Is it safe to eat deli meat? Can I get a pedicure? What if I want to color my hair? Will I hurt my baby if take a hot bath, keep up with my normal fitness routine, eat sushi or fly on an airplane? The list of worries expectant moms feel is about as long as the nine months we anxiously await our child’s arrival, but is the basis of each concern fact or fiction?
It is not safe to exercise when pregnant. FICTION. In reality, the opposite is true. While now would not be the time to suddenly decide to become a marathon runner with a rigorous fitness regimen, a moderate amount of exercise can be beneficial. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “In the absence of either medical or obstetric complications, 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise a day on most, if not all, days of the week is recommended for pregnant women.” Women are encouraged to refrain from exercise activities that require a great deal of balance, involve the potential for physical contact or that pose a significant risk of falling. What a perfect opportunity to take a stroll through one of the amazing parks in the Kansas City area!
It is not safe to take a hot bath when pregnant. FACT. While baths are fine and a perfect way to relax those sore muscles after a long day, the water temperature should not be above 100 degrees. If it’s too hot for your foot, it is probably too hot. Still need to relax? Consider a prenatal massage if you are out of the first trimester. Better yet, check out a local prenatal yoga class and make some friends in the process. There are several options through www.DarlingYoga.com, for example.
It is not safe to color your hair. FICTION, but proceed with caution. According to ACOG, it is probably safe to dye your hair in pregnancy, but waiting until you are out of the first trimester is advised. The concern is the fumes that you would be breathing in during the process of coloring your hair. If you choose to color, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and that you rinse your scalp very thoroughly after the application.
It is not safe to fly. FICTION. Most commercial airline companies will allow women to fly up until 36 weeks. ACOG again states that assuming a woman does not have medical or obstetrical complications, she can travel as any other person might. There are precautions you can take to make the flight safer and more comfortable, most importantly, getting up and stretching those legs periodically. If you are looking for a quick “babymoon” getaway but still feel nervous about flying, consider staying close to home and enjoying some of the great food and sights of our city.
There are so many worries that can plague our minds during pregnancy. While some caution is necessary and appropriate, a quick consultation with your doctor may ease your fears when it comes to deciding which hot topic concerns in pregnancy you need to pay attention to in relation to your specific medical and obstetrical needs.
Rachel Boese has been through pregnancy three times and dealt with new fears each time. She and her husband Jonathan raise their three kiddos in Gardner. You can read more about their adventures at www.RachelOnRewind.com.
As always, please consult with your health care provider with any questions or concerns.