Avoid phthalates during pregnancy. This family of endocrine-disrupting plasticizers is associated with altered male reproductive development (reduced anogenital distance) and neurodevelopmental effects…

Avoid pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) in the first trimester and in anyone with hypertension. It's a vasoconstrictor that may reduce uterine blood flow. Older…

When you're expecting, it's best to avoid raw or undercooked eggs due to the risk of Salmonella. This includes foods that might…

Raw fish, often enjoyed in sushi and sashimi, carries a risk of foodborne illnesses like listeria and salmonella. For this reason, SafeMom…

When you're expecting, it's best to avoid raw sprouts like alfalfa, bean, and clover sprouts. The warm, humid conditions where sprouts grow…

When you're expecting, it's widely recommended to avoid retinoids in your skincare routine. While they're fantastic for skin, the precautionary principle is…

Avoid topical retinol during pregnancy. Vitamin A derivatives are precautionarily paused because related oral retinoids are proven teratogens — and pregnancy-safe alternatives…

Avoid retinyl palmitate during pregnancy. It’s a vitamin A ester that converts to retinol (and then to retinoic acid) in the skin…

Avoid tretinoin during pregnancy. Case reports of retinoid embryopathy after topical use have been published; dermatology consensus is to discontinue tretinoin before…