Pregnancy - 10 Pregnancy Risk Factors That Every Pregnant Woman Should Be Aware Of

10 Pregnancy Risk Factors That Every Pregnant Woman Should Be Aware Of

Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthy child, some which are beyond your control and others that are within your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancy risk factors that can be controlled or influenced:

Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for your baby as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen that the baby receives and increases the risk of miscarriage, bleeding, and morning sickness. Chemicals inhaled while smoking may lead to other health problems with the baby. Reduced birth weight, premature birth, increased risk of SIDS, and stillbirth are other possible consequences. Pregnant women should also avoid second hand smoke.

Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, including symptoms like low birth weight, medical problems, and behavior abnormalities. As soon as you know you are pregnant, stop drinking. For more detailed information on problems that can be caused by alcohol, visit http://www.nofas.org.

Caffeine - There are many conflicting studies about caffeine and pregnancy and some believe that caffeine is not as harmful as it was once thought to be. Nevertheless, the FDA warns against caffeine consumption during pregnancy and suggests quitting or reducing consumption at the very least. Caffeine has been shown to affect fetal heart rates and awake time (fetuses grow when sleeping). Decaffeinated coffee can also be harmful since producers often add additional chemicals to remove the caffeine. Caffeine can also increase risk of stretch marks. Suddenly quitting coffee intake can cause headaches; so most experts recommend gradually reducing the amount consumed.

Drugs and Herbal Remedies - Always be careful about drugs or herbal remedies that are not prescribed by a doctor. These substances may affect the development of your unborn child.

Nutrition - Good nutrition is crucial to a developing child, particularly getting enough folic acid. Lack of folic acid can cause birth defects. At least 400-1000 micrograms of this B vitamin is suggested (about ten times more if you've already had a child with neural tube birth defects) starting one month before pregnant and throughout the entire pregnancy. Leafy vegetables, orange juice, and beans are some natural sources of folic acid. Many stores sell vitamins with folic acid.

Exercise - Moderate exercise is helpful as it improves the mother's mental state and can increase oxygen flow to the fetus. However, over-exertion can be dangerous. Most experts recommend reducing your exercise intensity during pregnancy. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are popular for pregnant women.

Prenatal Care - Regular doctor visits are important to your baby's development. The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Some side effects may be completely normal, whereas other may not. Regular monitoring by a professional will help ensure that your baby will be born healthy.

Multiple sex partners - Multiple sex partners can increase risk of STD's, which in turn may lead to birth and pregnancy complications, like low birth weight or premature birth.

Exposure to chemicals - During pregnancy, reduce exposure to unnatural chemicals, particularly pesticides in food. Many people now eat organic produce, which is grown without chemicals. The simplest precaution to take before consuming vegetables or fruits is to wash them thoroughly. Also, removing the outer surface of vegetables can be helpful since most pesticides will rest on the outside of the vegetable or fruit.

Other factors - Many other factors can affect fetal development, including heart disease, the mother's age (before 15 years and after 35 years is riskier), asthma, excessive stress or depression, diseases, and bleeding. Consult your physician if you are affected by any of these conditions.

About the Author - Criss White

Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For baby shower supplies, information, and more baby related articles by this author, visit My Baby Shower Favors and Babies and Showers.

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

Baby's First Year | Parenting Info | Baby Care | Weddings & Honeymoons | Real Estate Info

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Pregnant? Did You Know You Can Begin Bonding As Early As 8 Weeks Into Pregnancy?
Maybe someone you know has rented or purchased a fetal doppler from one of the online rental companies who offer this service. If so, you may have heard how easy and wonderful it is to be able to listen to your growing unborn baby. The ability to monitor your unborn baby has lent millions of woman welcomed peace of mind during this exciting yet stressful time.Are fetal doppler monitors safe?This is an important question many expecting parents are asking themselves and the answer is yes! For over 50 years ultrasound technology has been used for various purposes in the healthcare industry with no evidence of any ill effect. This holds true to mother and child. The FDA regulates ultrasound technology and has approved the Fetal Doppler for 'continuous use'. This isn't to say you should monitor the hea...(related: Pregnancy)

Problems Associated With Teen Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the pivotal moments of a woman's life but not when you're young with a bright future ahead. Teen pregnancy is one of the most difficult experiences any young woman c...(related: Pregnancy)

Benefits Of Exercise When Pregnant
Exercising during pregnancy is always a very good idea, and the benefits for you are numerous. Exercise will help ensure that you stay healthy and fit. The healthier you are during pregnancy, the less likely you will have any difficulties with pregnancy. The fitter you are, the easier your childbirth experience will be. It will help...(related: Pregnancy)

Extent Of Pregnancy Prejudice
Extent of pregnancy prejudice in Britain's workplacesEach year around 30,000 working women are sacked, made redundant or leave their jobs due to pregnancy discrimination, according to alarming new research findings released recently by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).The research quantifies, for the first time, how many pregnant women and new mothers say they are experiencing discrimination in workplaces across the country.Of the 441,000 pregnant women that are at work each year, the EOC's research report reveals that:? Overall almost half (45%) of women who had worked ...(related: Pregnancy)

When Your Nipples Need Band-aids - A Breastfeeding Problem
In the olden days, mothers were told to toughen their nipples to avoid pain when the baby started breastfeeding. Rubbing with a wash cloth, pumping and even alcohol was once used to toughen the nipples.The number one reason why a woman has sore nipples is poor positioning and latching, not the lack of preparation. Possibly, the baby is not turned toward the mother or the baby's mouth is not over the nipple but on the tip of it. Some babies go on to the breast with a wide mouth. But, throughout the feed, slides slowly down to the nipple.Another reason for sore nipples may be the mom is feeling exhausted and doesn't think she can deal with one more thing, including sore nipples. Pain with latch is not normal and needs to be addressed. The sooner the mother fixes the problem, the sooner she will have pai...(related: Pregnancy)

Is Pregnancy Changes You?
People say pregnancy is a fun and exciting time. Probably they are right, but don't you think that behind the fun and excitement, you also feel the changes in your body. Any woman who has ever been pregnant knows that changes come with the nine months as the "Baby Carrier."What Are Those Changes?Naturally, our bodies change. Our boobs get bigger, our tummies expand and our taste buds become fickle, taking us on...(related: Pregnancy)

After Birth Weight Control
After having given birth; weight becomes a lasting issue for many women.Every year, there are many women who have left over weight brought on by the loving process of pregnancy.Once the baby is born you lose 12.5 - 14 pounds, any weight above that must be taken off by the new mom, if she so desire and if her doctor deems it beneficial for her to do so.Each woman has her own reason(s) for wanting to lose their ...(related: Pregnancy)

Preparing For A Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
WHY LACK OF SUPPORT?Several years ago, ACOG, American College of Obstetrician and Gynecology stated, that the risk of vaginal birth after cesarean poses a threat of uterine rupture and isn't worth the risk to the fetus or the mother. Since then our hospitals and physicians have changed their views and policies. Larger hospitals with anesthesia coverage around the clock are a little more open to the idea of VBAC. Women aren't given the choice if they are at smaller hospitals. Women who are going forward with their decision for a VBAC may find that the biggest obstacle is lack of support from the medical staff.PREPARING FOR A VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER CESAREANFirst of all, know why you had a cesarean the first time. Was the cesarean for failure to progress or fetal distress? The reason behind the cesare...(related: Pregnancy)

Being Pregnant Is Not A Hurdle To Enjoy A Little Romance
Most of the time pregnant women are afraid to have a little romance. Probably they are afraid something could happen to their baby. Well, that's wrong. It is important that you do not ignore your own needs or those of your spouse's during pregnancy. Unless your doctor has warned you otherwise, it is generally safe to have intercourse while pregnant. You will not hurt the baby, nor will your hubby crush it by lying atop you.You probably have a big belly, and difficult to move your body, but being loved is something that will not go away from you. Y...(related: Pregnancy)