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1. Hot tubs and saunas: Pregnant women should avoid hot tubs, saunas, and very hot tub baths. The water temperature should be less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Limit your time to 10 minutes for tub baths. High temperatures can cause raise the mother’s blood pressure causing harm to the developing baby.
    

2. Dental care: It is safe and recommended for a pregnant woman to maintain good health during pregnancy. Our office can provide a dental care statement as guidance for your dentist in providing dental care during your pregnancy. When having dental x-rays, your abdomen should always be shielded.
    

3. Hair coloring and permanents: Hair treatments are acceptable during pregnancy, but they may not take as well as when non-pregnant. It is recommended that you wait until after the first 13 weeks of pregnancy before having hair treatments.
    

4. Exposures to infections: Pregnant women should avoid contact with cat litter or nesting material, urine, or droppings of rodents [household pests and pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs]. These animals can carry viruses in their urine and feces that can be very harmful to the developing baby.
    

5. Exposure to toxic substances: Toxic substances such as chemicals, cleaning solvents, lead, mercury, some insecticide, and paints [including paint fumes] can be harmful during pregnancy. A pregnant woman should avoid exposure to these substances. If you are concerned about exposure to substances in your workplace, contact your Safety Officer regarding the safety of these substances during pregnancy.
    

6. Exposure to x-rays & diagnostic tests: Always tell your medical provider that you are pregnant so that the appropriate safety precautions may be used. If you work in a field where you may be exposed to x-rays, please talk to your Employee Health or Safety Officer regarding specific precautions you should observe in your workplace. Unshielded x-ray exposure may affect your baby’s growth or cause birth defects.