Cigarette smoking by pregnant women is a primary cause of low birth weight. Babies born to heavy smokers can suffer from poor growth in the womb and other health problems such as lung defects, neurological damage, and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Because of these risks, women should make an effort to quit smoking before they become pregnant if they are planning a pregnancy, or as soon as they find out about an unexpected pregnancy. More…
Only a few kinds of foods or food ingredients pose a danger during pregnancy. Some of these can be a safety hazard because of toxic additives or the potential for contamination with bacteria or parasites. Pregnant women need to be vigilant during pregnancy.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can directly interfere with your baby’s development. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a form of developmental impairment called fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). More…