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10 Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman
Should be Aware Of
Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthy
child, some which are beyond your control and others that are
within your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancy
risk factors that can be controlled or influenced:
1. Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for your
baby as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of
oxygen that the baby receives and increases the risk of
miscarriage, bleeding, and morning sickness. Chemicals inhaled
while smoking may lead to other health problems with the baby.
Reduced birth weight, premature birth, increased risk of SIDS,
and stillbirth are other possible consequences. Pregnant women
should also avoid second hand smoke.
2. Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, including
symptoms like low birth weight, medical problems, and behavior
abnormalities. As soon as you know you are pregnant, stop
drinking. For more detailed information on problems that can be
caused by alcohol, visit http://www.nofas.org
3. Caffeine - There are many conflicting studies about caffeine
and pregnancy and some believe that caffeine is not as harmful as
it was once thought to be. Nevertheless, the FDA warns against
caffeine consumption during pregnancy and suggests quitting or
reducing consumption at the very least. Caffeine has been shown
to affect fetal heart rates and awake time (fetuses grow when
sleeping). Decaffeinated coffee can also be harmful since
producers often add additional chemicals to remove the caffeine.
Caffeine can also increase risk of stretch marks. Suddenly
quitting coffee intake can cause headaches; so most experts
recommend gradually reducing the amount consumed.
4. Drugs and Herbal Remedies - Always be careful about drugs or
herbal remedies that are not prescribed by a doctor. These
substances may affect the development of your unborn child.
5. Nutrition - Good nutrition is crucial to a developing child,
particularly getting enough folic acid. Lack of folic acid can
cause birth defects. At least 400-1000 micrograms of this B
vitamin is suggested (about ten times more if you've already had
a child with neural tube birth defects) starting one month before
pregnant and throughout the entire pregnancy. Leafy vegetables,
orange juice, and beans are some natural sources of folic acid.
Many stores sell vitamins with folic acid.
6. Exercise - Moderate exercise is helpful as it improves the
mother's mental state and can increase oxygen flow to the fetus.
However, over-exertion can be dangerous. Most experts recommend
reducing your exercise intensity during pregnancy. Activities
like walking, swimming, and yoga are popular for pregnant women.
7. Prenatal Care - Regular doctor visits are important to your
baby's development. The body undergoes many changes during
pregnancy. Some side effects may be completely normal, whereas
other may not. Regular monitoring by a professional will help
ensure that your baby will be born healthy.
8. Multiple sex partners - Multiple sex partners can increase
risk of STD's, which in turn may lead to birth and pregnancy
complications, like low birth weight or premature birth.
9. Exposure to chemicals - During pregnancy, reduce exposure to
unnatural chemicals, particularly pesticides in food. Many people
now eat organic produce, which is grown without chemicals. The
simplest precaution to take before consuming vegetables or fruits
is to wash them thoroughly. Also, removing the outer surface of
vegetables can be helpful since most pesticides will rest on the
outside of the vegetable or fruit.
10. Other factors - Many other factors can affect fetal
development, including heart disease, the mother's age (before 15
years and after 35 years is riskier), asthma, excessive stress or
depression, diseases, and bleeding. Consult your physician if you
are affected by any of these conditions.
Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother
topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more articles by this
author, visit My Baby Shower Favors
http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com
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