Alcohol During Pregnancy
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause both mental and physical birth defects in babies and may result in deformities, social or learning problems, and sometimes death. There is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, and it should be completely avoided. That includes the time you are trying to conceive, since many times you may be pregnant before you realize it. According to recent studies, women who drink alcohol while trying to conceive, even in small amounts, may reduce their chances of becoming pregnant. Alcohol-related birth defects are more likely to result from the intake of alcohol during the first trimester, when the brain and many of the baby's organs are developing. Growth problems are likely to result from drinking alcohol in the third trimester. Drinking at any stage of the pregnancy can affect the brain. Drinking alcohol can also increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and stillbirth babies as well as fetal alcohol syndrome. If you are having a problem with not drinking, you should seek professional help.
Tobacco During Pregnancy
Cigarette smoking or any other kind of tobacco use can be very hazardous throughout your pregnancy. Smoking has been proven to cause miscarriages and pre term delivery, as well as infant death. Smoking can cause low birth weight, asthma in infants and young children, SIDS, and other respiratory diseases. People who smoke inhale nicotine and carbon monoxide, both of which can travel through the placenta directly to the baby. This can prevent the fetus from receiving the oxygen and the nutrients it needs to grow and develop properly. Secondhand smoke can be just as hazardous and should be avoided when possible. After pregnancy, it is important to remember that your breast milk often contains what is in your body. If you smoke while breastfeeding, your baby can ingest the nicotine in your milk.
According to the American Lung Association, "Smoking during pregnancy accounts for an estimated 20 to 30 percent of low birth-weight babies, up to 14 percent of preterm deliveries, and some 10 percent of all infant deaths."
It will not protect your baby if you merely cut down on your smoking or switch to lower tar cigarettes. Women must quit smoking while trying to conceive, while pregnant, and while breastfeeding. This can be the perfect time to stop smoking for life and help decrease your risk of developing future tobacco-related health problems, such as cancer and heart disease.
Kicking the habit can take time, so get started well before you begin trying to conceive.