Expert: Catherine Beier MS CBE - 1/2/2009

Question
Hello. i just found out i am 3 weeks pregnant. i wear very tight control top stockings to work every day for about 11 hrs. Do you think thats harmful at this stage? at what point should i avoid anyhting that is tight on my belly? ever since basically the 1st day of my pregnancy, i've been having real bad lower back pain. i can barely stand straight.can that has something to do w\ wearin too tight cloths? also - i sleep on my stomach only. is that a problem? 1 last question - i drink tap water & did all my life. is that risky, should i drink mineral water?
thank you for your time

Answer
Ayelet,

Congratulations!  To answer your first question, the stockings probably don't pose a problem at this stage, but you will want to switch to regular ones by the end of the first trimester or whenever they become too uncomfortable, if that happens sooner.  

The pain you are experiencing now could be due to the constriction or just normal cramping.


At this point, sleeping on your stomach is not a problem but as your pregnancy progresses, it will most likely be too uncomfortable to do so and switching to your side would be a better option.  Sleeping on your back or stomach later in pregnancy can limit blood flow due to the pressure, so sidelying is the preferred option.  A good rule of thumb is that if it feels uncomfortable, then change position at that point rather than adhering to a certain time frame in pregnancy.  It's common to roll over onto your stomach or back while you're sleeping and then roll back without knowing it, even late in pregnancy without harm.  


For your last question, this really depends on the quality of water you are drinking.  In general, you should be fine.  Studies have found that the quality of bottled water is not much improved from tap water. Depending on where you live, in some areas the water quality is very poor or contains high levels of chemicals, pesticides, etc.  You can contact your local water board to find out the water quality in your area, but in most cases it should be fine. If your area has frequent boil orders for your water, then it's best to stay away.  



Best,
Catherine