Sushi/ Laser hair removal/ Underwired bras

[malteser17]

Hi all,

I've recently found out I'm 7 weeks pregnant with my first baby and want to make sure I do things right. The internet is full of opinions on what is safe and not safe during pregnancy. I have three questions where opinions definitely seem to be divided, so I thought I would find out what everyone thinks on here.

1. Can I eat sushi or not? Some websites say a blanket no, others say it's fine as long as the raw fish has been frozen beforehand.

1. Can I have laser hair removal? I've had a couple of treatments in the past few months (before I got pregnant) for stray hairs on my chin and upper lip and have another appointment in a couple of weeks but am not sure whether to go or not.

1. Should I switch to non-underwired bras? I'm a 34E so most of the bras I buy are underwired but I've read that this can cause issues for breastfeeding.

Thanks in advance

I'm a 34ff and I wore wired bras til about 25 weeks - after that they were just too uncomfortable sitting between my boobs my bump!

I think the consensus is that it's fine as long as you get measured at regular intervals so that they're not too tight/don't dig in etc.

I'm not sure about the hair removal but as far as sushi is concerned, its your call but all fish with the exception of salmon is frozen before using. Killing any parasites in the process. Salmon that isn't frozen generally is farmed and comes from farms that certify their fish is parasite free. So I've been eating it.

There's no need to ditch the underwire so long as you're wearing a well fitted bra, which may mean getting different sizes as your pregnancy progresses.

I wouldnt attempt eating sushi whilst wearing an underwire and having laser hair removal though. That would just be complicated.

I eat sushi - as Pickle says, fish has been frozen killing parasites.

I'm still wearing underwires (but only well fitting bras - some of the prettier less practical ones have been relegated for now).

Not sure on laser hair removal - I would call the clinic but personally would err on the side of not getting it.

my boobs are so wildly out of control that they can only be contained in an underwired bra. it's ok as long as the wire doesn't sit against the breast tissue as this can block the milk ducts. that's why it's so important to be properly fitted. i'm veggie so i don't know about sushi but i would steer clear just in case and i'm afraid i can't help with the hair removal issue either :(

I don;t eat sushi but thats because I really like Itsu sushi and their salmon is not frozen. Their tuna is though (but I don;t like it!)

Laser - no idea but I would probably not risk it as it has not been around for long

Bras - as long as its well fitting its fine, Pretty Pregnant sell a soft underwire bra designed for preggos, its very nice and gives me a lift. My boobs are too big to not have underwire!

Congrats on the pregnancy.
p.s. I found the NHS page on what you can eat etc very helpful and a lot more lenient than many other web pages (for example you can eat cooked shell fish, feta, parma ham etc)

I believe they say no laser hair removal because your skin can be much more sensitive and the hormone changes mean your hair might grow back in places that have been lasered. I would save my money and have it done afterwards!

I'm not eating sushi because I don't trust that people in some sushi restaurants know if it's been frozen or not or will tell the truth.

I have worn a couple of underwired bras but find them quite uncomfortable, see how you get on . Congratulations.

Hmmm - i have slightly differing views but I dont necessarily think I'm right, it's just what i am doing!

No sushi - my obsetrician point blank said no when i asked him (cos i love sushi)

No underwire bras - ditto midwife. I HATE non underwires but am living with it in the hope im saving my boobs from damage.

I have no idea on the hair removal though...

I have been doing other things considered by some to be 'risky' i.e. Hair dye.. lots of it...

Eating lots of junk.

I ate sushi through all three of my pregnancies. Maybe avoid the tuna (mercury) and anything unusual that could be potentially toxic (poison pufferfish might be one to avoid).

Laser hair removal. Totally fine; my children only glow luminous green occasionally so it should be OK. Just kidding; never had it...don't know what the possible risks are?

Underwired bras. Are they on the banned list now? I've never not worn one .

My kids are perfect, naturally .

Congratulations!

Don't use the Internet as a fool proof resource. Go buy "pregnancy for modern girls" which explains things, then make up your own mind.

But I do need to jump in on bras - good maternity shops will offer you underwire. They are "soft" so not problematic. As long as you aren't buyi g cheap £2 bras using stolen industrial wire, I think you will be fine.

Ditto Strawberry on the laser hair removal. I'd planned to before our hols in spring but then found out was pregnant.

You can do it (not sure about bikini!) but skin very very sensitive & a waste of money as hair growth in pregnancy isn't normal.

It's my 'treat' post pregnancy. Better than waxing!

1. Yes to supermarket sushi I've heard as it's been frozen and processed.

1. I wouldn't but I wouldn't do it in summer anyway, your skin is more likely to react. I had it done in winter

1. I think it depends on how much your breasts are fluctuating, first pregnancy they did loads so I switched quite early, this time they haven't changed much yet so am still in underwires. Apparently if affects the tissue and increases your chance of getting mastitis

oh and tuna etc, limit to 1 portion a week according to my MW. I love sushi and have had it regularly this pregnancy, but not more than once a week (also because I'm not sure what the iodine in the sea-weed does)

Silky, sea vegetables are very good for you (and baby) .

I know that small amts are, but there's a lot of very conflicting opinions about iodine, some say it has a very positive effect on the thyroid and some say it has a very negative effect on it for example

I think that the amount you'd get in food is fine, but to be cautious about supplements. It's a staple in Asia and super nutritious.

I thought Iodine was very good for you in your pregnancy? and had no idea about the underwire bras...hum...better buy some books about this pregnancy malarkey :-)

I know that health food shops have always advocated it, but there is as much info out there about being careful with it as it adjusts your natural thyroid feedback loop or something. I think some say it gives it an initial boost but then affects the feedback, so you feel better initially but its not good to increase it long term

I don't really know myself, I just know that there are a lot of people out there saying very strongly to either take or avoid, so to be safe I take it in my idet but limit it

the reality probably like most vits and minerals, there is probably a good RANGE of iodine, which may be a bit less then some health food providers would have you believe but maybe slightly more than the average diet?

dunno

I'm not gonna go mad on it anyway but still going to eat some

Sounds wise .

Good Luck with your baby (and you too, Malteser ).

Yes to sushi as long as pre frozen (which most is)
Yes to underwire as long as well fitted (still in mine at 27 weeks
No to laser - skin sensitivity and no decent place would do it if they knew you were pregnant.

Congratulations x

YES to sushi. My Japanese friend nearly had a meltdown when she was told no sushi over here, and ignored it.
YES to underwired bras. I nearly ripped the face off the rude M&S sales lady trying to prise me into things a granny wouldn't be seen dead in. NO CHANCE. I realise I may have to ditch underwires whilst breastfeeding but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Sushi - i've eaten it throughout my pregnancy, just avoided tuna.

Underwire - still using the odd underwriter bra if it's needed.

Laser - my skin wouldn't cope with the irritation, but I'm 37 weeks so it depends on how sensitive your skin becomes and what the clinic recommends. You may find they refuse to treat you if they know you are pregnant.

Dont eat fish so cant help you there.
Didnt wear underwires. I dont think they do any damage but I think its because of the amount of change in your breasts. Underwires are not as flexible as non underwires. I remember putting on my wonderbra when first pg with DD (they were all the go in them days) and being horrified at the size of my cleavage!
Laser - I bet they wont do it for you. I find my body hair growth really slows down when pg. Hardly have to shave my legs - result!

Congratulations!

the issue with laser is it that you are not supposed to expose your skin to the sun or have a tan etc when you get it done, they advise a high factor

and when pregnant you are extra prone to pigmentation and sunburn etc

so pregnant in summer = double no to laser!