How Our Safety Scoring Works
Safe Maternity uses a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to evaluate the safety of foods, medications, and activities during pregnancy. Our algorithm combines multiple data sources and medical research to provide you with reliable safety assessments.
Key Principle: When medical evidence conflicts, we always err on the side of caution to protect you and your baby. A higher safety score means more potential risk.
Our Algorithm Process
Every safety assessment follows a rigorous multi-step evaluation process:
1
Query Analysis
We identify the specific item, medication, or activity you're asking about, including brand names, ingredients, and contexts.
2
Database Lookup
We search our comprehensive database of over 10,000 items with pre-calculated safety scores based on medical literature.
3
AI Analysis
For items not in our database, our AI analyzes current medical research, FDA guidelines, and clinical studies in real-time.
4
Risk Factor Evaluation
We assess multiple risk factors including trimester-specific concerns, dosage considerations, and individual health conditions.
5
Safety Score Generation
A final score from 1-10 is calculated, with clear explanations and practical recommendations provided.
Our Trusted Data Sources
We aggregate information from the most authoritative medical sources worldwide:
🏥
Mayo Clinic
Comprehensive pregnancy guidelines and medication safety databases
🔬
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Clinical practice guidelines and committee opinions on pregnancy safety
💊
FDA Pregnancy Categories
Official drug safety classifications and pregnancy exposure registries
📚
PubMed/MEDLINE
Peer-reviewed medical research and clinical studies
🌍
World Health Organization (WHO)
Global health recommendations and safety guidelines
🏛️
CDC Guidelines
Disease prevention and health promotion during pregnancy
What We Evaluate
Our database covers all aspects of pregnancy safety:
🍔
Foods & Beverages
Raw fish, deli meats, caffeine, herbs, and more
💊
Medications
OTC drugs, prescriptions, supplements, vitamins
🏃♀️
Activities
Exercise, travel, beauty treatments, household tasks
🧪
Chemicals
Cleaning products, cosmetics, workplace exposures
🌿
Natural Remedies
Essential oils, herbal teas, alternative therapies
🦠
Infections
Vaccines, illness risks, prevention strategies
Special Considerations in Our Algorithm
Trimester-Specific Assessments
Safety can vary throughout pregnancy. Our algorithm considers:
- First Trimester (Weeks 1-13): Critical organ development period with highest sensitivity
- Second Trimester (Weeks 14-27): Generally safer period with continued growth
- Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40): Focus on labor preparation and delivery concerns
Individual Risk Factors
Premium users can input personal health information for customized assessments based on:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Previous pregnancy complications
- Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
- Age-related risk factors
- Medication interactions
Dosage and Frequency
Many substances are safe in moderation but risky in excess. We evaluate:
- Recommended daily limits
- Cumulative exposure effects
- Timing and duration of exposure
Quality Assurance
📅 Daily Updates: Our database is updated daily with the latest medical research and FDA announcements to ensure you always have access to current information.
Medical Review Process
All safety scores and recommendations undergo:
- Initial AI analysis based on medical literature
- Cross-referencing with multiple authoritative sources
- Regular audits by healthcare professionals
- Continuous feedback integration from user reports
- Quarterly comprehensive database reviews
Transparency Commitment
For every safety assessment, we provide:
- Clear risk score with visual indicators
- Detailed explanation of why something received its score
- Specific trimester considerations when applicable
- Practical alternatives for high-risk items
- Links to primary sources and medical studies
Important Limitations
While our algorithm is comprehensive and evidence-based, it's important to understand:
⚠️ Not a Replacement for Medical Advice: Safe Maternity provides educational information based on general medical guidelines. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice, especially for:
- Prescription medication changes
- Chronic health conditions
- Unusual symptoms or concerns
- High-risk pregnancies
Algorithm Limitations
- Individual Variations: Every pregnancy is unique, and individual responses may vary
- Emerging Research: New studies may change recommendations over time
- Complex Interactions: Multiple exposures or conditions may interact in ways not fully captured
- Regional Differences: Some recommendations may vary by country or healthcare system
Questions or Feedback?
We're constantly improving our algorithm based on user feedback and the latest medical research.
- Report an Issue: If you believe a safety score is incorrect, please let us know
- Suggest Improvements: We welcome suggestions for new features or data sources
- Medical Professional? We'd love to collaborate with healthcare providers
Contact us at: safety@safe-maternity.com
