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Keeping Your Baby Safe
 As a pregnant woman, there are certain foods that may affect the safety of your baby. Here is a list of foods you need to avoid or limit the intake of. Please use the links to learn more about each.
Soft or unpasteurized cheeses may contain harmful bacteria called Listeria. If you get sick from Listeria, the baby you're carrying could get sick or die. During pregnancy, eat hard and pasteurized cheeses to protect your unborn baby. To learn more, visit this CDC web page.
High levels of mercury in fish and shellfish may harm an unborn baby or affect a young child's developing nervous system. While fish and shellfish are an essential part of a healthy diet and provide important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and protein to babies, fish that have high amounts of mercury should be avoided during pregnancy. These include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and albacore tuna. To learn more, visit this FDA web page.
Over the Counter Medications:
Although generally it is best not to take any medications during pregnancy, there is no evidence that the following medications are harmful, and they may be used sparingly. Please follow dosage instructions on the label and call your midwife if symptoms persist or you have any questions. You can also refer to the "Common complaints" page for other remedies.
| Headaches/Colds |
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) |
| Allergies/Nasal congestion |
Saline nose spray, Benadryl, Sudafed, Actifed |
| Sore throat/Cough |
Plain Robitussin, Cepacol spray, lozenges |
| Heartburn |
Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, Rolaids, Pepcid, Tagamet |
| Constipation |
stool softeners such as Metamucil, Fiber-Con, Citracal, Colace, Surfak |
| Hemorrhoids |
Anusol, Preparation H |
| Diarrhea |
fluids, Kaopectate, Pedialyte |
| Nausea |
peppermints, saltine crackers, Vitamin B (50 mg three times daily), ginger ale |
| Yeast Creams |
Monistat, Gyne-Lotrimin, Terazol |
| Herbs and Supplements |
please check with the midwives prior to use. |
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