Pregnancy & Product Safety: A Guide to What to Avoid

Categories of Products to Avoid or Use With Caution During Pregnancy

Medications & Supplements

• Teratogens: Isotretinoin, valproate, methotrexate, mycophenolate, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, warfarin, statins.
• OTC/herbal: High-dose vitamin A, black cohosh, dong quai, goldenseal, yohimbe, pennyroyal.
• Always consult prescriber before starting/stopping any drug.

Substances

• Alcohol: No safe threshold – fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
• Tobacco/vaping: Nicotine + toxins → placental insufficiency, preterm birth, SIDS.
• Illicit drugs: Opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis – all pose risks.

Food & Drink

• High-mercury fish: Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, bigeye tuna.
• Raw/undercooked: Meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, sprouts (Listeria, Salmonella, Toxoplasma).
• Unpasteurized dairy/juice: Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter.
• Caffeine: Limit <200 mg/day (≈1–2 cups coffee).
• Artificial sweeteners: Saccharin crosses placenta; aspartame, sucralose generally recognized safe in moderation.

Environmental & Personal Care

• Lead: Old paint, ceramics, some cosmetics (kohl, surma).
• Phthalates/parabens/BPA: Endocrine disruptors; choose "free" products.
• Essential oils: Avoid pennyroyal, sage, wintergreen, clary sage; dilute others.
• Chemical hair treatments: Relaxers, perms – limited data; ventilate, minimize scalp contact.
• Laser, chemical peels, fillers, tattoos: Defer until postpartum.
• Household cleaners: Use gloves, ventilation; prefer vinegar/baking soda.

Guiding Principle

When in doubt, ask your obstetrician or midwife. Risk-benefit is individualized.