pregnancy bump

What's safe and what's not during pregnancy

By Mother & Baby Magazine

Keeping safe

19 February 2008 15:00

Discover the can-dos and must-nots that apply now you're expecting a little one, starting with what's safe...

Cheeses - cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese plus all cheeses made from pasteurized milk.

Coffee - as long as you stick to no more than three cups a day.

Most herbal teas - just avoid those that have unfamiliar ingredients.

Fish - aim for two portions a week, including one portion of oily fish. Tuna is fine as long as you have no more than two portions a week (or four cans).

Spinach - gobble it up! It's loaded with folic acid and iron, both essential during pregnancy.

Bikini waxing - preferable to using chemical creams.

Hair dying or perming - the smell of the chemicals can make some pregnant mums feel nauseous though.

Manicures - many pregnant women find their nails grow much more quickly. But look for a manicurist who uses natural products. Or just skip the polish and have a natural buff-up.

Most cleaning products - furniture polish, scouring powders and glass cleaners are all fine to use, so no getting out of the houswork! Just follow the directions, ventilate the area you're working in, and wear gloves.

Dry cleaning - but to reduce your exposure to the solvents used during the cleaning process remove your cleaned clothes from the plastic wrapper and air them out overnight in a well-ventilated room.

Insect repellent - experts seem to agree that using a bug spray containing the chemical DEET is fine once in a while.

Most sex - if you want it that is!

Facials - although avoid chemical facials or peels.