Fish including flounder, haddock, salmon, tilapia, trout, and canned tuna are safe to eat two to three times a week during pregnancy. Other types, including bluefish, carp, and halibut are also safe, but should be limited to one serving per week. For a complete list of fish that are safe to eat during pregnancy and those that should be avoided, visit the Environmental Protection Agency or Food and Drug Administration websites.
Fact or Fiction:
I Can’ t Travel During Pregnancy Traveling is generally safe up to the early or midpoint of the third trimester.“ As you get further along, every pregnancy is at risk for complications such as premature labor, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure. In those circumstances, it’ s probably better for you to be close to your local provider in case there are any complications,” Dr. Speer says.
Travel recommendations may also depend on your medical and obstetric history.“ If you have a history of premature delivery or other pregnancy complications, then travel may not be recommended even in the second trimester,” Dr. Speer says.
When traveling for long periods of time, whether in a car or in a plane, it’ s important to get up and move around periodically to decrease the risk of developing blood clots in the legs. Dr. Speer also advises staying hydrated and doing prior research to locate hospitals that care for pregnant patients along your route or near your destination, just in case.
Fact or Fiction:
Spicy Food Can Kick Start Labor According to Dr. Speer, there is no data to suggest spicy food will cause pregnant patients to go into labor. However, there may be another reason to avoid spicy food while pregnant.
“ Many patients complain of heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy, which is caused by increased acid production,” Dr. Speer says.“ If you add spicy food on top of that, sometimes it can really disrupt your GI tract and result in pretty significant heartburn and indigestion.”
For more information about maternal fetal medicine services at UPMC Magee-Womens in Erie, call 814-877-8950.
Scan the code to view a list of women’ s health providers in Erie and schedule an appointment.