30 safety answers
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Straight verdicts on food, drink and skincare in pregnancy, with the stated limit and its source, not vague reassurance. Where guidance differs, we say so.
DrinkIs alcohol safe during pregnancy?No. The UK Chief Medical Officers, CDC, ACOG, NHMRC and RANZCOG all advise no alcohol in pregnancy.…DrinkIs coffee safe during pregnancy?Yes, up to 200mg of caffeine a day, about two cups of instant coffee. See what the NHS, ACOG and…FoodAre cured meats safe during pregnancy?The NHS says cook salami, chorizo and prosciutto until steaming hot. Health Canada lists dried…FoodIs deli meat safe during pregnancy?US, Canadian and Australian guidance says reheat deli meat until steaming hot. UK advice differs…DrinkAre energy drinks safe during pregnancy?No. UK, EU, Canadian and Australian law require a not-recommended-in-pregnancy warning on energy…SkincareAre essential oils and aromatherapy safe during pregnancy?Diluted, yes. NHS midwifery guidelines use 1%, one drop per 5ml of carrier oil, and avoid the first…ActivityIs exercise and lifting safe during pregnancy?Yes, and it is recommended: 150 minutes a week in the UK, US, Canada and Australia. Lifting is…SkincareIs fake tan safe during pregnancy?Fake tan lotions are fine - DHA stays in the outer skin layer. The FDA has never approved spray…FoodIs fish safe during pregnancy?Yes, eat fish, but choose species carefully. The FDA and NHS publish different avoid lists and very…DrinkIs green tea safe during pregnancy?Yes, in moderation. Green tea counts towards your daily caffeine limit - the NHS puts a cup at…SkincareIs hair dye safe during pregnancy?Yes. The NHS and ACOG both say hair dye is safe in pregnancy; scalp absorption is under 1% of the…DrinkIs herbal tea safe during pregnancy?Yes, up to 4 cups a day, and no teas with liquorice root. It is the only herbal tea limit any…FoodIs honey safe during pregnancy?Yes, honey is safe in pregnancy and appears on no avoid list, in any country. The botulism warning…ActivityAre hot baths, saunas and hot tubs safe during pregnancy?Yes, up to 20 minutes. A review of 347 pregnant women found none exceeded the 39C core temperature…DrinkIs kombucha safe during pregnancy?No health authority publishes pregnancy advice on kombucha. It is usually unpasteurised and can…FoodAre leftovers and reheated food safe during pregnancy?Yes, if you chill within two hours and reheat until steaming hot, once. But the UK says eat…FoodIs liver safe during pregnancy?The NHS says avoid liver entirely in pregnancy. ACOG recommends it for iron and choline. A 100g…SkincareAre nail treatments, gel and acrylic safe during pregnancy?Manicures are safe. But TPO, a gel photoinitiator classed a reproductive toxicant, is banned in the…FoodIs pâté safe during pregnancy?Shelf-stable tinned pate is a safer choice everywhere. The NHS allows chilled pate before its…FoodAre peanuts safe during pregnancy?Yes. The NHS says peanuts and nuts are safe unless you are allergic. The UK dropped its 1998 peanut…FoodIs pineapple safe during pregnancy?Yes. Pineapple will not trigger labour or cause miscarriage. No health authority in the UK, US,…SkincareIs retinol safe during pregnancy?The AAD names OTC retinol in its pregnancy avoid list and ACOG advises against retinoids. The EU…FoodAre runny eggs safe during pregnancy?In the UK, British Lion eggs can be eaten runny in pregnancy - official FSA advice since 2017. In…SkincareIs salicylic acid safe during pregnancy?ACOG lists topical salicylic acid as usable in pregnancy; the AAD says discuss anything above 2%.…FoodIs soft cheese safe during pregnancy?Pasteurised mozzarella, feta and ricotta are safe. Brie, camembert and soft blue cheese need…FoodIs spicy food safe during pregnancy?Yes. No health authority anywhere restricts spicy food in pregnancy. The only official mention is…SkincareAre sunbeds and tanning injections safe during pregnancy?No. Sunbed UV is a WHO-classified carcinogen, using one before 35 raises melanoma risk 75%, and…FoodIs sushi safe during pregnancy?Cooked sushi is safe in pregnancy. Raw fish sushi is not advised by the NHS, ACOG, CDC, FSANZ or…DrinkAre sweeteners and diet drinks safe during pregnancy?Yes, within the acceptable daily intake, set to include pregnancy. But aspartame is 40mg/kg in the…FoodIs unpasteurised milk safe during pregnancy?No, on raw milk every authority agrees. Raw milk cheese splits them: the NHS and Health Canada…