Substances to Avoid

 
Of the many lifestyle changes that are necessitated by pregnancy, the elimination of certain substances from the mother's life is of high priority. Alcohol, cigarettes, illicit drugs, and certain medications are very harmful to the baby's development. It is highly advantageous to cease use of these substances before planning on getting pregnant or, if unplanned, as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. The following section will discuss briefly the effects of the mother's consumption of these substances on the baby.

Alcohol

It is widely known that excessive drinking during pregnancy has devastating effects on the unborn child. It is less apparent what effects minimal to medium levels of consumption have and it is thus best to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy. Alcohol consumed by the mother quickly crosses the placenta, producing the equivalent concentration of alcohol in the baby's blood stream. The baby's developing liver is unable to metabolize alcohol, harming his development and leading often to long term developmental disabilities and mental problems. Many babies born to mothers who consumed alcohol while pregnant suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). This defect is characterized by behavioral, mental, and physical problems that persist through life. FAS babies tend also to be shorter and lighter at birth and throughout their entire lives. They also typically have abnormal features, smaller heads, heart defects, and poor motor control. As well, alcohol consumption increases the risk of miscarriage.

Smoking

Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a stillbirth, miscarriage, premature birth, or an underdeveloped child. Studies have also revealed that babies who were subjected to smoking by their mothers are more likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Illicit Drugs

There are many different types of illicit drugs that can be consumed. It can be said with great confidence that all of these substances have wide-ranging negative effects on unborn children. What is often more harmful to the fetus than the drugs themselves, is the lifestyle that typically accompanies drug users. Usually regular drug users eat relatively poorly and are less concerned with their health and hygiene than non-users. Drug users are more likely to suffer a miscarriage, placental abruption, and preterm birth. Growth retardation, birth defects, and developmental problems are common in babies born to mothers who use drugs.

Prescribed and Over-the-Counter Medication

Medicines can have severe and unintended consequences for the mother and the baby. Thus, both over-the-counter and prescribed drugs should be avoided when ever possible, and unless instructed by a physician. If the mother is taking prescribed drugs for an acute or chronic condition she should continue use of the medication because the effects of going off the medication could be worse then staying on. The mother's doctor may alter the dosage or prescribe an alternative drug that can aid the mother's condition but is less likely to harm the baby.

Although the mother should consult her physician before taking any over-the-counter drug, there are a number of them that are particularly dangerous to the mother and the baby, and require consultation with or recommendation by her physician before use. These include: pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen; cold medicine; antacids; laxatives; and weight loss aids.

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