10 Things I Didn't Know You Shouldn't Do During Pregnancy... Until I Was Pregnant

(In no particular order)

Don't:

1. Tan.

Some studies link UV rays to folic acid deficiency. (Folic acid prevents neural tube defects) Also, your skin during pregnancy is much more sensitive and produces more oils, making it easier for your skin to burn, get hives, heat rash, or chloasma.

2. Eat seafood more than twice a week.

Almost every kind of fish and shellfish contains trace amounts of methylmercury and it is only advised to eat the "ok'd" list twice a week or less. Larger predator fish should be avoided altogether because the amount of methylmercury is much higher. Complete list and more in-depth information.

3. Take Ibuprofen on a regular basis.

It is ok to take once in a while, but not all the time. Ibuprofen is a Category C medication which is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. After 32 weeks it is strongly advised not to take Ibuprofen because it is chemically related to the drug indomethicin which has been associated with heart problems in babies.

4. Eat deli meat, including hot dogs, or smoked seafood.

You have to microwave it until steaming. This is because of the evil listeria bacteria that can harm both you and your baby (and even cause miscarriage!)

5. Have caffeine
(especially the first trimester as it has been linked to miscarriage). Doctors say that in moderation it is OK (less than 300 mg), but better to be safe than sorry. Too much caffeine has been shown to give your baby heart problems. Some studies have even linked it to miscarriage in the first trimester.

6.Change the kitty litter.
You most certainly don't have to get rid of your cat, but have someone else change the litter box for you during your pregnancy. This is because a parasite that causes the disease toxoplasmosis is found in infected cat's feces. Cats get the parasite from eating infected animals such as birds, so if your cats are strictly indoors you should be fine. However it is always better to be safe than sorry. Even if the pregnant woman shows no symptoms, it can still affect the unborn baby. This could result in miscarriage, early delivery, poor growth or stillbirth. A child born with this parasite may get eye problems, convulsions or mental disabilities.

7. Garden without garden gloves or eat unwashed vegetables/fruits.
Animals like to fertilize gardens with their poo. Toxoplasmosis is the culprit here just like in the kitty litter, so be careful!

8. Eat unpasteurized cheeses
(feta, Camembert, Brie, and blue-veined varieties)
or
  Drink unpasteurized milk.
These are also carriers of the evil listeria bacteria.

9. Sit in hot tubs.
Or any water over 100 degrees. This is because it raises your body temperature too high and can cause birth defects in your little baby. Pregnant women should never have body temperatures higher than 102 degrees for fear of harming the baby. Warm baths are perfectly fine for relaxing, but if you are concerned check the water with a thermometer before getting in.

10. Stress too much :)
Everyday stress is normal and your body will handle it, but try not to let it get out of hand. If you have a history of anxiety or stress-related disorders contact your doctor to be sure you get it handled. If you need to, meditate or take a nice relaxing bath when things are driving you a little insane.