Wellbeing is a new health and lifestyle resource, brought to you in association with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a nonprofit membership organization of more than 50,000 obstetrician- gynecologists. Designed for women at every stage of life, from pregnancy and birth, to menopause and beyond, Wellbeing is an essential guide for a healthier, happier you! disclaimerNeither this website nor its contents constitute an explicit or implied endorsement by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), or by Boston Hannah International (BHI), of the products or services mentioned in advertising or editorial content. The editorial content on this website does not necessarily represent policies or recommendations by ACOG. This website is not intended to be exhaustive. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, neither ACOG, nor BHI shall have any liability for errors or omissions. Readers who have questions should consult their health care providers or other competent sources of information and guidance. |
Pregnancy & Birth what to avoid during pregnancyWhat to avoid during pregnancy
Once you become pregnant, a healthy, balanced lifestyle is important for both you and your baby. We explain why alcohol, drugs and smoking should be avoided during your pregnancy.Precautions…Be sure to talk to your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines before you take them. Some medications can be harmful to your baby. One of the best things you can do for your baby is to take care of yourself while you're pregnant. From the first week of your pregnancy to the last, you should eat a balanced, healthy diet, get plenty of rest and make regular visits to your doctor. There are also several things that you should not do–and they're just as important to your growing baby as the things you should do. Avoid alcoholDrinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm your baby. It can cause both physical and mental birth defects, as well as low birth weight and preterm labor. It can also cause fetal alcohol syndrome, the most serious alcohol-related birth defect. While fetal alcohol syndrome usually results from heavy drinking, occasional drinking can also put your baby at risk. There's no "safe" amount of alcohol you can drink while you're pregnant, so the best thing you can do for your baby is not drink any alcohol at all. Did you know?If you drink while you are pregnant, your child may be at risk for:
Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smokeWhen you smoke, it decreases the oxygen supply to your baby. This can slow down the baby's growth. It can also lead to preterm birth, low birth weight and stillbirth. Babies born to women who smoke are also at greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma and upper respiratory infections. Don't use illegal drugsIllegal drugs, such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin and crystal meth, can cause preterm birth, low birth weight, failure to thrive, and behavioral and learning disabilities in your baby. A baby can also be addicted to the drug when he or she is born, requiring your baby to have a painful withdrawal in the first few days of life. Anything else?By being as healthy as possible during your pregnancy, you're giving your baby the best start in life. If you are having trouble quitting any of these harmful habits, talk to your doctor about getting some help. There's never been a better time to stop! Related articles |
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