Is it safe during pregnancy?

Expert-reviewed answers on foods, medications, and activities.

Reviewed by our medical advisory board· Updated 2026

Is Acetaminophen safe during pregnancy?

Generally considered the preferred pain reliever, but use the lowest effective dose and check with your provider.

In moderation

Is Acrylic nails safe during pregnancy?

Probably fine, but the fumes are strong — make sure the salon is well-ventilated.

In moderation

Is Afrin safe during pregnancy?

Use decongestant nasal sprays only briefly (a few days) and with provider guidance.

In moderation

Is Air travel safe during pregnancy?

Usually fine through ~36 weeks for low-risk pregnancies; check airline rules.

Safe

Is Airport scanners safe during pregnancy?

Both metal detectors and millimeter-wave body scanners are considered safe in pregnancy.

Safe

Is Alcohol safe during pregnancy?

No amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy.

Avoid

Is Aleve (naproxen) safe during pregnancy?

Avoid NSAIDs like naproxen, especially after 20 weeks — same concerns as ibuprofen.

Avoid

Is Antihistamines safe during pregnancy?

Some are considered low-risk, but check with your provider before taking any.

In moderation

Is Apple cider vinegar safe during pregnancy?

Safe in food amounts; choose pasteurized if drinking it diluted.

Safe

Is Artificial sweeteners safe during pregnancy?

Aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are considered safe in moderation (avoid aspartame only if you have PKU).

Safe

Is Ashwagandha safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — this herbal supplement isn’t recommended in pregnancy.

Avoid

Is Aspirin safe during pregnancy?

Avoid regular-dose aspirin unless your provider prescribes low-dose aspirin for a specific reason.

In moderation

Is Bagged salad safe during pregnancy?

Wash pre-washed greens again and eat fresh — pre-cut produce has a small listeria risk.

In moderation

Is Benadryl safe during pregnancy?

Diphenhydramine is generally considered low-risk for short-term use, but check with your provider first.

In moderation

Is Benzoyl peroxide safe during pregnancy?

Low-concentration topical use is generally considered low-risk; ask your provider about acne care.

In moderation

Is Blue cheese safe during pregnancy?

Mold-ripened soft cheeses are risky unless pasteurized and cooked until steaming.

In moderation

Is Bone broth safe during pregnancy?

Safe and nourishing when made/stored properly and served hot.

Safe

Is Botox safe during pregnancy?

Usually deferred during pregnancy — it’s elective and safety data are limited. Ask your provider.

In moderation

Is Bowling safe during pregnancy?

Generally fine — just lift mindfully and protect your back as your bump grows.

Safe

Is Brie safe during pregnancy?

Soft cheese is OK only when made from pasteurized milk; heating until bubbling also makes it safe.

In moderation

Is Bug spray (DEET) safe during pregnancy?

EPA-registered repellents like DEET are safe and important for preventing Zika and other illnesses.

Safe

Is CBD safe during pregnancy?

The FDA advises against CBD/THC in pregnancy — safety isn’t established and products are unregulated.

Avoid

Is COVID-19 vaccine safe during pregnancy?

Recommended in pregnancy by ACOG and the CDC.

Safe

Is Calcium supplement safe during pregnancy?

Safe and often recommended — many prenatals are low in calcium.

Safe

Is Cannabis safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — linked to low birth weight and developmental concerns.

Avoid

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.

In moderation

Is Cats / litter boxes safe during pregnancy?

Have someone else change the litter to avoid toxoplasmosis risk.

In moderation

Is Caviar safe during pregnancy?

Avoid raw/refrigerated fish roe — listeria risk. Pasteurized, shelf-stable types are lower risk.

Avoid

Is Chemical peels safe during pregnancy?

Mild glycolic/lactic peels are likely fine; avoid salicylic-acid and strong peels.

In moderation

Is Claritin safe during pregnancy?

Loratadine is often considered a lower-risk antihistamine, but confirm with your provider.

In moderation

Is Cleaning products safe during pregnancy?

Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid mixing chemicals and harsh fumes.

In moderation

Is Coffee safe during pregnancy?

Up to ~200 mg caffeine/day (about one 12-oz cup) is generally considered safe.

In moderation

Is Cottage cheese safe during pregnancy?

Safe — pasteurized and a good source of protein and calcium.

Safe

Is Cough drops safe during pregnancy?

Plain menthol cough drops are considered low-risk; avoid ones with added medications.

Safe

Is Crab safe during pregnancy?

Safe when fully cooked — crab is low in mercury. Avoid raw or refrigerated smoked seafood.

Safe

Is Cream cheese safe during pregnancy?

Safe — it’s made from pasteurized milk.

Safe

Is Dark chocolate safe during pregnancy?

Safe in moderation — just count its small caffeine content toward your daily limit.

Safe

Is Decaf coffee safe during pregnancy?

Safe — it has only a tiny amount of caffeine.

Safe

Is Deli meat safe during pregnancy?

Heat deli meats until steaming to kill listeria before eating.

In moderation

Is Dental work safe during pregnancy?

Routine dental care is encouraged; X-rays use abdominal shielding and are considered safe.

Safe

Is Deodorant safe during pregnancy?

Regular and antiperspirant deodorants are considered safe.

Safe

Is Eggnog safe during pregnancy?

Only store-bought (pasteurized) and alcohol-free — traditional homemade eggnog uses raw egg.

In moderation

Is Eggs safe during pregnancy?

Cook until firm — avoid runny yolks to reduce salmonella risk.

In moderation

Is Elderberry safe during pregnancy?

Cooked elderberry syrup is likely low-risk in small amounts, but evidence is limited — ask your provider.

In moderation

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.

In moderation

Is Energy drinks safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — high caffeine plus stimulant additives that aren’t studied in pregnancy.

Avoid

Is Essential oils safe during pregnancy?

Dilute well and avoid certain oils (e.g. clary sage, rosemary) — check each before use.

In moderation

Is Excedrin safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — it combines aspirin and caffeine, which aren’t recommended. Ask about acetaminophen instead.

Avoid

Is Exercise safe during pregnancy?

Moderate exercise is encouraged in most pregnancies. Stay hydrated and avoid fall risks.

Safe

Is Eyelash growth serum safe during pregnancy?

Skip prescription lash serums (e.g. bimatoprost) — they aren’t recommended in pregnancy.

Avoid

Is Feta cheese safe during pregnancy?

Only if made from pasteurized milk — check the label; skip unpasteurized soft cheeses.

In moderation

Is Fish oil safe during pregnancy?

Omega-3/DHA supplements are safe and beneficial — choose a tested, mercury-free brand.

Safe

Is Flonase safe during pregnancy?

Steroid nasal sprays are often considered low-risk for congestion — confirm with your provider.

In moderation

Is Flu shot safe during pregnancy?

Recommended in pregnancy — the inactivated flu vaccine protects you and your newborn.

Safe

Is Gardening safe during pregnancy?

Wear gloves and wash up — soil can carry toxoplasmosis, the same risk as cat litter.

In moderation

Is Gel manicure safe during pregnancy?

Likely low-risk; minimize UV-lamp exposure and choose a well-ventilated salon.

In moderation

Is Ginger safe during pregnancy?

Safe and often helpful for nausea in normal food/tea amounts.

Safe

Is Goat cheese safe during pregnancy?

Only soft goat cheese made from pasteurized milk; hard aged goat cheese is fine.

In moderation

Is Green tea safe during pregnancy?

OK in moderation — it counts toward your ~200 mg/day caffeine limit; very high intake may affect folate.

In moderation

Is Hair dye safe during pregnancy?

Limited absorption makes it likely low-risk; many wait until the second trimester to be cautious.

In moderation

Is Halibut safe during pregnancy?

A moderate-mercury fish — enjoy occasionally rather than weekly.

In moderation

Is Herbal tea safe during pregnancy?

Stick to ginger or peppermint in moderation; many herbal blends aren’t studied — check with your provider.

In moderation

Is Hiking safe during pregnancy?

Great exercise — stick to even trails, stay hydrated, and avoid high altitude if you’re not used to it.

Safe

Is Honey safe during pregnancy?

Safe for you in pregnancy — but never give honey to a baby under 12 months.

Safe

Is Horseback riding safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — the fall and impact risk is too high in pregnancy.

Avoid

Is Hot dogs safe during pregnancy?

Fine if heated until steaming hot to kill listeria — don’t eat straight from the package.

In moderation

Is Hot tubs safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — raising core body temperature above ~101°F can harm the baby, especially early on.

Avoid

Is Hot yoga safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — the heated room raises your core temperature too much. Regular prenatal yoga is great.

Avoid

Is Hummus safe during pregnancy?

Store-bought hummus is fine; with homemade, use fresh ingredients and refrigerate promptly.

Safe

Is Hyaluronic acid safe during pregnancy?

Safe — a pregnancy-friendly hydrating skincare ingredient.

Safe

Is Hydrocortisone cream safe during pregnancy?

Low-strength topical use on a small area is generally considered low-risk; ask before extended use.

In moderation

Is Ibuprofen safe during pregnancy?

Avoid, especially after 20 weeks — linked to fetal kidney and heart risks. Ask your provider.

Avoid

Is Ice skating safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — the fall risk is too high in pregnancy.

Avoid

Is Imodium safe during pregnancy?

Loperamide is best used only briefly and with provider guidance.

In moderation

Is Keratin hair treatment safe during pregnancy?

Skip Brazilian blowout/keratin treatments — many release formaldehyde, which you shouldn’t inhale.

Avoid

Is Kombucha safe during pregnancy?

Best avoided — usually unpasteurized and contains trace alcohol and caffeine.

Avoid

Is Leftovers safe during pregnancy?

Safe when refrigerated promptly and reheated until steaming hot (165°F).

Safe

Is Licorice safe during pregnancy?

Limit real (glycyrrhizin) licorice — large amounts have been linked to pregnancy concerns.

In moderation

Is Liver safe during pregnancy?

Limit — liver is extremely high in vitamin A, which can harm the baby in large amounts.

In moderation

Is Long car rides safe during pregnancy?

Fine — stop every 1–2 hours to walk, stretch, and keep blood flowing.

Safe

Is Manicures safe during pregnancy?

Generally fine — choose a well-ventilated salon.

Safe

Is Massage safe during pregnancy?

Prenatal massage is generally safe — use a trained prenatal therapist.

Safe

Is Matcha safe during pregnancy?

Counts toward your ~200 mg/day caffeine limit — it’s fairly concentrated, so go easy.

In moderation

Is Mayonnaise safe during pregnancy?

Commercial mayo uses pasteurized egg and is safe; homemade with raw egg is the one to avoid.

Safe

Is Melatonin safe during pregnancy?

Limited safety data in pregnancy — talk to your provider before using.

In moderation

Is Microblading safe during pregnancy?

Most artists decline during pregnancy — the concerns are infection and unpredictable results.

In moderation

Is Miralax safe during pregnancy?

Polyethylene glycol is commonly used for pregnancy constipation, but confirm with your provider.

In moderation

Is Mucinex safe during pregnancy?

Plain guaifenesin is often considered low-risk after the first trimester; avoid combination products without advice.

In moderation

Is Mushrooms safe during pregnancy?

Cooked culinary mushrooms are safe; avoid wild-foraged and medicinal/functional varieties.

Safe

Is Mussels safe during pregnancy?

Safe thoroughly cooked until the shells open. Discard any that stay closed.

Safe

Is Niacinamide safe during pregnancy?

Considered safe and a good alternative to retinoids for skin texture.

Safe

Is Nutmeg safe during pregnancy?

Safe as a normal cooking spice; just don’t consume very large medicinal amounts.

Safe

Is Painting the nursery safe during pregnancy?

Use water-based (latex) paint, keep the room ventilated, and avoid oil-based paints and strong solvents.

In moderation

Is Peanuts safe during pregnancy?

Safe unless you’re allergic; eating them may even lower your child’s allergy risk.

Safe

Is Peppermint tea safe during pregnancy?

Considered safe in normal amounts and may ease nausea and gas.

Safe

Is Pepto-Bismol safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — it contains a salicylate (like aspirin) that isn’t recommended in pregnancy.

Avoid

Is Pilates safe during pregnancy?

A great low-impact workout — use a prenatal-trained instructor and avoid deep ab work later on.

Safe

Is Pineapple safe during pregnancy?

Safe in normal amounts; the "induces labor" claim isn’t supported by evidence.

Safe

Is Probiotics safe during pregnancy?

Generally considered safe; food sources like yogurt are an easy option.

Safe

Is Pâté safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — refrigerated pâté carries listeria risk, and liver-based versions are very high in vitamin A.

Avoid

Is Queso fresco safe during pregnancy?

Often unpasteurized — only eat if the label says pasteurized, or cook until steaming.

In moderation

Is Rare steak safe during pregnancy?

Cook meat to a safe internal temperature — undercooked meat carries toxoplasmosis and other risks.

Avoid

Is Raspberry leaf tea safe during pregnancy?

Sometimes used in the third trimester, but evidence is limited — ask your provider first.

In moderation

Is Raw cookie dough safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — raw egg (salmonella) and raw flour (E. coli) both pose a risk. Bake first.

Avoid

Is Raw oysters safe during pregnancy?

Avoid all raw shellfish — high risk of bacteria and viruses. Cooked oysters are fine.

Avoid

Is Raw sprouts safe during pregnancy?

Avoid raw alfalfa, mung, and clover sprouts — they can harbor bacteria even when fresh. Cooked is fine.

Avoid

Is Retinoids safe during pregnancy?

Avoid topical and oral retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) during pregnancy.

Avoid

Is Ricotta safe during pregnancy?

Safe — made from pasteurized milk. Check the label to be sure.

Safe

Is Roller coasters safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — sudden forces and jarring stops aren’t recommended in pregnancy.

Avoid

Is Running safe during pregnancy?

Safe to continue if you already run — stay hydrated, avoid overheating, and listen to your body.

Safe

Is Salmon safe during pregnancy?

A top pick — low in mercury and rich in omega-3s. Aim for 2–3 cooked servings a week.

Safe

Is Sardines safe during pregnancy?

A great choice — low in mercury and rich in omega-3s and calcium.

Safe

Is Sauerkraut safe during pregnancy?

Pasteurized (shelf-stable) is fine; refrigerated raw/fermented versions carry a small listeria risk.

In moderation

Is Sauna safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — overheating risk, similar to hot tubs.

Avoid

Is Scallops safe during pregnancy?

Safe when fully cooked — a low-mercury shellfish. Avoid raw.

Safe

Is Scuba diving safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — changes in pressure pose a decompression risk to the baby.

Avoid

Is Seaweed safe during pregnancy?

Fine occasionally, but it’s very high in iodine — don’t eat large amounts daily.

In moderation

Is Sex safe during pregnancy?

Safe in an uncomplicated pregnancy — unless your provider has advised otherwise (e.g. placenta previa).

Safe

Is Shrimp safe during pregnancy?

Safe when fully cooked — shrimp is low in mercury and a good protein source. Avoid raw.

Safe

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.

In moderation

Is Sleeping pills safe during pregnancy?

Don’t take OTC or prescription sleep aids without your provider — some aren’t recommended in pregnancy.

Avoid

Is Smoked salmon (lox) safe during pregnancy?

Refrigerated smoked fish carries a listeria risk — safest cooked into a dish until steaming.

In moderation

Is Smoking safe during pregnancy?

Avoid entirely — raises risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight.

Avoid

Is Soft cheese safe during pregnancy?

Only if made from pasteurized milk — check the label; avoid unpasteurized.

In moderation

Is Spicy food safe during pregnancy?

Won’t harm the baby — it may just worsen heartburn for you.

Safe

Is Spray tans safe during pregnancy?

Topical use is likely low-risk; avoid inhaling the spray.

In moderation

Is Stationary cycling safe during pregnancy?

Safe and low-impact — a spin bike avoids the fall risk of road cycling.

Safe

Is Stool softeners safe during pregnancy?

Docusate (Colace) is commonly recommended for pregnancy constipation.

Safe

Is Sudafed safe during pregnancy?

Pseudoephedrine is usually avoided in the first trimester; ask your provider, especially if you have high blood pressure.

In moderation

Is Sunscreen safe during pregnancy?

Safe and recommended — mineral (zinc/titanium) sunscreens are a popular choice.

Safe

Is Sushi safe during pregnancy?

Cooked sushi is fine; avoid raw fish and high-mercury species. Low-mercury cooked options are safest.

In moderation

Is Swimming safe during pregnancy?

One of the best pregnancy workouts — low-impact and easy on joints.

Safe

Is Swordfish safe during pregnancy?

Avoid high-mercury fish: swordfish, shark, king mackerel, marlin, and tilefish.

Avoid

Is Tanning beds safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — overheating plus UV exposure aren’t worth the risk. Use self-tanner instead.

Avoid

Is Tattoos safe during pregnancy?

Many providers suggest waiting — the main concern is infection risk from the procedure.

In moderation

Is Tdap vaccine safe during pregnancy?

Recommended in every pregnancy (ideally 27–36 weeks) to protect baby from whooping cough.

Safe

Is Tiramisu safe during pregnancy?

Often contains raw egg and a little alcohol — check, or choose an egg-free version.

In moderation

Is Trampolines safe during pregnancy?

Avoid — the jarring and fall risk isn’t worth it.

Avoid

Is Trout safe during pregnancy?

A low-mercury fish that’s a great pregnancy choice, cooked through.

Safe

Is Tums (antacids) safe during pregnancy?

Calcium-carbonate antacids are a common, low-risk first choice for heartburn.

Safe

Is Tuna safe during pregnancy?

Limit albacore/white tuna to 6 oz a week due to mercury; light tuna is lower.

In moderation

Is Turmeric safe during pregnancy?

Safe as a culinary spice; avoid concentrated high-dose supplements.

Safe

Is Tylenol (acetaminophen) safe during pregnancy?

Often the preferred option for pain/fever — use the lowest dose and ask your provider.

In moderation

Is Unpasteurized milk safe during pregnancy?

Avoid raw/unpasteurized milk and juices — risk of listeria and E. coli. Choose pasteurized.

Avoid

Is Vicks VapoRub safe during pregnancy?

Topical use is generally considered low-risk — apply to chest/feet, not nostrils, and ask if unsure.

In moderation

Is Vitamin C serum safe during pregnancy?

Topical vitamin C is considered safe and a good pregnancy-friendly brightening option.

Safe

Is Vitamin D safe during pregnancy?

Safe and commonly recommended; many people are deficient. Follow your provider’s dose.

Safe

Is Waxing safe during pregnancy?

Safe — just expect more sensitive skin than usual.

Safe

Is Weightlifting safe during pregnancy?

Moderate strength training is beneficial — avoid breath-holding (Valsalva) and very heavy maxes.

Safe

Is Zyrtec safe during pregnancy?

Cetirizine is generally considered low-risk in pregnancy — check with your provider first.

In moderation