Prenatal DevelopmentDo’s and Don’ts

Caffeine

Puts both mother and baby under stress

Reduces blood flow to the uterus, lowering the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

Remains in the pregnant mother and baby’s system longer

Limit the amount to no more than 400mg per day from all sources ( cola, coffee, tea)

Large amounts of coffee ( more than 3 cups) may increase the chances of miscarriage, premature labour, and low birth weight.

Also be aware of Herbal teas! Only some are considered safe for pregnancy.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a small parasite which can infect humans and animals.

Sources of infection include: 1) Raw and undercooked meat 2) Cat feces 3) Garden soil

Always use Precautions....

Wash hands before and after eating and after gardening

Wash hands well after handling raw meat

Avoid eating undercooked meats Have someone else change kitty litter Use gloves when gardening, handling

raw meat or changing litter.

Physical Activity and Exercise

Possible benefits of Exercise during Pregnancy:

Helps prevent unnecessary weight gain It may help control blood-sugar and

high blood pressure in pregnancy Active women report fewer physical

symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, heartburn, leg cramps, varicose veins, swelling, insomnia

Decreases recovery time from delivery It can help with labour and delivery

May reduce the incidence of depression and anxiety and increases self-esteem

Don’t forget your Kegels!!

Smoking and Pregnancy

Smoking and being around second hand smoke during pregnancy can have dangerous consequences for your baby

If you smoke the placenta does not work as well as it should, which causes the baby to get less food and oxygen

It can increase the chance of premature labour and birth

Babies of women who smoke do not grow as well as they should

Smoking in pregnancy has also been linked to miscarriages, low birth weight, birth defects and even impaired mental development.

Why some Babies are affected by alcohol?

1) Amount of alcohol consumed by the mother

2) Gestational timing of consumption of alcohol

3) Mother’s ability to break down alcohol in her own body

4) Individual response by the baby to alcohol

Drugs and Pregnancy don’t mix!

They can cause: 1) Low birth weight 2) S.I.D.S 3) Miscarriages 4) Stillbirths 5) Fetal malformations 6) Mental Retardation 7) Deafness 8) Respiratory problems 9) Prematurity 10) Neonatal withdrawal

FYI

Effects of tobacco smoke 1) Increases the risk of bronchitis by 46% 2) raises the risk of asthma by 43% 3) Increased risk of low birth weight 4) Increased risk of stillbirths 5) Increases risk of lung cancer and heart disease

by 30% each 6) Increases the risk of tonsillectomies by 60-100% 7) Raises the risk of ear infections by 19%