|
During the nine months a woman is pregnant, the miraculous growth of a child is taking place. Because your growing fetus has no one else to depend on but his or her mother, it is up to you to protect your baby as much as possible. You need to eat right, take your vitamins, get enough rest, see your doctor as required and most of all, you need to avoid anything that can potentially harm your baby. This is especially important during vital growth periods. Now it is difficult to avoid ALL hazards, but by becoming aware of exactly what to avoid, you can make a greater effort to stay away from what could harm your baby.
ALCOHOL
-Having a drink once in a while has not been proven to be harmful to your fetus. However, frequent drinking or drinking heavily is associated with a number of problems. Since a baby consumes the alcohol as the mother does, the effects on your baby are much worse than on you, the mother, because your baby is much smaller. Fetal Alcohol Sydrome for a baby is what a hangover is to the mother except that the effects can last a lifetime.
EFFECTS-Mental retardation, deformities, death, social or future learning problems
CIGARETTE SMOKING
-Smoking throughout your pregnancy is very hazardous. It has been proven to cause thousands of miscarriages and infant deaths each year. It can also cause many problems during a pregnancy. With each cigarette, smoke fills your womb and your baby can't breathe or escape to fresh oxygen.
EFFECTS-Low birthweight, apnea, SIDS, respiratory disease
SECOND HAND SMOKE
-This can also cause respiratory problems for your baby. It prevents proper lung development.
MARIJUANA AND OTHER DRUGS
-For marijuana, the smoke fills your womb causing your baby to breathe in the drug. Other drugs enter through the umbilical cord and placenta. Since there is not enough research on the effects of occasional drug use, you should avoid it at all costs.
EFFECTS-Similar to those of alcohol and cigarette smoking, babies can be born addicted to the drug taken while in the womb.
CAFFEINE
-This can also harm your baby if consumed frequently in large doses. You should avoid items that contain caffeine such as; coffee, tea, soda, iced tea and others.
EFFECTS-Miscarriage, heart problems, breathing problems.
FUMES
-While you are pregnant, you should avoid any harmful fumes from paint, pesticides, etc. Your baby needs as much fresh oxygen as possible and the fumes could potentially cause brain damage.
EFFECTS-brain damage, learning disabilities
| 
