Mount Auburn Hospital - Great Expectations

SMOKING OR VAPING Do you or someone else in your home smoke tobacco or use electronic cigarettes (vapes)? There are many good reasons to quit.

to harmful viruses such as COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis B, and rubella (German measles). Talk to your health care provider about how to minimize your risk of exposure.

X-RAYS Dental and some other X-rays can usually be taken safely during pregnancy. Wearing a lead apron can

Continuing to smoke during pregnancy: • Increases your chance of having a miscarriage or stillbirth • Increases the risk of preterm birth and/or a low birth weight baby • Lowers the amount of oxygen available to both mother and baby • Increases risk of birth defects and respiratory (lung) problems • Increases risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) If you want to quit smoking, ask your health care provider for help. Smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, nicotine strips, and some “stop smoking” medications may be harmful if used during pregnancy.

protect your abdomen if you need to have another part of your body X-rayed. Tests that take multiple X-rays and CT images of the pelvis and abdomen should be done only when there is no other option. In that situation, you and your health care provider will have to weigh the benefits of having the test against the risk to your developing baby.

Always tell the radiologist or technician that you are pregnant.

SUBSTANCE (DRUG) MISUSE

TRAVEL The safest time to travel is during the middle part of your pregnancy because most emergencies happen either early or late in pregnancy.

Substance misuse, or the use of illegal drugs and inappropriate use of legal substances, during pregnancy can harm you and your baby. Taking drugs during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, low birth weight babies, premature birth, fetal death, and even maternal death. Some babies will be born dependent on the drug and have to suffer withdrawal symptoms immediately after birth. Your baby may also be at greater risk of SIDS. Ending an addiction on your own is hard and may be harmful to you and your baby, especially if you have a problem with opioids. Your provider can help you find treatment and support so you can have a healthy pregnancy.

Travel cautions • Check with cruise lines about their policy on pregnancy • International travel is not recommended after 28 weeks • Domestic travel is not recommended after 36 weeks

WORK Most people can keep working through their entire pregnancy, but it’s important to be careful. Here are some common sense precautions:

WARNING!

• Don’t continue in a job that exposes you to potentially harmful chemicals or radiation • As your pregnancy progresses, don’t lift heavy objects, climb, or stand for long periods • Make time to sit or lie down with your feet up, at least 3-4 times a day Working with the general public exposes you to certain viral infections. Pregnant teachers, childcare providers, and health care providers have a higher risk of exposure

Don’t use drugs or take pills while you’re pregnant. If you have used illegal drugs, including cocaine, opioids (such as heroin or oxycodone), amphetamines, methamphetamines, or club drugs, it is extremely important that you tell your health care provider immediately, so you can get the best care for you and your baby.

Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy

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