Can I exercise while pregnant?
Regular exercise is recommended in a healthy pregnancy; aim for a total of 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. Walking, swimming, pregnancy yoga and pilates are good choices; don't take up intense sports you haven't done before. Avoid scuba diving and sports with a risk of falling or a blow to your bump. If you have bleeding, leaking fluid, abdominal or chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath, stop and see your doctor.
Can smoking and secondhand smoke harm my baby?
Yes. Smoking in pregnancy raises the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, low birth weight and placenta problems; secondhand smoke also affects the baby. Quitting helps at any stage of pregnancy. Ask your doctor for support to quit, and ask others not to smoke in your home or car.
Can I travel by plane?
Occasional flying isn't harmful in a healthy pregnancy, and airport security checks pose no risk. Many airlines won't let you fly after week 37 with one baby or after week 32 with twins, and may ask for a doctor's letter after week 28. On flights longer than 4 hours, to lower the risk of blood clots, drink plenty of water, get up and walk often, and wear compression stockings after checking with your doctor.
Is sex safe during pregnancy?
In a pregnancy that's going well, sex is generally safe; the baby is protected by the amniotic fluid and the wall of the womb. If you have bleeding, a low-lying placenta, a cervix that has started to open or a risk of preterm labor, or if your water has broken, your doctor may ask you to take a break. If you have pain, bleeding or regular contractions after sex, talk to your doctor.
Can I use a sauna, steam room, hot spring or hot tub?
Because a rise in body temperature can harm the baby, especially in the early months, it's best to stay away from saunas, steam rooms, hot springs and hot tubs; they also carry a risk of low blood pressure and fainting. A lukewarm shower or bath is a safe option. If you're thinking of a short visit, ask your doctor first.
Can I have dental treatment?
Yes, dental check-ups and necessary treatment can be done during pregnancy; urgent treatment shouldn't be postponed. Always tell your dentist you're pregnant; they'll choose suitable medicines and local anesthetic. Bleeding gums are common because of hormones; keep brushing twice a day even if your gums bleed. Plan the timing of longer treatments together with your dentist and doctor.
Can I swim in a pool or the sea?
Swimming in a clean, well-maintained pool or a clean sea is safe in pregnancy and good exercise; pool chlorine isn't harmful. Don't swim in water you're not sure is clean. Don't jump or dive into the water, and avoid getting cold from staying in too long or overheating in the sun.
Can I dye my hair?
Most research shows that dyeing your hair during pregnancy is safe; very little dye is absorbed through the scalp. If you prefer, you can wait until after the first 12 weeks, when the risk is even lower. Wear gloves, dye your hair in a well-ventilated room, don't leave the dye on longer than recommended and do a patch test first. Techniques that don't touch the scalp, such as highlights, reduce contact with the dye even further.
How should I wear my seat belt?
Always wear your seat belt in the car. The diagonal strap should go between your breasts, and the lap belt should go under your bump and over your hip bones, not across your bump. In the last months, move your seat back from the steering wheel. On long journeys, stop about every 2 hours and walk for a few minutes.
I have a cat. Is there a risk of toxoplasmosis?
You can keep looking after your cat. Toxoplasmosis can spread through cat feces and soil, so ideally someone else should clean the litter box; if you have to do it yourself, wear disposable gloves, clean it every day and wash your hands thoroughly. Wear gloves for gardening too, wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly and cook meat well.
Can I have an X-ray, CT scan or MRI?
Always say you're pregnant before any scan. Ultrasound and MRI don't use radiation. If an X-ray or CT scan is needed, your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks; the dose from a single X-ray, such as a chest or dental X-ray, is far below the level known to harm a baby. If you had a scan before you knew you were pregnant, don't panic; talk to your doctor.
Can I fast while pregnant?
There's no single answer that fits everyone; make the decision with your own doctor. Fasting isn't recommended if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, bleeding, a risk of preterm labor, a twin pregnancy or a baby who isn't growing well. In the early months, the risk of dehydration is higher because of nausea and vomiting. If you fast, drink plenty of water and eat small, frequent meals between iftar and suhoor; if you feel dizzy or are peeing very little, break your fast and see your doctor, and if you notice your baby moving less, go to the maternity emergency department right away.
Meyu is an information and tracking tool; it does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.