Can pregnant women…? 27 everyday questions answered

Key facts

The quick guide

Food and drink

• Prawns and shellfish? Yes, if cooked until steaming hot. Avoid raw shellfish.
• Cold water? Yes. Cold drinks don't harm your baby.
• Ice cream? Yes, if made with pasteurised milk. Be careful with soft-serve from machines that may not be clean.
• Spicy food? Yes. It may worsen heartburn but won't harm your baby or start labour.
• Green tea? In moderation. It contains caffeine (about 50 mg a cup).
• Herbal tea? Limit to 4 cups a day and check unfamiliar herbs.
• Sweeteners and diet drinks? Fine in moderation.
• Papaya, pineapple, saffron, dates? Check our "Can I eat this?" tool.

Beauty and body

• Hair dye? Very little is absorbed. Many women wait until after 12 weeks, use a well-ventilated room and do a patch test.
• Henna (mehndi)? Natural henna is fine. Avoid "black henna", which often contains PPD and can cause severe skin reactions.
• Nail polish? Fine, in a ventilated room.
• Retinoid creams (retinol, tretinoin) and isotretinoin? Avoid. They can harm a developing baby.
• Saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, hot yoga? Avoid. Overheating, especially early on, is linked to birth defects.
• Massage? Yes, with a therapist trained in pregnancy massage.
• High heels? Occasionally. Your balance changes, and flat shoes are kinder to your back.

Travel

• Flying? Usually fine. Many airlines need a letter after 28 weeks and stop at about 36 weeks (32 for twins). Walk around, drink water and consider compression stockings on long flights.
• Zika or malaria areas? Avoid travel if you can.
• Driving? Yes. Always wear a seat belt, with the lap strap under your bump and the diagonal strap between your breasts.

Medicines

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen)? Ask first. It's usually the first choice for pain or fever, at the lowest dose for the shortest time. In 2025 the US FDA asked for label changes about a possible link with autism; ACOG and other medical bodies say evidence doesn't show it causes autism and that it remains the safest option when needed.
• Ibuprofen, naproxen, high-dose aspirin? Avoid unless prescribed, especially after 20 weeks.
• Cough and cold remedies? Many combinations aren't recommended. Ask a pharmacist.
• Herbal remedies? Ask first. "Natural" doesn't mean safe.

Home and work

• Cat litter? Let someone else do it. Cat faeces can spread toxoplasmosis. Wear gloves when gardening.
• Painting? Use water-based paint with good ventilation; avoid old paint that may contain lead.
• Cleaning products? Fine with ventilation and gloves.
• Phones, laptops, microwaves, airport scanners? No evidence of harm.
• Heavy lifting or chemicals at work? Ask your employer for a risk assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• NHS: Is it safe? pregnancy guide
• UK Teratology Information Service: bumps (best use of medicines in pregnancy)
• ACOG: Statement on acetaminophen use in pregnancy (2025)
• CDC: Zika and pregnancy

General information, not medical advice. Medical disclaimer · How we review content

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