Many factors affect the development of a fetus into
a healthy child, some which are beyond your control and others that are
within your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancy risk
factors that can be controlled or influenced:
1. Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for your baby
as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen that the
baby receives and increases the risk of miscarriage, bleeding, and
morning sickness. Chemicals inhaled while smoking may lead to other
health problems with the baby. Reduced birth weight, premature birth,
increased risk of SIDS, and stillbirth are other possible consequences.
Pregnant women should also avoid second hand smoke.
2. Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, including
symptoms like low birth weight, medical problems, and behavior
abnormalities. As soon as you know you are pregnant, stop drinking. For
more detailed information on problems that can be caused by alcohol,
visit http://www.nofas.org.
3. Caffeine - There are many conflicting studies about caffeine and
pregnancy and some believe that caffeine is not as harmful as it was
once thought to be. Nevertheless, the FDA warns against caffeine
consumption during pregnancy and suggests quitting or reducing
consumption at the very least. Caffeine has been shown to affect fetal
heart rates and awake time (fetuses grow when sleeping). Decaffeinated
coffee can also be harmful since producers often add additional
chemicals to remove the caffeine. Caffeine can also increase risk of
stretch marks. Suddenly quitting coffee intake can cause headaches; so
most experts recommend gradually reducing the amount consumed.
4. Drugs and Herbal Remedies - Always be careful about drugs or
herbal remedies that are not prescribed by a doctor. These substances
may affect the development of your unborn child.
5. Nutrition - Good nutrition is crucial to a developing child,
particularly getting enough folic acid. Lack of folic acid can cause
birth defects. At least 400-1000 micrograms of this B vitamin is
suggested (about ten times more if you've already had a child with
neural tube birth defects) starting one month before pregnant and
throughout the entire pregnancy. Leafy vegetables, orange juice, and
beans are some natural sources of folic acid. Many stores sell vitamins
with folic acid.
6. Exercise - Moderate exercise is helpful as it improves the
mother's mental state and can increase oxygen flow to the fetus.
However, over-exertion can be dangerous. Most experts recommend reducing
your exercise intensity during pregnancy. Activities like walking,
swimming, and yoga are popular for pregnant women.
7. Prenatal Care - Regular doctor visits are important to your
baby's development. The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy.
Some side effects may be completely normal, whereas other may not.
Regular monitoring by a professional will help ensure that your baby
will be born healthy.
8. Multiple sex partners - Multiple sex partners can increase risk
of STD's, which in turn may lead to birth and pregnancy complications,
like low birth weight or premature birth.
9. Exposure to chemicals - During pregnancy, reduce exposure to
unnatural chemicals, particularly pesticides in food. Many people now
eat organic produce, which is grown without chemicals. The simplest
precaution to take before consuming vegetables or fruits is to wash them
thoroughly. Also, removing the outer surface of vegetables can be
helpful since most pesticides will rest on the outside of the vegetable
or fruit.
10. Other factors - Many other factors can affect fetal development,
including heart disease, the mother's age (before 15 years and after 35
years is riskier), asthma, excessive stress or depression, diseases,
and bleeding. Consult your physician if you are affected by any of these
conditions.
