A healthy pregnancy

Ways to help yourself and your baby

Smoking
What better time to think about quitting smoking than when you are thinking about having a baby or are already pregnant? Smoking poses risks to a developing baby. Every time you inhale, the chemicals from the cigarette go into your lungs, into your bloodstream and across the umbilical cord into the developing fetus. As few as five cigarettes a day can cause problems for your baby. Studies have shown that babies born to women who smoked during pregnancy don't weigh as much as they should.

You also run a higher risk of having your baby prematurely and having a baby who has more respiratory problems. Avoid secondhand smoke and never let anyone smoke in your house with your baby.

Ask your health care provider for information on ongoing group smoking cessation clinics.

Stop smoking tips
The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:

1. Don't smoke any number or any kind of cigarette. Smoking even a few cigarettes a day can hurt your health. If you try to smoke fewer cigarettes, but do not stop completely, soon you'll be smoking the same amount again. Smoking "low-tar, low-nicotine" cigarettes usually doesn't do any good either. The only safe choice is to quit completely.
2. Write down why you want to quit. Do you want to feel in control of your life? To have better health? To protect your family from breathing other people's smoke? To protect your unborn baby? Really wanting to quit smoking is very important to how much success you will have in quitting.
3. Know that it will take effort to quit smoking. Nicotine is habit forming. Half of the battle in quitting is knowing you need to quit. This will help you be more able to deal with the withdrawal that can occur, such as bad moods and really wanting to smoke. There are many ways smokers quit, including nicotine replacement products (gum and patches), but there is no easy way. Nearly all smokers have some feelings of nicotine withdrawal when they try to quit. Give yourself a month to get over these feelings. Take quitting one day at a time, even one minute at a time--whatever you need to succeed.
4. Half of all adult smokers have quit so you can, too. That's the good news. There are millions of people alive today who have learned to face life without a cigarette. For staying healthy, quitting smoking is the best step you can take.
5. Get help if you need it. Talk to your health care provider about programs and services available to help you quit.

Medications
You should not take prescription drugs while pregnant, unless your health care provider says so. Also check with your health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medications. These are medicines you find on the shelf of your supermarket or pharmacy. Though many are safe during pregnancy, some contain chemicals that could hurt your developing fetus.

Substance abuse
Cocaine, marijuana and other drugs can really hurt your baby. There is no safe time in your pregnancy to use drugs. Babies born to mothers who took drugs are born smaller, have serious problems learning and don't grow as fast, or as well. If you are thinking of getting pregnant, do not use any drugs. If you are pregnant, stop. If you can't, call InfoLine at 1-800-203-1234 for information about a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in your area.

Alcohol
There is no safe time when you are pregnant to have an alcoholic drink. And it doesn't matter what you drink--wine, beer or mixed drinks.

Babies whose mothers drink during pregnancy can suffer from a devastating condition called "fetal alcohol syndrome." These children are born with many permanent physical and psychological problems. The children have smaller heads, and their faces may be flattened. Heart problems, kidney problems, and muscle and bone defects are common. These babies don't grow properly, and some of them die a few days after birth.

If you are thinking of getting pregnant, avoid alcohol. If you are pregnant, stop drinking. If you can't, talk to your health care provider or call InfoLine at 1-800-203-1234 for information about an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in your area.

Other resources:
InfoLine
Alcoholics Anonymous

Hot tubs
The high temperatures of a hot tub can elevate your body temperature, doing damage to your unborn fetus. Avoid hot tubs and hot baths while you are pregnant.

X-rays
X-rays can do serious damage to your unborn baby. Tell your physician you are pregnant before undergoing any tests. See your dentist while you are pregnant, but skip the X-rays until after your pregnancy. Ultrasound tests use sound waves, NOT X-rays.

Dangerous activities
Any type of violent activity can put you and your developing baby at risk. If you or someone you know who is pregnant is at risk of domestic violence, now is the time to take action.

Cat litter
Prevent toxoplasmosis, a parasite infection that can cause mental retardation and blindness in babies. It is found in cat feces and also in raw and undercooked meats and unwashed fruits and vegetables. Have someone else change the cat litter, keep cats off kitchen counters, tables and where you prepare food. Cook meats thoroughly.

Maternity Services home page

Last revised: January 30, 2006 (mv)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.