How much caffeine is too much?

Moderate amounts of caffeine are considered safe in pregnancy. It is recommended that caffeine intake is less than 200mg per day.

Caffeine content in common food and drinks (from FDA):

  • One 5oz cup of coffee = 60 –150mg
  • One 5oz cup of tea = 40 – 80mg
  • Dr. Pepper (12 oz) = 61mg
  • Mountain Dew (12 oz) = 55mg
  • Diet Coke (12 oz) = 45mg
  • Pepsi (12 oz) = 43mg
  • Coca-Cola classic (12 oz) = 35mg
  • Milk chocolate (1 oz) = 16 – 15mg
  • Bittersweet chocolate (1oz) = 5 – 35mg

What foods should I avoid?

Certain foods should be avoided or consumed in moderation during pregnancy as they can lead to foodborne illness or be high in mercury.

Foods you should avoid to avoid foodborne illness include:

  • Raw or undercooked meat—steaks and hamburgers should be well done (avoid sushi)
  • Un-pasteurized cheese—more common in soft crumbly cheeses like blue or feta and the white cheese dip at Mexican restaurants
  • Cold deli meat—deli meat should be steaming hot prior to consumption, this includes hot dogs
  • Unpasteurized milk or juice
  • Raw or undercooked egg
  • Salads made at the store—ham salad, chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad
  • Meat spreads from the meat department
  • Smoked seafood from the refrigerated section of the store
  • Raw spouts—alfalfa, radish, bean, etc.

Foods you should avoid that are high in mercury

  • Swordfish
  • Tilefish
  • King mackerel
  • Shark

Avoid consuming more than 10 ounces of seafood in general in a week.

Is exercise safe?

A moderate amount of exercise is considered safe and beneficial in pregnancy as long as it has been cleared by your health care provider, but avoid high-intensity activity during the first trimester. Exercise that is safe includes walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, Pilates, and stationary bikes.

Avoid:

  • Jerky and bouncy movements
  • Anything that can cause injury, fall, or trauma to the abdomen
  • Exercising on your back after your first trimester

If your heart rate is higher than 140 beats per minute or you cannot carry on a conversation, you should decrease the intensity. Stop the exercise and notify the office if exercise causes pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, contractions, or bleeding.

Can I consume alcohol?

Alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy.

Are artificial sweeteners safe?

Generally, sucralose and stevia are considered safe in pregnancy when consumed in a moderate amount. Pregnant women should avoid saccharin, which is the sweetener found in Sweet’N Low.

Can I travel when I’m pregnant?

Road trips and flying are safe in pregnancy, but we recommend that you avoid traveling after 34 weeks gestation. You should get up and walk around every two to three hours to help your circulation. It is important to avoid going to elevations that are higher than Denver, as this can cause preterm contractions in women who are not used to high altitudes. Please discuss international trips with your provider.

What dental procedures can I have while I’m pregnant?

Routine dental work is safe in pregnancy. This includes cleanings, dental X-rays, and local anesthesia. Routine visits to the dentist are encouraged during your pregnancy along with brushing your teeth twice a day and daily flossing. Some dentists require a letter from the office if antibiotics or pain medication is required. Please notify the office if you need a letter sent to your dentist.

Can I go tanning when I’m pregnant?

Tanning is not harmful to a fetus unless your body temperature rises. You should not stay in a tanning bed more than 10 minutes as this can be harmful to your pregnancy.