Pregnancy can bring a minefield of controversial or even aggressive advice about the things women can and cannot do while expecting, often from the moment they conceive until labor and delivery. At PGOMG, we ask our pregnant patients to discuss this advice directly with a physician. He or she can provide the answers you need for specific pregnancy questions.
There are a few questions that we get nearly every day at PGOMG. If your concern isn’t covered here, please contact us to ask any questions you may have about pregnancy.
Can I dye my hair while pregnant?
Dyeing your hair while pregnant is not completely acceptable, but there are ways that women can continue their hair treatment. We understand that women who currently dye their hair will want to continue to do so since hair grows faster during pregnancy due to the influx of hormones. Your provider should be consulted prior to your salon appointment, and he or she may recommend certain color treatments with less chemicals or ammonia-free bases. Most salons are experienced in providing safe hair color treatments to expectant mothers, but you can always call ahead to be certain.
Can I eat fish while pregnant?
If you’re a lover of seafood, fish that’s high in mercury, exposed to pollutants, or raw needs to be strictly avoided. Examples of the types of fish that pregnant women should not eat include:
- Raw sushi and sashimi
- Swordfish
- Shark
- Fresh tuna
- Tilefish
- Certain types of mackerel and sea bass
Please consult with your provider if you are unsure if a certain fish is safe to eat while pregnant and whether the amount you’re eating each week is okay for your baby’s health.
Can I go to the dentist while pregnant?
It depends. Dentists will often perform an X-ray during a routine exam, so it’s important to let your dentist and other providers know that you are pregnant. Your dentist may or may not choose to withhold your X-ray until after you’ve given birth.
Can I have a glass of wine while pregnant?
It is well established that heavy drinking is directly correlated to certain birth defects. However, there is a lot of conflicting information regarding whether or not it’s OK to have an occasional alcoholic beverage during pregnancy. Some sources will say it’s fine to have a drink every once in a while, as long as you keep it to one glass. Others will say that all types of alcohol should be completely avoided. Your alcohol consumption should be considered seriously, so please discuss it with your provider before consuming alcohol while pregnant or planning for a pregnancy.
