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.
About the author:
About the Author - Criss White
Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother
topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more articles by this
author, visit My Baby Shower Favors ( http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com)
and Babies and Showers ( http://www.babiesandshowers.com).
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