Is it safe during pregnancy?

There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. CDC advises not drinking at all while pregnant or trying.

Approved low-calorie sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are considered safe in moderation during pregnancy.

Moderate caffeine (less than 200mg a day, about one 12oz cup of coffee) does not appear to be a major contributing factor in miscarriage or preterm birth.

Have someone else change the litter box if you can; otherwise wear gloves and wash hands afterwards, and wear gloves when gardening, to avoid toxoplasmosis.

Do not use marijuana or CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding; THC can reach your baby and affect brain development, and CBD safety is unknown.

Heat deli meats, cold cuts, and hot dogs until steaming hot before eating — they can carry listeria if eaten cold.

Energy drinks can push you over the recommended 200mg daily caffeine limit and may contain herbal stimulants — best avoided or strictly limited.

Exercise is encouraged in most pregnancies — aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. Check first if you have complications.

Air travel is generally safe until about 36 weeks in an uncomplicated pregnancy. Wear your seatbelt low and walk periodically to reduce clot risk.

The small amount of chemicals absorbed through the scalp is generally considered safe; good ventilation and not leaving dye on too long add reassurance.

Not all herbs are studied in pregnancy; keep herbal teas in moderation and check specific ingredients with your provider.

Honey is safe for pregnant women to eat. Avoiding honey applies only to infants under 12 months.

Avoid hot tubs and saunas, which can raise your core temperature; overheating in early pregnancy has been linked to birth defects.

Liver is very high in vitamin A (retinol); too much can affect your baby, so eat it only occasionally and in small amounts.

Prenatal massage by a trained therapist is generally safe; let them know you're pregnant so they can adjust positioning.

Avoid refrigerated pâtés and meat spreads because of listeria risk. Canned or shelf-stable versions are safer.

There is no need to avoid peanuts or other allergens in pregnancy unless you are allergic; they can be part of a healthy diet.

Cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm. Avoid runny, poached, or undercooked eggs and foods made with raw egg, which can carry salmonella.

Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, bigeye tuna, or tilefish — they are highest in mercury.

Fully cooked shellfish is a good low-mercury seafood choice. Avoid raw shellfish because of bacteria and viruses.

Avoid refrigerated smoked fish unless it's cooked into a dish; shelf-stable (canned) smoked fish is fine, due to listeria risk.

Avoid soft cheeses made from unpasteurised milk (some brie, feta, blue, queso fresco); they can carry listeria. Cheeses labelled "made with pasteurized milk" are safer.

Avoid raw or undercooked fish and shellfish, including raw sushi and sashimi, because of harmful bacteria and parasites. Cooked sushi is fine.

Canned light tuna is a "best choice"; limit albacore (white) tuna to 6oz a week because of higher mercury.

Do not drink raw (unpasteurised) milk or eat products made from it — it can carry listeria, which can cause miscarriage or serious illness.

E-cigarettes are not safe in pregnancy; most contain nicotine, which damages a developing baby's brain and lungs.