Staying safe

• Keep away from things that can hurt you or your baby.
• Smoking and abuse can be harmful during pregnancy.
• Stay safe, seek help and ask your provider any questions.

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Is it safe to get spa treatments during pregnancy?

Some spa treatments are safe. Others may be more painful than usual. And some - like mud baths - are a bad idea while you're pregnant.

Any spa treatments that raise your body temperature (like mud baths, hot wax and seaweed wraps) are almost always unsafe during pregnancy. Steam rooms, hot tubs, and saunas also raise your body temperature. They can make you dehydrated and overheated. This can be dangerous for you and your baby. Avoid these treatments while you're pregnant.

Be careful with skin treatments like facials and body scrubs. During pregnancy, your skin changes a lot and may be extra sensitive. Before you cover your whole body with a product, test it on a small area of skin to be sure it doesn't irritate.

Getting your eyebrows done and having your bikini line waxed are usually safe during pregnancy, but they may feel more painful to your sensitive skin.

Is it safe to get or have a tattoo during pregnancy?

It's best to wait until after having your baby to get one. Here's why: Hepatitis B, a dangerous liver infection, and HIV/AIDS are two of many diseases that can be passed along through bodily fluids. This means you can catch these diseases if you get a tattoo from someone who uses a dirty needle. And you can pass these diseases along to your baby during pregnancy.

We don't know how tattoo dyes and inks affect a developing baby. Small amounts of chemicals that might be harmless to an adult can have a much bigger impact on a growing baby.

Most healthcare providers will give an epidural to a woman with a tattoo on her lower back. But they may decide not to if the tattoo is recent and fresh. If you have a tattoo on your back and are considering getting an epidural for pain relief during childbirth, find out what the hospital's policy is before you're admitted.

Is air travel safe during pregnancy?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), air travel is safe for most healthy pregnant women. Most airlines allow women who are up to 36 weeks in their pregnancy to travel. Double-check with your air carrier. Follow these tips:

 

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Try wearing support stockings.
• Take a walk up and down the aisle when it’s safe. It’ll help improve your circulation and avoid [EHP: Avoid or reduce?] the risk of blood clots.
• Stay hydrated, but avoid foods and beverages that may cause gas. Gas in your belly expands at high altitudes, making you feel uncomfortable.
• Always wear a seat belt when seated to avoid injury in the case of turbulence.
• Try getting an aisle seat so it's easier for you to get to the bathroom. Also, try sitting towards the front of the plane, where the ride feels smoother.
• If you're experiencing nausea, talk to your health care provider about taking a preventative anti-nausea medication before getting on the plane.