Dos and donts when pregnant

[MinesALatte]

Currently 4w with my first and curious about lesser-known dos and donts of pregnancy. Apart from the obvious, drink, drugs, smoking... what others are there? Like no saunas, hot baths?

Okay then, I'll rephrase. Many Spanish and french people I have spoken to are unaware of restrictions on meat and cheese while pregnant!

Lots of sensible advice here.

Things I think that are important and practical, but people might think are dull:

1 - make your financial position as clear and positive as possible. Sort out outgoings, have a plan for who will pay for what, have the discussions re childcare/expectations/cost sharing before baby arrives. Be explicitly clear around expectations.

2 - get rid of as much clutter, excess clothing and stuff as you can before. I expect our lives are about to explode with (well meaning) gifts, donations, STUFF and frankly I need some more space!

3 - if you can, stay active. Good for birth and recovery (so I’m told), good for baby, good for mental health.

I had a bit of a scare with potentially being exposed to toxoplasmosis through cats - be wary of cat litter if you have furry friends. And if you are a gardener always wear gloves because of the soil (cat poo can retain live toxoplasmosis for 18months or so!). If there are a lot of neighbourhood cats, be diligent on this!
Always wash fruit and veggies properly because of residual soil.
Cat poo toxoplasmosis is actually pretty rare in the UK but good to play it safe.

@BlueGreenYellowRed 😂😂 It makes my lattes taste creamier than normal milk

@WhatWouldPennyDo thank you so much, that’s so helpful - common sense but needed to be said!

I remember someone telling me not to go anywhere near sheep or goats..something like that I don't have a clue why..also trampolines are a no go (I think I can get the logic on that one though lol) no medicated shampoo, only paracetamol for pain relief. No general anesthesia for dentist work. There are loads of no-gos while pregnant..and if your going to breastfeed the limited caffeine rule carrys on as well as certain medications and medicated soaps shampoos which you will HATE when your hair starts to shed and you she'd like a boa constrictor (around 4 months postpartum) but just one look at that little baby and you would probably do it over again! :D best of luck and congratulations on your pregnancy OP x

Thank you @MUM2019MARVEL ☺️ X

Check out skincare too - there are a few ingredients that aren’t recommended In pregnancy. I only remember retinol as that’s what I had to stop using but there were others.

From a skincare point of view, no retinols or salicylic acid! Botox and fillers also a no-go

I remember someone telling me not to go anywhere near sheep or goats..something like that I don't have a clue why

It's to do with the risk of toxoplasmosis again, specifically during lambing and kidding.

Thank you @ToffeeAppleCaramel and @Spottybluepyjamas! I don’t use much skincare but do use Kiehl’s midnight recovery range, just checked and it’s pregnancy safe apparently!