In these modern times, we often worry whether the air we are inhaling is pure, the food we are eating is non-contaminated, the water we are drinking is safe etc.

We think over many health-related problems and want to ensure that we do not suffer from them. And when it is about pregnancy, such types of health-related issues can be nerve-wracking. Throughout pregnancy, an expectant mother is prone to various types of infections. There are also some external factors that might lead to pregnancy complications, but in general, what that matters the most is the lifestyle of the woman. Alcohol consumption, smoking, drugs, and caffeine are some lifestyle-related factors that can cause a lot of disturbances.

Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy, can lead to serious obstetrical complications, such as foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Infants who suffer from this condition are born undersized, generally mentally deficient, with many deformities - mainly of the head, heart, limbs, face, and central nervous system. They also suffer a high mortality rate. The sooner an expectant woman realizes this fact and stops drinking, the less is the risk for her baby. The amount of alcohol is actually important in determining whether drinking can pose risks. Although some women consume moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy, and still give birth to a healthy baby, there is no assurance that this is a wise practice.

It is a well-known fact that “cigarette smoking is injurious to health.” In pregnancy, smoking, particularly beyond the third month, is hazardous. When a pregnant woman smokes, the foetus is confined to a smoke-filled womb. It cannot breathe due to insufficient oxygen and its heartbeat speeds up. Smoking can result in miscarriage as well as lead to several pregnancy complications, such as vaginal bleeding, abnormal placental implantation, premature membrane rupture, and premature delivery of the baby. If an expectant mother smokes, the baby’s development in the uterus is also affected. These children are more inclined to smoking themselves and also face a higher risk of cancer. The effects of tobacco use are also dose-related. For a pregnant woman, it is very important to quit smoking in the first trimester itself - to give the baby, a healthy and smoke-free environment inside the uterus.

Use of drug, such as cocaine, can be catastrophic during pregnancy. It not only crosses the placenta, but can damage it too. This can reduce the blood flow to the fetus and restrict growth. It can also lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, as well as serious long-term problems, such as excessive crying, neurological and behavioural problems, and motor development deficiencies.

Any pregnant woman, who has any of the above addictions, should tell the whole truth to her practitioner in the first or second visit. Your practitioner will then help you develop a healthier lifestyle so as to ensure a safe and healthy delivery for your baby.