Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement, but it’s also a time when women need to take extra care of themselves to ensure the health and safety of their growing baby. There are several things that can harm a pregnant woman and her developing fetus, so it’s important to be aware of these risks and take steps to avoid them.
Smoking: Smoking during pregnancy can lead to a host of problems, including premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which can lead to physical, mental, and behavioral problems in the baby.
Illicit drugs: Using illicit drugs during pregnancy can cause serious problems for the baby, including premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and developmental problems.
Certain medications: Some medications can be harmful to the developing fetus, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking.
Infections: Certain infections, such as Zika virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and toxoplasmosis, can be harmful to the developing fetus.
Environmental toxins: Exposure to certain toxins, such as lead, mercury, and pesticides, can be harmful to the developing fetus.
Stress: High levels of stress during pregnancy can lead to problems such as premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems in the baby.
Poor nutrition: A healthy diet is essential during pregnancy to ensure the health of the developing fetus. A diet that is low in essential nutrients can lead to problems such as low birth weight and developmental problems.
Lack of prenatal care: Regular prenatal care is essential to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the developing fetus. Without proper care, problems may go undetected and lead to serious complications.
Physical trauma: Physical trauma, such as a fall or a car accident, can cause serious harm to both the mother and the developing fetus.
It’s important for pregnant women to take care of themselves and avoid anything that could harm their developing baby. If you have any concerns or questions about what is safe during pregnancy, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
