Pregnancy Risk Factors

By: Jamie Starr

A lot of factors can affect you and the development of your child while he/she is still a fetus. Here a few of the most common factors of risk a pregnant mother should be aware of.

Smoking - the nicotine in cigarettes is not only bad for you, but for your baby as well. Nicotine during pregnancy reduces how much oxygen the baby recieves and increases the risk of miscarriage. Other chemicals from tabacco products can lead to other health problems for baby. Pregnant women should also avoid the second hand smoke, for exposure to second hand smoke is just as bad as smoking yourself.

 

Alcohol - drinking while pregnant like smoking can cause a whole host of problems. For example...low birth weight, severe medical problems, and behavior issues. Pregnant women should avoid all alchohol.

Over the Counter Medicine – it is best to not take any over the counter medicines which are not prescribed or recommended by a doctor. These substances can affect the development of your child and it's better to consult a doctor to limit any risks to your baby's development.

Illegal Drugs – This needs little explanation. Common sense says do not abuse any drugs anytime pregnant or not.

Bad Nutrition - Maintaining good nutrition is crucial for your baby, obtaining enough folic acid in particular. The lack of folic acid can cause birth defects in your child. At least 400-1000 micrograms of vitamin B is suggested during your pregnancy. Green leafy vegetables, orange juice, and the beans are some normal sources of folic acid. Many stores carry vitamins with folic acid.

Exercise - Though moderate exercise is useful, over the top exercise can be dangerous. It is recommend you reduce your intensity during exercise while pregnant. Certain activities like, swimming, and yoga are popular for the pregnant women, but please take it easy and know your limits.

 

Doctor Visits - your regular visits of doctor are important for the development of your baby. The body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy. Some side effects of pregancy are completely normal, while others may not be. Getting regular monitoring and examinations by a professional will help to make sure that your baby's health is constantly monitored.

Chemical Exposure – often times pregnant women may use common household cleaners and chemicals and not think anything of it. You must be aware that certain exposure to chemcials may have an affect on you during your pregnancy. Even foods that may have particular pesticides should be watched and avoided if possible. Wash all your fruit and vegetables throughly and try not to be around household cleaners while pregnant.

 

Misc factors - much of other factors can affect your developing child could be health issues you may have or past family health issues. Be aware of any medical issues from you or your family and report these to your doctor. This may aid your doctor in knowing what to look for (should any issues arise)as he monitors your progress during pregnancy.

Author: Jaime Starr

www.Baby-Skim.com

 

Return to Pregnancy Articles