Pregnancy usually brings mixed emotions among women. They experience joy at bringing a new life to world, but they realize that a lot of natural changes take place to their bodies which results in anxiety of several kinds. They worry that if they do some things in pregnancy it could affect their babies.

Here are 9 dos and don’ts for pregnant women:

1) Drinking alcohol or smoking: The occasional glass of alcohol will not pose a problem during pregnancy, experts say. But prolonged and persistent exposure to smoke can harm both the mother and baby.

2) Air travel: Airlines restrict travel for pregnant women beyond week 36. Airlines will usually require a letter from a doctor in order to let the mom fly after week 36 of your pregnancy.

3) Wearing high heels: Circulation is compromised during pregnancy. High heels could also lead to a higher risk of tripping or falling.

4) Lifting weights: Be careful not to put pressure and strain on your joints and ligaments, because they are already softened by the pregnancy hormone relaxin in preparation for labor.

5) Exercise can promote a healthy and fit pregnancy, say medical experts.

6) Hair dyeing: Pregnant women can dye their hair using chemical based dyes. Most of the dyes available these days are safer compared to that of earlier. Very little chemical is getting absorbed into the scalp. They are, however, advised to wear gloves and apply dyes in a well-ventilated area.

7) Facials and massages: Lying flat on your back for prolonged periods from around week 20 may limit blood supply to the baby. Also, some of the essential oils used in aroma therapy such as basil, cedar wood, clary sage, fennel, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, rosemary, sage and thyme oils are considered to be associated with uterine contractions.

8) Baths: No infection can pass to the baby as long as your membranes have not ruptured. However, pregnant women are advised to avoid hot baths that make them feel uncomfortable, dizzy or sweaty at any time. These conditions raise your heart rate, which in turn reduces blood flow to the baby.

9) Using microwave or computer: There is no evidence suggesting that exposure to non-iodising radiation leakage can harm an unborn baby.