Remember the pre-pregnancy days when a trip to the colorist didn’t leave you wondering whether you’ll have a child with a low IQ? Pregnancy made you question every move with its endless list of restrictions. Perhaps the last nine months felt like a pseudo prison sentence and you’re ready to rip the rules to shreds.
Can you? We got the facts from Shawn A. Tassone, M.D., board certified Ob-Gyn in Tuscon, Arizona, and author of Hands Off My Belly!.
Some researchers believe that coloring hair during pregnancy can stump neurological developments.
Break the Rules … Now!
Go ahead, take care of your roots. Even if you’re breastfeeding, don’t worry about hair dye, says Tassone. While you’re at it, stop in for a mani/pedi. You deserve it.
Yogis should avoid twists, inverted poses and movement that can compress the belly. Weight lifters need to add some movement to their routine to ensure proper circulation.
Break the Rules … As soon as possible
You want that baby weight gone pronto! Listen to your body and exercise when you feel comfortable. No need to sign up for a marathon – start with easy movements, then tackle your favorite activity – be it yoga or rock-climbing. Plus, breaking a sweat can curb the risk for postpartum depression.
Consuming alcohol while pregnant can lead to miscarriage, birth defects, emotional problems, and premature birth.
Break the Rules … After at least 2 months
Not breastfeeding? Cheers to your new addition!
Pumping milk? Wait to sip. Your diet is reflective of breast milk composition and drinking alcohol will result in boozy milk. In the first two months, your baby’s liver may have trouble processing such a concoction. To be on the safe side, don’t uncork right away. “If you want to be a purist, don’t drink alcohol while breastfeeding,” says Tassone.
Sexual activity is not restricted during pregnancy, in fact, it is encouraged.
Break the Rules … About 6 weeks
Once your vagina goes through childbirth, it might not want to play, at least not right away. “Universally, it is recommended that you wait six weeks,” says Tassone. Most likely, the magic number comes from the time it takes a perineal tear or episiotomy to heal, six to eight weeks. Most couples do not wait that long, adds Tassone. Pay attention to your body, if you are still bleeding in the postpartum period, you risk a uterine infection.
Can cause salmonella and bacteria contamination.
Break the Rules … After you’re done breastfeeding
“The risk of eating raw foods, like sushi, while breastfeeding is that you might become ill and not able to care for your infant,” advises Tasson. “This also applies to unpasteurized foods, such as brie cheese.” Overall, there are no specific food restrictions while breastfeeding. Monitor junior’s reaction to your diet – a fussy baby may mean that you should lay off the nachos.
Although research shows that minimal caffeine consumption, less than 200 milligrams a day, won’t increase risks for miscarriage or preterm birth – but some moms-to-be still play it safe.
Break the Rules… After you’re done breastfeeding
Just like alcohol, caffeine makes its way into your breast milk; it’s a good idea to keep your coffee habit in check. Pay attention to your baby’s mood even if you down drinks low in caffeine, like green tea.
Prescription, OTC drugs and herbs may interact with development.
Break the Rules … Post Ob-Gyn and pediatrician visit
Medicine can do funky things to your body. Consult a doctor before ingesting drugs; i.e. oral contraceptives containing estrogen can decrease the amount of breast milk produced, says Tasson. Try a progesterone-only birth control pill.
Yelena Moroz is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer.
