Things to Avoid when Pregnant

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a mom to be should take the best care of herself. This includes maintaining a well balanced diet and keeping cravings to a minimum to avoid gaining excess pounds. Also getting plenty of rest is important, especially for all of those upcoming sleepless nights after the baby arrives. Taking prenatal vitamins and supplements if they are needed are necessary to keep mom and baby's health up to par. There are some activities and aspects of certain lifestyles that should be avoided during pregnancy so that the unborn child is not harmed.

Alcohol, in any amount, should not be consumed during any stage of pregnancy. Babies exposed to alcohol can end up with fetal alcohol syndrome or FAS. This is the worst thing that can happen to a child exposed to alcohol in the womb. It can lead to birth defects and mental retardation. Over the counter prescription medications should also not be taken unless prescribed by your doctor. It is recommended not taking OTC medications during the first couple of months of pregnancy. These are the vital months when the lungs, heart, and the brain of the fetus are still being formed.

While pregnant you should not smoke either. Second hand smoke is harmful to anyone who inhales it. It can cause low birth weight, miscarriages, pre term birth, and death. During your pregnancy you should not smoke or be around people who do. Taking illegal drugs while pregnant is another activity to stay away from. Minor use of illegal drugs can cause long term, devastating birth defects in unborn babies. This includes marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, crack, and other illegal drugs. These drugs can cause low birth weight, central nervous system damage, and developmental problems with learning as the children grow. Babies born to mothers who used drugs also carry a risk of being dependant on that drug.

Other things to avoid while pregnant are consuming too many caffeinated beverages, which can lead to a miscarriage. Some fish, like sushi, cannot be eaten because of the high mercury content. Early in pregnancy exposure of X-rays can harm an unborn child. Household cleaning products, paint thinner, and pesticides should be avoided or be of limited exposure. In addition, cat litter boxes should be cleaned out by someone else while you are pregnant. You and your baby do not need to inhale any of that. While pregnant take care of yourself and use good judgment. It is as easy as that to ensure good health of your unborn baby.