There are things some women do on a regular basis that may not be appropriate when they’re pregnant.

You’re pregnant.  Can you…?

1. …get a manicure?
Maybe. In and of themselves, manicures are safe. In nail salons, however, there is the risk of infection from instruments such as cuticle clippers and nail files. Some salons also have strong chemical odors from polish, polish remover and adhesives. Consider doing your nails at home. If you do go to a salon, bring your own instruments and look for a salon that is well ventilated. The same applies to pedicures, too.

2. …use a hot tub or sauna?
No. The heat from a hot tub or sauna may affect the baby’s in-utero development.

3. …color your hair?
There is no data linking coloring hair during pregnancy with birth defects or miscarriage. Even so, avoid it — whether at home or in a salon — until the first trimester has passed. It’s during those first crucial months that fetal organs develop.

4. ..use a tanning bed?
While there is no proof that tanning beds may harm a developing fetus, they still should be avoided. Tanning — indoors or outdoors — increases your risk of skin cancer. Additionally, hormonal changes may affect the way skin tans, possibly resulting in large brown patches called melasma. Finally, tanning beds and tanning booths can raise your body temperature, which could be hazardous to your unborn baby. If you must be tan, use self-tanning lotion.

5. …exercise?
Of course! Yoga calms the body and mind — definite plusses during pregnancy. Light weight training (under 10 pounds) will help expectant mommies stay fit. Even jogging is fine, as long as you’re not at risk for preterm labor, placenta previa or preeclampsia. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning or continuing any exercise regimen.

6. …fly on an airplane?
Yes, up to week 36 for domestic travel (sooner for international travel). In your first trimester, you may be more prone to motion sickness. As you approach your due date, you may find the tight airplane quarters — and those tiny bathrooms — awkward and uncomfortable. On longer trips, make sure you reserve an aisle seat so you can stand and stretch occasionally.

7. …drink coffee or tea?
One cup of java a day is probably okay, but keep in mind that caffeine can affect a baby’s heart rate. Tea also contains caffeine, so the same rules apply. Herbal teas are off limits since many herbs are not safe during pregnancy.

8. …paint the nursery?
Probably not. The chemicals and fumes from the paint should be avoided. And climbing a ladder to reach the high spots is definitely not recommended.

9. …get the flu shot?
Yes. If you get the flu when you’re pregnant, serious complications such as pneumonia can put you and your baby in danger.

10. …take over-the-counter medications?
Maybe. Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is generally safe, but aspirin is not recommended. If you take allergy medicines, ask your doctor if it’s okay to continue to do so.

In all cases, women should consult their OB/GYN or health professional to determine their specific risk factors.

Read more about the benefits of yoga at Discovering yoga: Inner peace and strength

Some pregnant women have that “special glow,” while others feel downright unattractive. Your body may feel like it’s out of control, but at least you can keep your hair looking nice, right?

The debate about whether or not it’s safe to color your hair when you’re pregnant has been going on for decades. For many years, doctors advised pregnant women against using chemicals on their hair because of the possible effects they might have on the fetus.

When you apply hair dye, only a small amount is absorbed into your system, so very little - if any - would likely reach your baby. Since 2001, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has given the okay for expectant women to dye their hair.

Even so, it’s still recommended that you take precautions when dying your hair:

• Carefully follow the directions that accompany the hair dye product, including doing a patch test for allergic reactions. Do the patch test EVERY TIME.
• Wear gloves when applying hair dye.
• Do not leave the dye on your head any longer than directed.
• Rinse your scalp thoroughly with water after use, and wash your hands with soap and water.
• Do not mix different hair dye products - ever.
• Never dye your eyebrows or eyelashes. The chemicals can harm your eyes or even cause blindness. (The FDA bans the use of hair dye for eyelashes and eyebrows even in beauty salons.)

To be on the safe side, wait until after the first trimester to color your hair. You may even consider using a non-permanent vegetable dye, such as henna, to eliminate the worry. Or, instead of dyes, consider highlights, which contain far fewer chemicals and little contact with the scalp. Keep in mind that even if you use the same hair dye you’ve been using for years, your changing hormones may cause the results may be different when you’re pregnant.

What did you do during your pregnancy to feel attractive?

Read more:

• Coloring your hair during pregnancy
• Can I bleach my hair during pregnancy?