HealthPartners - Your guide to pregnancy

INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE

Interpersonal violence is the use of physical, sexual, and/or psychological cruelty or force to get and keep control over someone. When you are pregnant, this type of abuse puts both you and your baby at serious risk of injury. Interpersonal violence is the leading cause of injury to women of childbearing age! You may be a victim of interpersonal violence if another person: • Slaps, punches, chokes, kicks, shoves, or spits on you • Threatens or scares you with a weapon • Forces or pressures you to have sex when you don’t want to • Blames you for their own violent behavior • Withholds affection as punishment • Takes away your house keys, car keys, or money • Tries to isolate you from your family and friends

CAFFEINE Caffeine is a stimulant that raises your heart rate and blood pressure. Too much caffeine can cause insomnia,

nervousness, and headaches. It also increases heartburn and contributes to dehydration. Chocolate, tea, energy drinks, and most sodas contain caffeine. Studies vary on how much caffeine you should have during pregnancy. Most experts agree that moderate caffeine intake (150-300 mg per day) is acceptable.

DENTAL CARE Dental care is always important. Swollen and bleeding gums are

common problems during pregnancy and may be helped by regular brushing and flossing. See your dentist for checkups or if you have a dental issue. Tell the dentist you are pregnant so they can be careful when prescribing medications or taking X-rays.

WARNING!

HOT TUBS AND SAUNAS There is some medical evidence that soaking in hot water (more than 100ºF) or sitting in a steam room when you’re pregnant can lead to

If you are threatened or abused, tell someone who can help you right away. Ask for help from your health care provider or a local agency that deals with interpersonal violence. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-SAFE) or visit its website at www.thehotline.org .

birth defects. Experts recommend that you skip the sauna and hot tub when you’re pregnant. If you must, limit your time in a sauna to 15 minutes (or less) and your time in a hot tub to 10 minutes (or less). Also be careful when you walk near pools or wet areas to prevent slipping and falling.

Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy 25