What Not to Do in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, certain behaviors, foods, medications, environmental exposures, and daily habits can pose risks to the health of both mother and baby. This guide explains, in a clear yet comprehensive way, the situations that should be “strictly avoided,” “not done without a doctor's approval,” and “carefully limited” during pregnancy.

This content is for general information only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or individual medical evaluation. Every pregnancy is different. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, a multiple pregnancy, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, bleeding, a risk of preterm birth, placental problems, a chronic illness, or you take medication regularly, the recommendations of the OB-GYN following your care must always take priority.

One of the most common mistakes in pregnancy is taking medication without asking your doctor; another is stopping a regular medication on your own, thinking “I'm pregnant, medication is harmful.” Both can be risky.

Why is it risky?

• Some medications can pose a risk during certain stages of pregnancy.
• For some conditions, stopping a medication can be more harmful than taking it.
• The dose, duration of use, and week of pregnancy all matter.
• Over-the-counter medications can also be risky.
• Herbal products and supplements can act like medications, too.

What not to do

• Starting a medication without consulting your doctor
• Stopping a regularly used medication on your own
• Changing the dose
• Using a medication that worked for someone else
• Taking medication based on social media or forum advice
• Assuming herbal products are harmless

A safer approach

Show your doctor a list of all the medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use. Make any decision to start, stop, or change a medication together with your doctor.

The use of pain relievers during pregnancy should not be brushed off as “just a simple medication.” The type of pain reliever, the dose, the duration of use, and the week of pregnancy all matter.

Why is it risky?

• Some pain relievers can pose a risk during certain weeks of pregnancy.
• Recurring pain or fever can be a sign of another underlying problem.
• NSAID-class medications in particular require caution depending on the week of pregnancy.
• Constantly suppressing pain can delay the recognition of an important symptom.

What not to do

• Frequently taking pain relievers without consulting your doctor
• Trying to manage a fever at home on your own for a long time
• Constantly suppressing a headache, abdominal pain, or groin pain with medication
• Using ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and similar medications without a doctor's approval
• Thinking “it's sold over the counter, so it's safe”

A safer approach

If pain or fever is recurring, severe, newly started, or accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult your doctor.

Processed meat products such as salami, sausages, ham, smoked turkey, cold sandwich meats, and the like can carry a risk of bacteria such as Listeria if they are not stored or heated properly.

Why is it risky?

• Ready-to-eat products consumed cold can carry a risk of bacteria.
• A broken cold chain increases the risk.
• Hygiene can be hard to verify for products sold loose.

What not to do

• Eating cold deli products straight away without heating
• Eating products that have been left out
• Consuming sandwich products of unknown origin
• Buying products with an unclear expiration date or storage conditions

A safer approach

If you're going to eat products like these, choose a reliable source, heat them properly, and pay attention to storage conditions. In high-risk pregnancies, get your doctor's advice.

Vegetables and fruits are important during pregnancy; however, hygiene is very important. Raw sprouts and poorly washed produce can carry a risk of bacteria and parasites.

Why is it risky?

• Raw sprouts can create an environment suitable for bacterial growth.
• Poorly washed produce can retain soil, bacteria, or parasites.
• Infections such as toxoplasma can be linked to soil.

What not to do

• Eating raw sprouts
• Eating unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Quickly rinsing soil-covered produce under water and assuming that's enough
• Preparing raw and cooked foods on the same cutting board

A safer approach

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly; choose well-cooked options instead of raw sprouts; and pay attention to kitchen hygiene.

Caffeine is not completely off-limits; however, excessive intake is not recommended. Your total daily caffeine can come not only from coffee but also from tea, soda, energy drinks, chocolate, and some medications.

Why is it risky?

• High amounts of caffeine can be linked to certain pregnancy risks.
• It can increase palpitations, insomnia, reflux, and feelings of anxiety.
• Energy drinks can contain high caffeine and additional stimulants.

Sources to watch for

• Coffee
• Black tea
• Green tea
• Soda
• Energy drinks
• Chocolate
• Some iced coffees
• Some pain-reliever or cold-remedy products

A safer approach

Think of caffeine as a total daily amount; avoid energy drinks in particular; and if you have palpitations, insomnia, or reflux, cut back on caffeine.

Vitamin A is necessary for the body; however, high-dose vitamin A and retinoid derivatives can pose a risk during pregnancy. In particular, some medications used to treat acne and certain skincare products require caution.

Why is it risky?

• High-dose vitamin A can be harmful to the baby's development.
• Oral retinoids such as isotretinoin are associated with serious birth defect risks.
• Some anti-aging and acne products can contain retinol/retinoids.

Ingredients to watch for

• Retinol
• Retinal
• Retinoid
• Tretinoin
• Adapalene
• Isotretinoin
• High-dose supplements containing vitamin A/retinol
• Cod liver oil
• Liver and liver products

What not to do

• Using acne medication without consulting your doctor
• Applying skincare products containing retinol without checking them
• Stacking multiple multivitamins or supplements on top of one another
• Thinking “skincare products are applied externally, so it doesn't matter”

A safer approach

All skincare products and supplements used during pregnancy should be reviewed with your doctor or pharmacist. Don't use products whose ingredients you're not sure about.

Being “natural” does not mean something is safe. Herbal teas, cleanses, detox products, and social media recipes can pose a risk during pregnancy.

Why is it risky?

• It can affect uterine contractions.
• It can affect blood pressure or blood sugar.
• It can interact with medications.
• It can put a strain on the liver or kidneys.
• Its contents and dosage can be unclear.

What not to do

• Drinking slimming tea
• Doing a detox
• Following herbal cleanses seen on social media
• Using herbal capsules or drops
• Buying products labeled “for pregnant women” without a doctor's approval
• Stacking supplements on top of one another

A safer approach

Herbal products should be thought of just like medications and should not be used without a doctor's approval.

If you ran regularly before pregnancy and your pregnancy is low-risk, you can generally continue. However, this is not the time to suddenly start intense running or heavy exercise.

Why is it risky?

• Running is not recommended in high-risk pregnancies (such as placenta previa, preeclampsia, a risk of preterm birth, or a short cervix).
• The joints, which loosen during pregnancy, increase the risk of injury.
• New and intense exercise can create sudden strain.

What not to do

• Suddenly starting intense exercise you haven't done before
• Running in a high-risk pregnancy without consulting your doctor
• Continuing despite bleeding, dizziness, cramping, or a gush of fluid

A safer approach

Make the decision to continue or start running together with your doctor. If you're just starting out, begin with low-risk activities like gentle walking; hydrate well and avoid excessive heat.

Prenatal massage is generally considered safe in the second and third trimesters when performed by a practitioner trained in this area. Many places prefer to avoid it in the first trimester as a precaution. There is no evidence that massage causes miscarriage.

Why is it risky?

• Lying on your back or stomach for a long time can be uncomfortable; the position should be on your side.
• If there is a risk of varicose veins or clots in the legs, deep pressure can be harmful.
• Untrained practice and careless pressure points are not appropriate.

What not to do

• Getting a massage at a place with no prenatal massage experience
• Getting deep pressure when there is a risk of varicose veins/clots in the legs
• Being massaged on your back or stomach for a long time

A safer approach

If you're going to get a massage, choose a practitioner experienced in prenatal massage and inform your doctor.

Especially in the later weeks of pregnancy, lying on your back for a long time or exercising in this position can cause discomfort for some expectant mothers.

Why is it risky?

• The uterus can put pressure on major blood vessels.
• You may feel dizziness, nausea, or faintness.
• A drop in blood pressure may be felt.

What not to do

• Exercising on your back for a long time in the later weeks
• Staying in the position even though you feel dizzy
• Trying to stay in a position that causes discomfort

A safer approach

When you feel discomfort, turning onto your left side, changing position, and using pillow support if needed can help. If the complaint persists, consult your doctor.

Staying immobile for a long time during pregnancy, especially on long trips, can create problems for circulation.

Why is it risky?

• Swelling in the legs can increase.
• The risk of a blood clot in a vein can increase depending on your individual risk.
• Sitting for a long time can increase lower back and back pain.
• Dehydration can make the situation worse.

What not to do

• Sitting for hours on a long trip without ever getting up
• Not drinking fluids
• Ignoring leg swelling or pain
• Taking a long trip without a doctor's advice, especially in a high-risk pregnancy

A safer approach

On a long trip, it's important to move at regular intervals, drink fluids, wear comfortable clothing, and consult your doctor if you have any individual risk.

Owning a cat is not off-limits by itself. However, cat feces, soil, and raw meat can carry a risk of toxoplasma.

Why is it risky?

• Toxoplasma can have serious consequences for the baby during pregnancy.
• Cat feces and contaminated soil can be a source of risk.
• Hygiene is important after contact with raw meat.

What not to do

• Cleaning cat litter without gloves
• Leaving cat litter for a long time before cleaning it
• Handling soil in the garden with bare hands
• Not washing your hands after preparing raw meat
• Using a board on which raw meat was cut for vegetables

A safer approach

If possible, have someone else clean the cat litter. If you must do it, wear gloves and wash your hands with soap afterward. Garden work should be done with gloves, and raw-meat hygiene should be observed.

Especially if there is a young child at home, hygiene is important with regard to infections such as CMV. Contact with young children's saliva and urine can require caution during pregnancy.

Why is it risky?

• Some infections that are mild in young children can become significant during pregnancy.
• Saliva, urine, diaper changes, and sharing items can pose a risk of transmission.

What not to do

• Sharing the same spoon, fork, or cup with the child
• Cleaning a pacifier with your mouth
• Eating from the child's food
• Not washing your hands after a diaper change
• Neglecting hygiene after contact with nasal wiping, drool, or urine

A safer approach

Wash your hands thoroughly after caring for a young child; don't share cups/spoons; and make hygiene a calm but consistent habit.

Paint, solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, strong cleaning chemicals, and certain workplace exposures require caution during pregnancy.

Why is it risky?

• Some chemicals can affect the baby's development.
• Chronic low-dose exposure can go unnoticed.
• Inhaling intense chemicals in an enclosed space can cause dizziness, nausea, and respiratory complaints.

What to watch for

• Paint thinner
• Varnish
• Paint stripper
• Solvent-based paint
• Pesticides
• Scraping old paint that may contain lead
• Strong oven cleaners
• Mixing products like bleach and ammonia
• Using strong cleaning chemicals in an enclosed space

What not to do

• Inhaling chemicals in an enclosed space for a long time
• Mixing cleaning products
• Working without gloves and without ventilation
• Dismissing chemical exposure at your workplace as insignificant

A safer approach

The area should be well ventilated, gloves should be used, chemicals should not be mixed, milder products should be chosen when possible, and workplace exposures should be discussed with your doctor.

Some infections should be followed more carefully during pregnancy. Fever, symptoms of a urinary tract infection, food poisoning, or prolonged diarrhea and vomiting should not be ignored.

Symptoms to watch for

• Fever
• Burning when urinating
• Frequent, painful urination
• Pain in the kidney area
• Prolonged vomiting
• Prolonged diarrhea
• Worsening after eating suspect food
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Severe weakness
• Chills

Why is it risky?

• Some infections can increase the risk of preterm birth.
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can occur.
• Foodborne infections can have more serious consequences during pregnancy.

A safer approach

If you have a fever, urinary symptoms, worsening after suspect food, or prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, you should consult your doctor.

The idea that all vaccines are harmful during pregnancy is not correct. Some vaccines may be recommended to protect mother and baby; some live vaccines, on the other hand, may not be appropriate during pregnancy.

Why does it matter?

• Some infections can be more severe during pregnancy.
• Some vaccines can provide the baby with protection in the early period after birth.
• Live vaccines may not be appropriate during pregnancy.
• The timing and type of vaccine can vary from person to person.

What not to do

• Refusing all vaccines, assuming they're harmful
• Getting a vaccine based on social media information
• Not getting a doctor's opinion before getting a live vaccine during pregnancy
• Hiding your vaccination history from your doctor

A safer approach

Vaccine decisions should be planned together with your doctor, taking into account the week of pregnancy, your health status, your past vaccinations, and the risks.

Pregnancy is not a time for weight loss. But this doesn't mean you should eat in an uncontrolled and unbalanced way, either. The goal is adequate, balanced, and regular nutrition.

Why is it risky?

• The energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral needs of both mother and baby must be met regularly.
• Extremely restrictive diets can cause nutrient deficiencies.
• Going hungry for a long time can increase nausea, weakness, dizziness, and blood sugar fluctuations.
• Social media diets may not be appropriate for pregnancy.

What not to do

• Following a weight-loss diet
• Eating only one type of food
• Skipping meals
• Going hungry for a long time
• Doing a detox or liquid diet
• Carelessly cutting out carbohydrates, fat, or protein completely

A safer approach

Weight monitoring should be done with your doctor; your eating plan should be tailored to your individual needs. If you have nausea, diabetes, anemia, or excessive weight loss, get expert support.

High blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, anemia, rheumatologic disease, or mental health conditions may require regular follow-up during pregnancy.

Why is it risky?

• A condition left untreated can pose a greater risk to both mother and baby.
• The dose of some medications can change during pregnancy.
• Some conditions should be monitored more closely as pregnancy progresses.
• Missing appointments can cause risks to be noticed late.

What not to do

• Stopping a medication because you think “I'm pregnant, I shouldn't take medication”
• Postponing check-ups
• Not getting lab tests and follow-ups done
• Not telling your doctor about all your conditions and medications
• Neglecting blood pressure, blood sugar, or thyroid monitoring

A safer approach

Expectant mothers with chronic conditions should continue their prenatal follow-up together with their OB-GYN and the relevant specialist.

In healthy pregnancies, sexual activity is usually safe. However, in certain situations, your doctor may recommend restrictions.

Situations that require caution

• Vaginal bleeding
• A water break or suspected water break
• Placenta previa or placenta-related problems
• A risk of preterm birth
• Cervical insufficiency or a short cervix
• Special risks in a multiple pregnancy
• Severe pain or cramping
• The doctor placing a restriction on intercourse

What not to do

• Continuing intercourse while there is bleeding
• Ignoring a suspected water break
• Disregarding the doctor's restriction
• Continuing despite pain or cramping

A safer approach

If the pregnancy is progressing normally, there's no need for unnecessary fear; however, if there is a risky situation, the doctor's advice should take priority.

Travel is not entirely off-limits during pregnancy; however, the week of pregnancy, your risk status, the length of the trip, the destination, and access to health care all matter.

Why is it risky?

• Staying immobile for a long time can increase circulatory risk.
• Dehydration and fatigue can increase complaints.
• There can be a risk of infection in some regions.
• Some travel vaccines may not be appropriate during pregnancy.
• Places where access to health care is difficult can pose a risk.

What to watch for

• Long plane, bus, or car trips
• Regions with a risk of Zika or malaria
• Regions with low food and water safety
• Remote vacations where access to a medical center is difficult
• Travel insurance and maternity services
• Trips in the final weeks of pregnancy

A safer approach

Consult your doctor before traveling; plan for movement, fluid intake, and hygiene during the trip. Travel to regions with a risk of infection should be evaluated separately.

The idea that “dental treatment can't be done during pregnancy” is not correct. Bleeding gums, toothache, infection, or cavities should not be neglected.

Why does it matter?

• Dental infections can lead to pain, fever, and general health problems.
• Gum sensitivity can increase during pregnancy.
• Nutrition and sleep can be disrupted because of pain.
• Unnecessarily postponing treatment can allow an infection to progress.

What not to do

• Postponing a toothache until after delivery
• Ignoring bleeding gums
• Taking an antibiotic or pain reliever on your own
• Not telling the dentist that you are pregnant

A safer approach

Tell the dentist your week of pregnancy, have them contact your OB-GYN if necessary, and plan appropriate treatment.

Emotional ups and downs can occur during pregnancy; however, intense anxiety, depressive symptoms, ongoing insomnia, panic, a feeling of hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm should not be brushed off as “just a normal part of pregnancy.”

Symptoms to watch for

• Persistent sadness
• Inability to do daily tasks
• Intense anxiety or panic
• Insomnia
• Constant feelings of guilt or inadequacy
• A marked change in appetite
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Fear or thoughts of harming the baby
• Completely withdrawing socially

A safer approach

Mental health symptoms are nothing to be ashamed of. Share them with the doctor following your care and, if needed, get psychiatric/psychological support. If you have thoughts of self-harm, seek emergency help.

There is a lot of misinformation around pregnancy. One person's experience may not be true or safe for another person.

What not to do

• Stopping a medication based on a forum comment
• Taking a supplement based on an Instagram/TikTok recommendation
• Following a cleanse that “worked for me”
• Replacing your doctor's advice with social media information
• Wasting time searching the internet for answers when you have a risky symptom
• Refusing medical tests or check-ups based on other people's comments

Why is it risky?

• Pregnancy is individual.
• The same symptom can mean different things in different people.
• Misinformation can delay necessary treatment.
• Social media content is often personal experience or advertising.

A safer approach

Social media should be seen not as a source of information but, at most, as a space for awareness. Medical decisions should be made with your doctor.

Weight change during pregnancy is normal; however, extremely rapid weight gain, weight loss, or signs of an eating disorder should be evaluated.

What not to do

• Weighing yourself every day and raising your anxiety level
• Following a restrictive diet to avoid gaining weight
• Considering binge-eating episodes to be normal
• Considering rapid weight gain and swelling to be entirely normal
• Considering the doctor's weight monitoring to be unimportant

Why does it matter?

• Weight change can be related to nutrition, fluid retention, blood pressure, and overall health.
• Sudden swelling and rapid weight gain can require evaluation in some cases.
• Weight monitoring should be done to track your health, not to judge yourself.

A safer approach

Weight monitoring should be done at the intervals your doctor recommends; the topic of weight should not become a source of guilt or pressure.

Fatigue can be common during pregnancy. However, excessive fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath, snoring, frequent waking, or excessive daytime drowsiness should be evaluated.

What not to do

• Considering constant insomnia to be normal
• Ignoring severe weakness
• Waiting when you have a sleep problem along with shortness of breath
• Using medication or an herbal product for sleep without a doctor's approval

A safer approach

A regular sleep schedule, a comfortable position, and managing fluids and caffeine can help. For severe or persistent sleep problems, consult your doctor.

Prenatal check-ups are not done just to get an ultrasound image. The health of mother and baby, blood pressure, blood values, blood sugar status, growth, the placenta, and other risks are all monitored.

What not to do

• Postponing appointments
• Not getting lab tests done
• Refusing screening tests without understanding them
• Considering the follow-ups your doctor requests to be unnecessary
• Not going to a check-up just because you feel fine

Why does it matter?

• Some risks can progress without symptoms.
• Blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, and growth monitoring require regular check-ups.
• Problems caught early can be managed better.

A safer approach

All check-ups and tests should be planned together with your doctor; don't hesitate to ask questions when you're unsure about something.

Nausea, fatigue, lower back pain, heartburn, and mild swelling can be common during pregnancy. However, not every symptom should automatically be considered normal.

Situations to watch for

• Severe or one-sided pain
• Bleeding
• Fever
• Vision problems
• A severe headache
• Sudden swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent vomiting
• Burning when urinating
• A decrease in the baby's movements
• A water break
• Foul-smelling discharge

A safer approach

If a symptom is newly started, gradually worsening, severe, or just doesn't feel right to you, you should consult your doctor.

Myth: You can't eat any fish during pregnancy.

The truth: Fish is not entirely off-limits. What matters is avoiding high-mercury fish and choosing low-mercury, well-cooked, reliable fish.

Myth: All vaccines are harmful during pregnancy.

The truth: Some vaccines may be recommended during pregnancy; some live vaccines may not be appropriate. The decision should be made with your doctor.

Myth: Dental treatment should be postponed until after delivery.

The truth: Toothache, infection, and gum problems should not be neglected. By telling the dentist your week of pregnancy, appropriate treatment can be planned.

Myth: Herbal products are always safe.

The truth: Being natural does not mean something is safe. Herbal products can interact with medications or pose a risk during pregnancy.

Myth: E-cigarettes are safer than cigarettes.

The truth: E-cigarettes and nicotine products are not considered safe during pregnancy.

Myth: Being active during pregnancy is harmful.

The truth: Risky sports can be harmful; however, with a doctor's approval, appropriate exercise is beneficial in many pregnancies.

Myth: All pain is normal.

The truth: Mild discomforts can be common; however, pain that is severe, persistent, one-sided, or accompanied by other symptoms should be evaluated.

Things to strictly avoid

• Alcohol
• Cigarettes, hookah, e-cigarettes, and nicotine products
• Drugs or recreational substances
• Raw or undercooked animal foods
• Unpasteurized dairy products
• High-mercury fish
• Scuba diving
• Sports with a high risk of falling and impact
• Excessively hot environments such as saunas, jacuzzis, steam rooms, and hot yoga
• Use of retinoids/isotretinoin without a doctor's approval
• Unplanned travel to regions with a risk of Zika or serious infection
• Exposure to toxic chemicals and solvents

Things not to do without a doctor's approval

• Starting, stopping, or changing the dose of a medication
• Using pain relievers
• Using herbal products or supplements
• Getting vaccines or refusing them entirely
• Starting heavy exercise
• Continuing sexual intercourse in a high-risk pregnancy
• Planning long-distance travel
• Changing chronic-condition medications
• Using products containing retinol/retinoids in your skincare

Things to carefully limit

• Caffeine
• Staying immobile for long periods
• Lying on your back for long periods
• Excessive heat and dehydration
• Cleaning chemicals
• Exposure to paint, varnish, paint thinner, and pesticides
• Foods sold loose or with uncertain hygiene
• Deli products
• Raw sprouts
• Poorly washed fruits and vegetables
• Social media advice
• Extreme dieting and going hungry for long periods

• Are the medications I take appropriate for pregnancy?
• Which vitamins and supplements should I take?
• What should my caffeine limit be?
• Which fish can I eat?
• Is there any problem with me exercising?
• Is sexual intercourse safe for my pregnancy?
• Is it okay for me to travel?
• Which vaccines should I get, and when?
• Which medication can I take for pain or fever?
• For which symptoms should I go directly to the hospital?
• When and how should I monitor the baby's movements?
• Is my weight gain within a normal range for me?
• Is there any problem with me getting dental treatment?
• Are the skincare products I use appropriate for pregnancy?

The goal in pregnancy is not to frighten the expectant mother but to help her make safe decisions. Not every pregnancy is the same. For this reason, while general information can be a guide, the best plan should be made together with the OB-GYN or health professional following your care.

If a symptom is severe, newly started, gradually worsening, or just doesn't feel right to you, don't wait; consult a health professional.