Octinoxate
Avoid octinoxate during pregnancy. The most-used chemical UVB filter globally, with estrogenic endocrine-disruptor signals in animal and cell studies. Flagged alongside oxybenzone…
Oxybenzone
Avoid oxybenzone during pregnancy. Endocrine disruptor that crosses the placenta. Studies link higher maternal urinary oxybenzone to altered birth weight and Hirschsprung…
Phthalates
Avoid phthalates during pregnancy. This family of endocrine-disrupting plasticizers is associated with altered male reproductive development (reduced anogenital distance) and neurodevelopmental effects…
Pseudoephedrine
Avoid pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) in the first trimester and in anyone with hypertension. It's a vasoconstrictor that may reduce uterine blood flow. Older…
Raw Eggs
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
Raw fish, often enjoyed in sushi and sashimi, carries a risk of foodborne illnesses like listeria and salmonella. For this reason, SafeMom…
Raw Sprouts
When you're expecting, it's best to avoid raw sprouts like alfalfa, bean, and clover sprouts. The warm, humid conditions where sprouts grow…
Retinyl Palmitate
Avoid retinyl palmitate during pregnancy. It’s a vitamin A ester that converts to retinol (and then to retinoic acid) in the skin…
Tretinoin
Avoid tretinoin during pregnancy. Case reports of retinoid embryopathy after topical use have been published; dermatology consensus is to discontinue tretinoin before…