Is it safe during pregnancy?
Expert-reviewed answers on foods, medications, and activities.
Reviewed by our medical advisory board· Updated 2026Is Acetaminophen safe during pregnancy?
Generally considered the preferred pain reliever, but use the lowest effective dose and check with your provider.
Is Acrylic nails safe during pregnancy?
Probably fine, but the fumes are strong — make sure the salon is well-ventilated.
Is Afrin safe during pregnancy?
Use decongestant nasal sprays only briefly (a few days) and with provider guidance.
Is Air travel safe during pregnancy?
Usually fine through ~36 weeks for low-risk pregnancies; check airline rules.
Is Airport scanners safe during pregnancy?
Both metal detectors and millimeter-wave body scanners are considered safe in pregnancy.
Is Alcohol safe during pregnancy?
No amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy.
Is Aleve (naproxen) safe during pregnancy?
Avoid NSAIDs like naproxen, especially after 20 weeks — same concerns as ibuprofen.
Is Antihistamines safe during pregnancy?
Some are considered low-risk, but check with your provider before taking any.
Is Apple cider vinegar safe during pregnancy?
Safe in food amounts; choose pasteurized if drinking it diluted.
Is Artificial sweeteners safe during pregnancy?
Aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are considered safe in moderation (avoid aspartame only if you have PKU).
Is Ashwagandha safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — this herbal supplement isn’t recommended in pregnancy.
Is Aspirin safe during pregnancy?
Avoid regular-dose aspirin unless your provider prescribes low-dose aspirin for a specific reason.
Is Bagged salad safe during pregnancy?
Wash pre-washed greens again and eat fresh — pre-cut produce has a small listeria risk.
Is Benadryl safe during pregnancy?
Diphenhydramine is generally considered low-risk for short-term use, but check with your provider first.
Is Benzoyl peroxide safe during pregnancy?
Low-concentration topical use is generally considered low-risk; ask your provider about acne care.
Is Blue cheese safe during pregnancy?
Mold-ripened soft cheeses are risky unless pasteurized and cooked until steaming.
Is Bone broth safe during pregnancy?
Safe and nourishing when made/stored properly and served hot.
Is Botox safe during pregnancy?
Usually deferred during pregnancy — it’s elective and safety data are limited. Ask your provider.
Is Bowling safe during pregnancy?
Generally fine — just lift mindfully and protect your back as your bump grows.
Is Brie safe during pregnancy?
Soft cheese is OK only when made from pasteurized milk; heating until bubbling also makes it safe.
Is Bug spray (DEET) safe during pregnancy?
EPA-registered repellents like DEET are safe and important for preventing Zika and other illnesses.
Is CBD safe during pregnancy?
The FDA advises against CBD/THC in pregnancy — safety isn’t established and products are unregulated.
Is COVID-19 vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Recommended in pregnancy by ACOG and the CDC.
Is Calcium supplement safe during pregnancy?
Safe and often recommended — many prenatals are low in calcium.
Is Cannabis safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — linked to low birth weight and developmental concerns.
Is Canned tuna safe during pregnancy?
Choose light tuna and limit to ~2 servings (about 8–12 oz) a week; albacore is higher in mercury.
Is Cats / litter boxes safe during pregnancy?
Have someone else change the litter to avoid toxoplasmosis risk.
Is Caviar safe during pregnancy?
Avoid raw/refrigerated fish roe — listeria risk. Pasteurized, shelf-stable types are lower risk.
Is Chemical peels safe during pregnancy?
Mild glycolic/lactic peels are likely fine; avoid salicylic-acid and strong peels.
Is Claritin safe during pregnancy?
Loratadine is often considered a lower-risk antihistamine, but confirm with your provider.
Is Cleaning products safe during pregnancy?
Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid mixing chemicals and harsh fumes.
Is Coffee safe during pregnancy?
Up to ~200 mg caffeine/day (about one 12-oz cup) is generally considered safe.
Is Cottage cheese safe during pregnancy?
Safe — pasteurized and a good source of protein and calcium.
Is Cough drops safe during pregnancy?
Plain menthol cough drops are considered low-risk; avoid ones with added medications.
Is Crab safe during pregnancy?
Safe when fully cooked — crab is low in mercury. Avoid raw or refrigerated smoked seafood.
Is Cream cheese safe during pregnancy?
Safe — it’s made from pasteurized milk.
Is Dark chocolate safe during pregnancy?
Safe in moderation — just count its small caffeine content toward your daily limit.
Is Decaf coffee safe during pregnancy?
Safe — it has only a tiny amount of caffeine.
Is Deli meat safe during pregnancy?
Heat deli meats until steaming to kill listeria before eating.
Is Dental work safe during pregnancy?
Routine dental care is encouraged; X-rays use abdominal shielding and are considered safe.
Is Deodorant safe during pregnancy?
Regular and antiperspirant deodorants are considered safe.
Is Eggnog safe during pregnancy?
Only store-bought (pasteurized) and alcohol-free — traditional homemade eggnog uses raw egg.
Is Eggs safe during pregnancy?
Cook until firm — avoid runny yolks to reduce salmonella risk.
Is Elderberry safe during pregnancy?
Cooked elderberry syrup is likely low-risk in small amounts, but evidence is limited — ask your provider.
Is Electric blanket safe during pregnancy?
Use on a low setting or to pre-warm the bed; avoid sleeping with it on to prevent overheating.
Is Energy drinks safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — high caffeine plus stimulant additives that aren’t studied in pregnancy.
Is Essential oils safe during pregnancy?
Dilute well and avoid certain oils (e.g. clary sage, rosemary) — check each before use.
Is Excedrin safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — it combines aspirin and caffeine, which aren’t recommended. Ask about acetaminophen instead.
Is Exercise safe during pregnancy?
Moderate exercise is encouraged in most pregnancies. Stay hydrated and avoid fall risks.
Is Eyelash growth serum safe during pregnancy?
Skip prescription lash serums (e.g. bimatoprost) — they aren’t recommended in pregnancy.
Is Feta cheese safe during pregnancy?
Only if made from pasteurized milk — check the label; skip unpasteurized soft cheeses.
Is Fish oil safe during pregnancy?
Omega-3/DHA supplements are safe and beneficial — choose a tested, mercury-free brand.
Is Flonase safe during pregnancy?
Steroid nasal sprays are often considered low-risk for congestion — confirm with your provider.
Is Flu shot safe during pregnancy?
Recommended in pregnancy — the inactivated flu vaccine protects you and your newborn.
Is Gardening safe during pregnancy?
Wear gloves and wash up — soil can carry toxoplasmosis, the same risk as cat litter.
Is Gel manicure safe during pregnancy?
Likely low-risk; minimize UV-lamp exposure and choose a well-ventilated salon.
Is Ginger safe during pregnancy?
Safe and often helpful for nausea in normal food/tea amounts.
Is Goat cheese safe during pregnancy?
Only soft goat cheese made from pasteurized milk; hard aged goat cheese is fine.
Is Green tea safe during pregnancy?
OK in moderation — it counts toward your ~200 mg/day caffeine limit; very high intake may affect folate.
Is Hair dye safe during pregnancy?
Limited absorption makes it likely low-risk; many wait until the second trimester to be cautious.
Is Halibut safe during pregnancy?
A moderate-mercury fish — enjoy occasionally rather than weekly.
Is Herbal tea safe during pregnancy?
Stick to ginger or peppermint in moderation; many herbal blends aren’t studied — check with your provider.
Is Hiking safe during pregnancy?
Great exercise — stick to even trails, stay hydrated, and avoid high altitude if you’re not used to it.
Is Honey safe during pregnancy?
Safe for you in pregnancy — but never give honey to a baby under 12 months.
Is Horseback riding safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — the fall and impact risk is too high in pregnancy.
Is Hot dogs safe during pregnancy?
Fine if heated until steaming hot to kill listeria — don’t eat straight from the package.
Is Hot tubs safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — raising core body temperature above ~101°F can harm the baby, especially early on.
Is Hot yoga safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — the heated room raises your core temperature too much. Regular prenatal yoga is great.
Is Hummus safe during pregnancy?
Store-bought hummus is fine; with homemade, use fresh ingredients and refrigerate promptly.
Is Hyaluronic acid safe during pregnancy?
Safe — a pregnancy-friendly hydrating skincare ingredient.
Is Hydrocortisone cream safe during pregnancy?
Low-strength topical use on a small area is generally considered low-risk; ask before extended use.
Is Ibuprofen safe during pregnancy?
Avoid, especially after 20 weeks — linked to fetal kidney and heart risks. Ask your provider.
Is Ice skating safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — the fall risk is too high in pregnancy.
Is Imodium safe during pregnancy?
Loperamide is best used only briefly and with provider guidance.
Is Keratin hair treatment safe during pregnancy?
Skip Brazilian blowout/keratin treatments — many release formaldehyde, which you shouldn’t inhale.
Is Kombucha safe during pregnancy?
Best avoided — usually unpasteurized and contains trace alcohol and caffeine.
Is Leftovers safe during pregnancy?
Safe when refrigerated promptly and reheated until steaming hot (165°F).
Is Licorice safe during pregnancy?
Limit real (glycyrrhizin) licorice — large amounts have been linked to pregnancy concerns.
Is Liver safe during pregnancy?
Limit — liver is extremely high in vitamin A, which can harm the baby in large amounts.
Is Long car rides safe during pregnancy?
Fine — stop every 1–2 hours to walk, stretch, and keep blood flowing.
Is Manicures safe during pregnancy?
Generally fine — choose a well-ventilated salon.
Is Massage safe during pregnancy?
Prenatal massage is generally safe — use a trained prenatal therapist.
Is Matcha safe during pregnancy?
Counts toward your ~200 mg/day caffeine limit — it’s fairly concentrated, so go easy.
Is Mayonnaise safe during pregnancy?
Commercial mayo uses pasteurized egg and is safe; homemade with raw egg is the one to avoid.
Is Melatonin safe during pregnancy?
Limited safety data in pregnancy — talk to your provider before using.
Is Microblading safe during pregnancy?
Most artists decline during pregnancy — the concerns are infection and unpredictable results.
Is Miralax safe during pregnancy?
Polyethylene glycol is commonly used for pregnancy constipation, but confirm with your provider.
Is Mucinex safe during pregnancy?
Plain guaifenesin is often considered low-risk after the first trimester; avoid combination products without advice.
Is Mushrooms safe during pregnancy?
Cooked culinary mushrooms are safe; avoid wild-foraged and medicinal/functional varieties.
Is Mussels safe during pregnancy?
Safe thoroughly cooked until the shells open. Discard any that stay closed.
Is Niacinamide safe during pregnancy?
Considered safe and a good alternative to retinoids for skin texture.
Is Nutmeg safe during pregnancy?
Safe as a normal cooking spice; just don’t consume very large medicinal amounts.
Is Painting the nursery safe during pregnancy?
Use water-based (latex) paint, keep the room ventilated, and avoid oil-based paints and strong solvents.
Is Peanuts safe during pregnancy?
Safe unless you’re allergic; eating them may even lower your child’s allergy risk.
Is Peppermint tea safe during pregnancy?
Considered safe in normal amounts and may ease nausea and gas.
Is Pepto-Bismol safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — it contains a salicylate (like aspirin) that isn’t recommended in pregnancy.
Is Pilates safe during pregnancy?
A great low-impact workout — use a prenatal-trained instructor and avoid deep ab work later on.
Is Pineapple safe during pregnancy?
Safe in normal amounts; the "induces labor" claim isn’t supported by evidence.
Is Probiotics safe during pregnancy?
Generally considered safe; food sources like yogurt are an easy option.
Is Pâté safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — refrigerated pâté carries listeria risk, and liver-based versions are very high in vitamin A.
Is Queso fresco safe during pregnancy?
Often unpasteurized — only eat if the label says pasteurized, or cook until steaming.
Is Rare steak safe during pregnancy?
Cook meat to a safe internal temperature — undercooked meat carries toxoplasmosis and other risks.
Is Raspberry leaf tea safe during pregnancy?
Sometimes used in the third trimester, but evidence is limited — ask your provider first.
Is Raw cookie dough safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — raw egg (salmonella) and raw flour (E. coli) both pose a risk. Bake first.
Is Raw oysters safe during pregnancy?
Avoid all raw shellfish — high risk of bacteria and viruses. Cooked oysters are fine.
Is Raw sprouts safe during pregnancy?
Avoid raw alfalfa, mung, and clover sprouts — they can harbor bacteria even when fresh. Cooked is fine.
Is Retinoids safe during pregnancy?
Avoid topical and oral retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) during pregnancy.
Is Ricotta safe during pregnancy?
Safe — made from pasteurized milk. Check the label to be sure.
Is Roller coasters safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — sudden forces and jarring stops aren’t recommended in pregnancy.
Is Running safe during pregnancy?
Safe to continue if you already run — stay hydrated, avoid overheating, and listen to your body.
Is Salmon safe during pregnancy?
A top pick — low in mercury and rich in omega-3s. Aim for 2–3 cooked servings a week.
Is Sardines safe during pregnancy?
A great choice — low in mercury and rich in omega-3s and calcium.
Is Sauerkraut safe during pregnancy?
Pasteurized (shelf-stable) is fine; refrigerated raw/fermented versions carry a small listeria risk.
Is Sauna safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — overheating risk, similar to hot tubs.
Is Scallops safe during pregnancy?
Safe when fully cooked — a low-mercury shellfish. Avoid raw.
Is Scuba diving safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — changes in pressure pose a decompression risk to the baby.
Is Seaweed safe during pregnancy?
Fine occasionally, but it’s very high in iodine — don’t eat large amounts daily.
Is Sex safe during pregnancy?
Safe in an uncomplicated pregnancy — unless your provider has advised otherwise (e.g. placenta previa).
Is Shrimp safe during pregnancy?
Safe when fully cooked — shrimp is low in mercury and a good protein source. Avoid raw.
Is Sleeping on your back safe during pregnancy?
After ~20 weeks, prefer your side — back-sleeping can compress a major vein. Side-sleeping is ideal.
Is Sleeping pills safe during pregnancy?
Don’t take OTC or prescription sleep aids without your provider — some aren’t recommended in pregnancy.
Is Smoked salmon (lox) safe during pregnancy?
Refrigerated smoked fish carries a listeria risk — safest cooked into a dish until steaming.
Is Smoking safe during pregnancy?
Avoid entirely — raises risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
Is Soft cheese safe during pregnancy?
Only if made from pasteurized milk — check the label; avoid unpasteurized.
Is Spicy food safe during pregnancy?
Won’t harm the baby — it may just worsen heartburn for you.
Is Spray tans safe during pregnancy?
Topical use is likely low-risk; avoid inhaling the spray.
Is Stationary cycling safe during pregnancy?
Safe and low-impact — a spin bike avoids the fall risk of road cycling.
Is Stool softeners safe during pregnancy?
Docusate (Colace) is commonly recommended for pregnancy constipation.
Is Sudafed safe during pregnancy?
Pseudoephedrine is usually avoided in the first trimester; ask your provider, especially if you have high blood pressure.
Is Sunscreen safe during pregnancy?
Safe and recommended — mineral (zinc/titanium) sunscreens are a popular choice.
Is Sushi safe during pregnancy?
Cooked sushi is fine; avoid raw fish and high-mercury species. Low-mercury cooked options are safest.
Is Swimming safe during pregnancy?
One of the best pregnancy workouts — low-impact and easy on joints.
Is Swordfish safe during pregnancy?
Avoid high-mercury fish: swordfish, shark, king mackerel, marlin, and tilefish.
Is Tanning beds safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — overheating plus UV exposure aren’t worth the risk. Use self-tanner instead.
Is Tattoos safe during pregnancy?
Many providers suggest waiting — the main concern is infection risk from the procedure.
Is Tdap vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Recommended in every pregnancy (ideally 27–36 weeks) to protect baby from whooping cough.
Is Tiramisu safe during pregnancy?
Often contains raw egg and a little alcohol — check, or choose an egg-free version.
Is Trampolines safe during pregnancy?
Avoid — the jarring and fall risk isn’t worth it.
Is Trout safe during pregnancy?
A low-mercury fish that’s a great pregnancy choice, cooked through.
Is Tums (antacids) safe during pregnancy?
Calcium-carbonate antacids are a common, low-risk first choice for heartburn.
Is Tuna safe during pregnancy?
Limit albacore/white tuna to 6 oz a week due to mercury; light tuna is lower.
Is Turmeric safe during pregnancy?
Safe as a culinary spice; avoid concentrated high-dose supplements.
Is Tylenol (acetaminophen) safe during pregnancy?
Often the preferred option for pain/fever — use the lowest dose and ask your provider.
Is Unpasteurized milk safe during pregnancy?
Avoid raw/unpasteurized milk and juices — risk of listeria and E. coli. Choose pasteurized.
Is Vicks VapoRub safe during pregnancy?
Topical use is generally considered low-risk — apply to chest/feet, not nostrils, and ask if unsure.
Is Vitamin C serum safe during pregnancy?
Topical vitamin C is considered safe and a good pregnancy-friendly brightening option.
Is Vitamin D safe during pregnancy?
Safe and commonly recommended; many people are deficient. Follow your provider’s dose.
Is Waxing safe during pregnancy?
Safe — just expect more sensitive skin than usual.
Is Weightlifting safe during pregnancy?
Moderate strength training is beneficial — avoid breath-holding (Valsalva) and very heavy maxes.
Is Zyrtec safe during pregnancy?
Cetirizine is generally considered low-risk in pregnancy — check with your provider first.