Pregnancy Information
The following guidelines are based on the best current evidence from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:
Prenatal Vitamins
Pregnant women should consume the following each day through diet or supplements:
- Folic acid 400-800 micrograms (until the end of the first trimester)
- Iron 30mg (or be screened for anemia)
- Vitamin D 600 international units
- Calcium 1,000mg
Prenatal vitamins are unlikely to be harmful. Therefore, they may be used to ensure adequate consumption of several vitamins and minerals in pregnancy. However, their necessity for all pregnant women is uncertain, especially for women with well-balanced diets.
There is no known ideal formulation for a prenatal vitamin.
Nutrition and Weight Gain
Pregnant women should be advised to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and typically should increase their caloric intake by a small amount (350-450 calories/day).
Women with higher pre-pregnancy BMIs do not need to gain the same amount of weight as women with normal or lower BMIs.
Alcohol
Although current data suggest that consumption of small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy (less than seven to nine drinks/week) does not appear to be harmful to the fetus, the exact threshold between safe and unsafe, if it exists, is unknown. Therefore, alcohol should be avoided in pregnancy.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners can be used in pregnancy.
Data regarding saccharin are conflicting. Low (typical) consumption is likely safe.
Caffeine
Low-to-moderate caffeine intake in pregnancy does not appear to be associated with any adverse outcomes,
Pregnant women may have caffeine but should probably limit it to less than 300mg/day (a typical 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has approximately 130mg of caffeine. An 8-ounce cup of tea or 12-ounce soda has approximately 50mg of caffeine), but exact amounts vary based on the specific beverage or food.
Fish Consumption
Pregnant women should try to consume two to three servings per week of fish with a high DHA and low mercury content.
For women who do not achieve this, it is unknown whether DHA and n-3 PUFA supplementation are beneficial, but they are unlikely to be harmful.
Raw and Undercooked Fish
In line with current recommendations, pregnant women should generally avoid undercooked fish. However, sushi that is prepared in a clean and reputable establishment is unlikely to pose a risk to the pregnancy.
Other Foods to Avoid
- Pregnant women should avoid raw and undercooked meat.
- Pregnant women should wash vegetables and fruit before eating them.
- Pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
- Unheated deli meats could also potentially increase the risk of Listeria, but the risk in recent years is uncertain.
- Pregnant women should avoid foods that are being recalled for possible Listeria contamination.
Smoking, Nicotine, and Vaping
Women should not smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes during pregnancy. If they are unable to quit entirely, they should reduce it as much as possible.
Nicotine replacement (with patches or gum) is appropriate as part of a smoking cessation strategy.
Marijuana
Marijuana use is not known to be associated with any adverse outcomes in pregnancy. However, data regarding long-term neurodevelopment outcomes are lacking; therefore, marijuana use is currently not recommended in pregnancy.
Exercise and Bedrest
Pregnant women should exercise regularly.
There is no known benefit to activity restriction or bedrest for pregnant women.
Avoiding Injury
Pregnant women should wear lap and shoulder seatbelts while in a motor vehicle and should not disable their airbags.
Oral Health
Oral heath and dental procedures can continue as scheduled during pregnancy.
Hot Tubs and Swimming
Although data are limited, pregnant women should probably avoid hot tub use in the first trimester.
Swimming pool use should not be discouraged in pregnancy.
Insect Repellants
Topical insect repellants (including DEET) can be used in pregnancy and should be used in areas with high risk for insect-borne illnesses.
Hair Dyes
Although data are limited, because systemic absorption is minimal, hair dye is presumed to be safe in pregnancy.
Travel
Airline travel is safe in pregnancy.
Pregnant women should be familiar with the infection exposures and available medical care for each specific destination.
There is no exact gestational age at which women must stop travel. Each pregnant woman must balance the benefit of the trip with the potential of a complication at her destination.
Sexual Intercourse
Pregnant women without bleeding, placenta previa at greater than 20 weeks of gestation, or ruptured membranes should not have restrictions regarding sexual intercourse.
Sleeping Position
It is currently unknown whether, and at what gestational age, pregnant women should be advised to sleep on their side.
