What to Avoid

Alcohol
The U.S. Surgeon General, along with many other medical authorities, advises that pregnant women avoid alcohol, which is known to cause birth defects and other problems. Consistent alcohol use during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in your baby, a permanent condition marked by lifelong mental and behavioral problems. Refraining from alcohol in early pregnancy is most important as that is when the baby's organs are forming. If you have a problem with alcohol, contact our center for a referral for help; you owe it to your baby and yourself.

Cigarettes
If you smoke, quit now. If you are unable to stop on your own, ask your doctor about strategies for quitting. Low birth weight, premature birth, miscarriage, and other complications are linked to cigarette smoking. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict so that less oxygen and nourishment reaches the baby.

Caffeine
It's a good idea to cut back on your caffeine consumption when pregnant. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, colas, and other products. Be sure to discuss with your doctor how much caffeine, if any, you are permitted.

Medications
Many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescribed medications can harm your unborn child. Immediately discuss with your doctor all medications you are taking. Your obstetrician will give you a list of which OTC's are safe during pregnancy.

Drugs & Narcotics
Street drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, and crack, can deprive developing babies of vital oxygen and nourishment and can cause babies to be born with addictions and/or birth defects. This is a preventable tragedy. If you are taking drugs and cannot stop, contact our center; we can refer you to a place where you can get help for yourself and your baby. More recently, authorities have been attempting to prosecute drug-abusing mothers for harm done to their new infants. Don't risk losing your baby, your life, or you health to drug abuse.

For more information on Drugs, Alcohol, AIDS, or X-Rays and pregnancy, see Special Issues: Prenatal Health Risks.

Other
Avoid raw or not well cooked meat as well as contact with cats feces, which can both lead to toxoplasmosis infection. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, or exposure to illness that could cause a fever. Exercise moderately, but never to the point where your temperature becomes elevated. Avoid exposure to sexually transmitted disease.

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