--- title: Things to Avoid While Pregnant description: A list of things to avoid when a woman is pregnant image: https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/images/pregnant_woman.jpg --- [![Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists LLC ](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/gray_icon_logo_rainbowburst.png?width=5753&height=3016&name=gray_icon_logo_rainbowburst.png "Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists LLC ")](http://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org) [![Get in Touch](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/246663/0bff5577-1266-4323-bff8-3b920ef8d94b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/246663/0bff5577-1266-4323-bff8-3b920ef8d94b) - - - - ![blog.jpg](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DynamicDreamz/blog.jpg?width=1904&name=blog.jpg "blog.jpg") # Blog ## Things to Avoid While Pregnant July 26, 2016 **by Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists** Posted by [Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/author/worldwide-surrogacy-specialists) on Tue, Jul 26, 2016 @ 12:07 PM [![pregnant_woman.jpg](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/pregnant_woman.jpg?width=770&name=pregnant_woman.jpg) ](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/things-to-avoid-while-pregnant) Most women who recount their pregnancies focus on the joy of feeling life grow inside their bodies. The miracle of human reproduction is a wonder to behold, however it takes some work to get the best result. While there are plenty of things a woman can do pregnant, there are certain necessary precautions she should take. **Steer Clear of Smoking **It is critical you stay far away from cigarettes and secondhand smoke once you become pregnant. Smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, can result in a long list of complications that include, but are not limited to: premature birth, low birth rate, miscarriage, and even SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Please note, an intended parent’s IVF Clinic will require the surrogate to undergo a blood test, which will detect secondhand smoke. **Avoid Cleaning the Cat Litter **Pregnant women should avoid cleaning or changing the litter box. Cats can carry a parasite called toxoplasmosis. This parasite is transmitted through their feces and can cause birth defects. **Avoid Certain Foods **Any pregnant woman or woman contemplating pregnancy should search a thorough list of foods that can be harmful to the fetus. Some foods to avoid include: raw or undercooked meat, raw or undercooked eggs, hot dogs, sandwich meat (cold cuts), raw cookie dough, unpasteurized cheeses, and sprouts. **Monitor Your Daily Caffeine Intake **Caffeine intake should be avoided or significantly reduced during pregnancy. While coffee is one source of caffeine, other culprits to monitor include: soda, energy drinks, tea, some over the counter drugs and, unfortunately, chocolate. Research on the harmful effects of caffeine on a fetus is inconclusive. What is known is that caffeine is a stimulant that impacts the body: acting as a diuretic, increasing the heart rate, and elevating blood pressure. **Do Not Drink Alcohol **Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed while pregnant. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can result in premature birth, low birth weight, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. **Do Not Handle Reptiles **Though not a common pet, reptiles do find their way into the hearts and homes of some. During pregnancy, a woman should not handle a reptile. Reptiles can pass salmonella and other bacteria harmful to the fetus. **Reduce Exposure to Harsh Chemicals **It is easy to accept the variety of chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis. Exposure to common household cleaners, fresh wet paint on office walls and pest repellants are not uncommon, to some degree, each day. While carrying a child a surrogate should take caution to avoid harsh chemicals. **Avoid Hot Tubs, Saunas, and Long Hot Showers **While a long hot soak might sound tempting it should be avoided during pregnancy. Hot water can raise a woman’s body temperature and be harmful to the developing fetus. **There is Still Plenty to Enjoy **There are still plenty of things you can do, eat and drink you just might need to think a bit outside the box to discover new or altered pleasures. If you’re cringing while reading this or any list of pregnancy no-no’s, hold dear the fact that these restrictions cease after nine months. You can do it! The pay off in that sweet, healthy, happy baby will make it all worthwhile.    [![The Surrogacy Dictionary →](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/246663/bdb66c9d-31c5-46f7-a9ec-f56b85ad5531.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/246663/bdb66c9d-31c5-46f7-a9ec-f56b85ad5531)   - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/things-to-avoid-while-pregnant&text=Things%20to%20Avoid%20While%20Pregnant) - [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/things-to-avoid-while-pregnant) - [Google+](http://plus.google.com/share?url=https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/things-to-avoid-while-pregnant&title=Things%20to%20Avoid%20While%20Pregnant) - [Tumblr](http://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/things-to-avoid-while-pregnant&name=Things%20to%20Avoid%20While%20Pregnant) - [Email](mailto:?subject=Things%20to%20Avoid%20While%20Pregnant&body=https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/things-to-avoid-while-pregnant) Search ### Categories - [surrogacy (137)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy) - [worldwide surrogacy (103)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/worldwide-surrogacy) - [gestational surrogacy (91)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/gestational-surrogacy) - [intended parents (90)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/intended-parents) - [surrogacy support (45)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-support) - [parenthood (39)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/parenthood) - [parenting (39)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/parenting) - [gay parenting (34)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/gay-parenting) - [gay fathers (33)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/gay-fathers) - [surrogate (32)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogate) - [gay families (28)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/gay-families) - [international intended parents (23)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/international-intended-parents) - [first time surrogate advice (22)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/first-time-surrogate-advice) - [become a surrogate (19)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/become-a-surrogate) - [surrogate agency (18)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogate-agency) - [surrogacy resources (17)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-resources) - [surrogacy law (16)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-law) - [surrogacy screening (16)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-screening) - [international surrogacy (15)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/international-surrogacy) - [surrogacy matching agency (15)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-matching-agency) - [bringing home baby (14)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/bringing-home-baby) - [gestational surrogate (13)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/gestational-surrogate) - [lesbian mothers (13)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/lesbian-mothers) - [matching process (13)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/matching-process) - [surrogacy agency (12)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-agency) - [surrogacy insurance options (12)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-insurance-options) - [in vitro fertilization (11)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/in-vitro-fertilization) - [surrogate qualifications (10)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogate-qualifications) - [surrogacy agreement (9)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-agreement) - [surrogate screening process (9)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogate-screening-process) - [newborn care (8)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/newborn-care) - [prenatal (8)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/prenatal) - [single moms (8)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/single-moms) - [altruistic surrogacy (7)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/altruistic-surrogacy) - [preparing to bring your baby home (7)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/preparing-to-bring-your-baby-home) - [gestational carrier agreement (6)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/gestational-carrier-agreement) - [selective reduction (6)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/selective-reduction) - [single dads (6)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/single-dads) - [choosing a fertility clinic (5)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/choosing-a-fertility-clinic) - [history of surrogacy (5)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/history-of-surrogacy) - [how to become a surrogate (5)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/how-to-become-a-surrogate) - [celebrities and surrogacy (4)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/celebrities-and-surrogacy) - [preparing for twins (4)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/preparing-for-twins) - [reproductive technology (4)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/reproductive-technology) - [surrogacy compensation (4)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-compensation) - [Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists (3)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/worldwide-surrogacy-specialists) - [artificial insemination (3)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/artificial-insemination) - [commercial surrogacy (3)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/commercial-surrogacy) - [psychological assessment (3)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/psychological-assessment) - [surrogacy costs (3)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-costs) - [surrogacy hospital plan (3)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-hospital-plan) - [c-section (2)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/c-section) - [egg donation (2)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/egg-donation) - [escrow accounts for surrogacy (2)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/escrow-accounts-for-surrogacy) - [financial planning for surrogacy (2)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/financial-planning-for-surrogacy) - [surrogacy expenses (2)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-expenses) - [surrogate compensation (2)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogate-compensation) - [ultrasounds (2)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/ultrasounds) - [embryo transfers (1)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/embryo-transfers) - [surrogacy agency location (1)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/surrogacy-agency-location) - [traditional surrogacy (1)](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/topic/traditional-surrogacy) [see all](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/blog/things-to-avoid-while-pregnant#) ### Subscribe ![](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/DynamicDreamz/footer-logo.png "footer-logo.png") At Worldwide, we operate under the firm belief that every successful surrogacy starts with the right match. Under the leadership of Victoria Ferrara, the founder and managing partner of [Ferrara Law Group, PC](https://www.victoriaferrara.com/), Worldwide is dedicated to helping intended parents of every race, gender, and sexual orientation build their families through surrogacy. #### Our Offices Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists 2150 Post Road 4th Floor Fairfield, CT 06824 100 Park Avenue 16th Floor New York, NY 10017 #### Call Us [203-255-9877 ](tel:203-255-9877) #### Email us [info@worldwidesurrogacy.org](mailto:info@worldwidesurrogacy.org) #### Hours 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM - [![](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/open-door.png)](https://www.familyequality.org/family-building/providers/?utm_source=opendoorprovider&utm_medium=badge) - ![2020-topblogs](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/2020-topblogs.png) - [![200907-GWK-D Proud Partner Badge_round_NV_Gradient](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/200907-GWK-D%20Proud%20Partner%20Badge_round_NV_Gradient.png)](https://www.gayswithkids.com/en/becoming/worldwide-surrogacy-specialists?utm_source=fm&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=proud-partner) - [![](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/AAAA_logofinal2018.png)](https://adoptionart.org/)   © Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists, LLC. All rights reserved.[Disclaimer](https://worldwidesurrogacy.org/disclaimer) | [Privacy Notice](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/privacy-notice) [Developed by Hudson Fusion](http://www.hudsonfusion.com/) #### Follow Us - - - -