in another post where the person asked their Dr. if its ok to use the seat warmer in their car and if you can take baths. That's kind of what I'm thinking of in terms of genetic type questions.  We all have them and they may seem silly to some but to others not so much so let's see what we can all learn from each other...especially since some of us won't have our first visit for a while.

NordyMN89

I like this idea! Especially as a first timer

I was the one who asked about the seat warmer - yes, it is fine to use.
I also asked about foods I could no longer eat - she actually told me that sushi is fine, and pretty much anything in moderation is fine. She did caution me against deli meat though, too much sodium.
I asked about some twinges of pain I was having - she said it's normal, but if it gets really bad, or lasts for a long time to call the on call doctor.

ficbot

My doctor specifically said that coffee was fine---don't have the grande jumbo size, but one regular coffee a day is fine.

What about hair colour? I buy the drugstore kind. Can I still?

kristah2

ficbot said:

My doctor specifically said that coffee was fine---don't have the grande jumbo size, but one regular coffee a day is fine.

What about hair colour? I buy the drugstore kind. Can I still?

I know getting your hair done in a salon is fine because I asked about that! She just suggested to make sure it was well vented to avoid smells. 

LadyPaige

I'm glad to see someone asked about the seat warmers! I haven't used mine since I found out I'm pregnant, but I miss it! 

TrulyBlessed22

@ficbot I stopped getting my hair dyed after our wedding over 4 years ago so I've never asked my OB about it BUT I can tell you that my salon will not dye your hair if they know you are pregnant up until a certain point.  I'm sorry that I don't know the weeks associated with it as I overheard them saying this to the person in the chair next to me a while back and didn't catch the weeks.  Again, please note that didn't come from my Dr. but thought it worth mentioning.    

ShallowSeas

@ficbot this is what I found on TB...

Myth 10: They'll know you're not a natural blonde!

False! Being pregnant does not have to compromise your appearance (at least not above the belly), but you do need to be smart. Dr. Fischbein says that while there is a theoretical risk associated with coloring your hair (chemicals being absorbed through the scalp), studies have not shown anything conclusive. He recommends avoiding dye for at least the first trimester, when the baby's organs are forming. Relieve worries by opting for a natural vegetable dye over a semipermanent or permanent product, but Dr. Minkin still suggests checking them out with your doctor during the first trimester. Eggplant, anyone?

KilgraveMadeMeDoIt

I think it's important to remember that a lot of 'recommendations' surrounding what to do/no do in pregnancy are actually based on very little or very poor quality evidence or have to do with extremely tiny changes in absolute risk (eg. something going from 1 per million to 1.5 per million if you do X represents a 50% increased relative risk, but an infinitessimal increase in actual risk such that most women probably wouldn't make a significant lifestyle change to avoid it) so it is important to take them in context.

It is also very important to remember that there is a lot of bad information out there that is either outdated, based on nothing but urban legends, or just straight up wrong and even doctors aren't immune to having bad information. 

sweetlyuntied

KilgraveMadeMeDoIt said:

I think it's important to remember that a lot of 'recommendations' surrounding what to do/no do in pregnancy are actually based on very little or very poor quality evidence or have to do with extremely tiny changes in absolute risk (eg. something going from 1 per million to 1.5 per million if you do X represents a 50% increased relative risk, but an infinitessimal increase in actual risk such that most women probably wouldn't make a significant lifestyle change to avoid it) so it is important to take them in context.

It is also very important to remember that there is a lot of bad information out there that is either outdated, based on nothing but urban legends, or just straight up wrong and even doctors aren't immune to having bad information. 

Yes. I highly recommend "Expecting Better" by Emily Oster.

whaat

@sweetlyuntied I'm reading it now! Very good and a quick read. I recommend it to everyone. 

TrulyBlessed22

Will have to pick that up.  Thanks for the recommendation @sweetlyuntied

kns1988

I was going to read Emily Oster's book until I saw that she thinks it's fine to drink while pregnant. Why take the risk and why go against the recommendation of the experts? 

whaat

kns1988 said:

I was going to read Emily Oster's book until I saw that she thinks it's fine to drink while pregnant. Why take the risk and why go against the recommendation of the experts? 

She specifically does not give reccomendations. She presents study results and lets the reader make their own conclusions. Unlike other pregnancy advice authors, she trusts people to make the right decision. For some, that may be to have a glass of wine, for others, that means abstaining.

Texafornian

kristah2 said:

ficbot said:

My doctor specifically said that coffee was fine---don't have the grande jumbo size, but one regular coffee a day is fine.

What about hair colour? I buy the drugstore kind. Can I still?

I know getting your hair done in a salon is fine because I asked about that! She just suggested to make sure it was well vented to avoid smells. 

^^This.  I know my last time the main concerns were: make sure you're not inhaling fumes (same goes for nail salons) and it's not the best thing to let dye sit on your scalp (highlight are just fine etc)

Texafornian

TrulyBlessed22 said:

@ficbot I stopped getting my hair dyed after our wedding over 4 years ago so I've never asked my OB about it BUT I can tell you that my salon will not dye your hair if they know you are pregnant up until a certain point.  I'm sorry that I don't know the weeks associated with it as I overheard them saying this to the person in the chair next to me a while back and didn't catch the weeks.  Again, please note that didn't come from my Dr. but thought it worth mentioning.    

I kind of stayed away from dye for the first tri...after that, just use common sense. I know massage can be iffy in the first trimester as well. They wouldn't give me a preg massage until 3 months in...

CCrane22

I just ate a lunch meat sandwich...I had made it and was about to take a bite and then remembered I shouldn't eat it. I was on the verge of being really nauseous and knew I needed to eat something...so I ate it anyway. I'll take it as my 'farewell' to deli meat. 

comealongponds

CCrane22 said:

I just ate a lunch meat sandwich...I had made it and was about to take a bite and then remembered I shouldn't eat it. I was on the verge of being really nauseous and knew I needed to eat something...so I ate it anyway. I'll take it as my 'farewell' to deli meat. 

DH brought me home a deli meatsandwich the other day...I was starving so I ate it anyways too...last one for nine months

kns1988

I've been craving hot dogs, and I had one today at a parade. 

TheBorg7of9

I eat deli meat, seafood and hot dogs. I also drink tea and diet coke. 
I don't go in hot tubs. And I don't drink alcohol. 

DCmama4248

Emily Oster's book, Expecting Better, is amazing. She doesn't say it's okay to drink. She says that the studies on drinking and pregnancy are really bad and their conclusions are way over blown. Basically, she relaxes you about a lot of things for which there is just no science to support recommendations given to women. She very much shows that 2+ drinks/day is bad! She just says that we don't have any good studies saying 1 drink harms baby. That made me feel less nervous about having had a glass of wine the night before I got my BFP. So I love being 'calmed down.' I followed 0 of her 'this is okay to do!" recs during my first pregnancy, and yet I still loved the book as it made me realize, e.g., I wouldn't be 'killing my baby' if I accidentally slipped up and ate deli meat or something . But she does say to be sure to order medium well steaks!! Basically, there is just so so much we are not supposed to do that I needed a guide in my mind to tell me "what are the big deal items, and what are not?"

kimberdubs

As far as the hair dye thing goes: I have not yet had my first appt, but my friend works in a salon and has been doing my hair for years. About 3 years ago, she announced she was pregnant. I asked her about this because I had heard it was unsafe but her doctor said that as long as she doesn't go around eating the chemicals, she would be fine. She wore gloves while applying it as they all do, but also continued dying her hair as usual too. She currently has two beautiful and healthy twin girls.

Amyboxer

Thanks for posting this because I'm getting my hair done tomorrow! 

grannysmith912

Anyone know about low dose aspirin..? I started taking it my last cycle TTC to prevent clotting (and another CP), and have read that it can help prevent preeclampsia later in pregnancy, but is it alright to keep taking it through the first trimester?

lajoliedreamer

whaat said:

kns1988 said:

I was going to read Emily Oster's book until I saw that she thinks it's fine to drink while pregnant. Why take the risk and why go against the recommendation of the experts? 

She specifically does not give reccomendations. She presents study results and lets the reader make their own conclusions. Unlike other pregnancy advice authors, she trusts people to make the right decision. For some, that may be to have a glass of wine, for others, that means abstaining.

What I loved about her book was that she presented the data, told you what decision she made, a friend or two made, and constantly encourages you to take the data and make the decision you find best for your situation. She personally drank minimally while pregnant, but makes a point to say that a friend looked at the same data and chose not to. 

zrain

grannysmith912 said:

Anyone know about low dose aspirin..? I started taking it my last cycle TTC to prevent clotting (and another CP), and have read that it can help prevent preeclampsia later in pregnancy, but is it alright to keep taking it through the first trimester?

Any medication (or herbs) should be discussed with your OB or midwife. Some women do take aspirin in pregnancy, but it's usually prescribed by a doctor for a specific reason. Ask your OB and let us know what you find out!

zrain

I'm going to a fancy pop-up fixed menu dinner tomorrow night and I'm not sure if I should eat everything. My midwife already told me that rare steak from a reputable place is fine, but should I stay away from raw egg yolks? I suppose I can ask if they're pasteurized (they probably aren't). Are egg yolks a definite no-no or is there wiggle room like with steak, deli meat, and sushi?

shamrocandroll

Vibrating massage chairs?  I see mixed reports online.  Mainly because the vibration can hit pressure points in your back that can lead to issues.  This is on my list of questions to ask at my first appointment next week...

grannysmith912

@zrain Thanks! I was asking here mostly because I don't get to see my OB for another couple weeks, but I'll let y'all know what she says when I do.

zrain

@grannysmith912 Is there any way you could call and ask her nurse, or maybe ask your regular doctor in the mean time? The wait for the first appointment is so frustrating

Shawnee11507

zrain said:

I'm going to a fancy pop-up fixed menu dinner tomorrow night and I'm not sure if I should eat everything. My midwife already told me that rare steak from a reputable place is fine, but should I stay away from raw egg yolks? I suppose I can ask if they're pasteurized (they probably aren't). Are egg yolks a definite no-no or is there wiggle room like with steak, deli meat, and sushi?

I wouldn't eat raw egg yolks. I'm pretty sure I read it was a no-no this week. I also read that semi-permanent dye is fine during 1st Tri, but avoid permanent until after first Tri.

rspalding001

@grannysmith912 I have discussed low dose aspirin (81 mgs: aka baby aspirin) with my OB. In her opinion its totally safe, in fact in my case she asked me to start taking it along with progesterone as something that "can't hurt and might help" prevent a miscarriage. I have had prior losses. She also said it was something she was going to take during her next pregnancy because she had placenta calcification issues with her first and heard it could also help that particular issue. As prior posters said its best to hear it from your own OB, but that is what mine told me. I however do not have clotting issues so maybe my facts and circumstances are different.

kns1988

I have a new one from my OB appointment today: Monistat is okay during pregnancy. I wish I didn't have a reason to know that. 

kns1988

I also got a bit of what I thought was outdated advice from the nurse. I asked if I could continue backpacking and she said I shouldn't carry more than 25 pounds. My pack can be 25-30 depending on what gear I bring and whether I take my dog (it's on the light side in the summer). I might avoid backpacking just because of pregnancy discomfort, but we'll see.

rspalding001

@kns1988 well I'm screwed then because I think my DD weighs more than that ha ha

virginiaham

zrain said:

I'm going to a fancy pop-up fixed menu dinner tomorrow night and I'm not sure if I should eat everything. My midwife already told me that rare steak from a reputable place is fine, but should I stay away from raw egg yolks? I suppose I can ask if they're pasteurized (they probably aren't). Are egg yolks a definite no-no or is there wiggle room like with steak, deli meat, and sushi?

If I were at home, using pasteurized eggs, handling the eggs myself and ensuring they were cooked safely, I would absolutely eat runny yolks.  Out at a restaurant, I would stay away from anything egg that is runny.  I think runny yolks are a definite no (much to my chagrin), unless it's a pasteurized egg.  Even then, I think it's still kinda discouraged.  Do I still eat them almost every morning?  Yes....

Jmccabe12210

My primary care Dr. who is new to me because I relocated from another state said No to everything but my last OB was pretty lax. She always said in regards to drinking "Your trimester is how many drinks you're allowed a week" So 1st trimester, 1 drink a week and so on... I'm not a big drinker but for some reason that stuck with me and I thought it was funny. 

zrain

kns1988 said:

I also got a bit of what I thought was outdated advice from the nurse. I asked if I could continue backpacking and she said I shouldn't carry more than 25 pounds. My pack can be 25-30 depending on what gear I bring and whether I take my dog (it's on the light side in the summer). I might avoid backpacking just because of pregnancy discomfort, but we'll see.

No backpacking?! That seems just plain silly. I'm hoping to get a few trips in before I get huge, but I'll base how I do it on my perceived level of effort, not a number for my backpack. That being said it'll probably be around 25 lbs or less anyway just because of being uncomfortable and tired.

Does your dog have a backpack? My dog carries all his own food and water which takes away a lot of weight for me and DH. Plus it's absolutely adorable.

mamahazey

rspalding001 said:

@grannysmith912 I have discussed low dose aspirin (81 mgs: aka baby aspirin) with my OB. In her opinion its totally safe, in fact in my case she asked me to start taking it along with progesterone as something that "can't hurt and might help" prevent a miscarriage. I have had prior losses. She also said it was something she was going to take during her next pregnancy because she had placenta calcification issues with her first and heard it could also help that particular issue. As prior posters said its best to hear it from your own OB, but that is what mine told me. I however do not have clotting issues so maybe my facts and circumstances are different.

Mine said the same thing. She put me on baby aspirin after our miscarriage and told me to continue at this point along with progesterone. 

kns1988

@zrain, I love the idea of dog packs, but my pup is getting too old and arthritic. I actually don't thinks she'll be able to come with me this summer because she maxes out at only about 4 easy miles these days. That means my pack will definitely be under 25 so I guess I'm good. The nurse said to be really careful not to get dehydrated though (which I'd be careful about anyways).

I hope you get some trips in!

zrain

@kns1988 Aww sweet old doggy. Yeah, hydration is going to be extra important! I probably won't be able to do any long or strenuous trips because my heart rate gets out of control when I'm pregnant and off my beta blocker but I hope to find a few trips that work. I hope you get some good ones in too! We'll have to share pictures when the time comes

whaat

I think it's actually quite rare to find unpasteurized eggs in restaurants, unless this is a farm to table, fresh eggs from the backyard kind of place. @zrain