What to Avoid During Pregnancy – A Practical Guide

Reviewed by: Dr. Fatimah Khan

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5 min read

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Apr 18, 2025

Congratulations, Mommy-to-be! You are 6–10 weeks pregnant, and your little one is growing rapidly, as is your list of questions. One of the biggest of them all? "What shouldn't I do to keep my baby safe?" Don't fret—we've got you covered. This guide is your friendly, hands-on reminder of things not to do during early pregnancy so you and your baby can flourish.

Avoid Raw or Undercooked Foods

It's time to be particularly cautious with food safety now. Raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and seafood can harbor harmful bacteria or parasites such as Listeria, Toxoplasma, or Salmonella. These can harm you and your baby too.

Avoid:

  • Sushi with raw fish
  • Rare steaks or undercooked poultry
  • Raw cookie dough
  • Soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk (such as Brie, Camembert)

Stick with thoroughly cooked foods and always check labels for pasteurization.

Say No to Alcohol

There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Even a little wine or beer can affect your baby’s brain development. It’s best to avoid alcohol completely to reduce the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).

If you’re used to relaxing with a drink, try mocktails, sparkling water with fruit, or herbal tea instead!

Restrict Caffeine

Your morning coffee is not forbidden—but excessive caffeine can raise the chances of miscarriage or low birth weight. Experts recommend that caffeine consumption not exceed 200 mg a day—that's the equivalent of one 12-ounce cup of coffee.

Also, be careful about caffeine in:

  • Soda
  • Chocolate
  • Energy drinks
  • Some teas and over-the-counter medications

Steer Clear of Smoking and Secondhand Smoke

Cigarettes have toxic chemicals that cut down on oxygen to your baby and make birth defects, miscarriage, and preterm labor more likely. If you smoke, it's time to quit. And don't forget to steer clear of secondhand smoke—it's toxic too.

Need to quit? Call your healthcare provider—there's help out there just for pregnant moms.

Avoid Toxic Chemicals

Your developing baby is extremely sensitive to what you come in contact with. Try to stay away from:

  • Harsh household cleaners
  • Pesticides or insecticides
  • Paint odors (such as oil paint)
  • Chemicals from nail salons such as formaldehyde or pungent nail polish remover

If you have to use something with strong odors or chemicals, be sure the area is well-ventilated, or ask someone else to do the task for you.

Avoid Unapproved Medications or Supplements

Not every medication or supplement is safe during pregnancy—even herbal teas and natural products are not safe sometimes. Always consult your doctor before taking:

  • Pain relievers such as ibuprofen
  • Cold or allergy medications
  • Herbal supplements
  • Essential oils

Use only prenatal vitamins with folic acid, and have your provider recommend any other supplements.

Don't Use Hot Tubs and Saunas

Though a nice warm bath is pleasant, excess heat from hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms can increase your body temperature too much. This can raise the risk of neural tube defects in your baby, particularly in the first trimester.

Then forgo the hot soak and opt for a warm bath (not excessively hot) or a cozy blanket instead!

Restrict Stress and Fatigue

Pregnancy is wonderful but exhausting—particularly in these early weeks. Listen to your body. Rest when you must, and don't try to do too much around the house or commit to too much. Excessive stress can impact your health and the baby's growth.

Try:

  • Gentle stretching or prenatal yoga
  • Deep breathing
  • Napping
  • Saying "no" when you must

Final Thoughts

These early weeks are no joke—your baby's brain, heart, and little limbs are developing! By not doing a couple of things and taking some small steps, you're giving your little love the best head start possible. We've got you, Mama, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/
  2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – Nutrition During Pregnancy https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
  3. Mayo Clinic – Pregnancy Precautions: What to Avoid During Pregnancy https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/basics/healthy-pregnancy/hlv-20049471