Pregnancy is considered a healthy state because a woman’s body was created for it. Women’s bodies are well equipped to provide for and carry pregnancies, and it’s an incredible privilege to bring life into this world. If your pregnancy test is positive, here are some tips for things to avoid during pregnancy to keep you strong and healthy.

1. 1. Smoking – any decrease or elimination of smoking/nicotine is encouraged.
   2. Alcohol – because of the risk of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, NO amount of alcohol is deemed safe.
   3. Recreational Drugs – including cocaine, marijuana, heroin, ecstasy, etc. These drugs increase the risks of severe health consequences and the baby can be born addicted, so it’s best to avoid during pregnancy.
   4. Limit caffeine and artificial sweeteners to two servings/day.
   5. Saunas and hot tubs – the high temperatures can increase risk of miscarriage and birth defects, so they are best to avoid during pregnancy.
   6. Caution with supplements and over-the-counter medications and painkillers – always check with your doctor first because interactions and risks must be considered.
   7. Certain seafoods, including sword fish, mackerel, tilefish, and shark can contain high levels of mercury which can damage a developing fetal brain.
   8. Processed foods (deli meats, hotdogs), unpasteurized foods (apple cider, brie, feta, goat & blue cheeses), raw eggs and raw fish (wash all fruits and vegetables well) should be avoided during pregnancy. Listeriosis is associated with these foods and can be life-threatening to an unborn baby, or cause birth defects.
   9. Cleaning cat litter- a parasite in cat feces can cause Toxoplasmosis.