Pregnancy Lifestyle: Risk Factors to Avoid
Even in the early stages of pregnancy expectant moms should be aware of some pregnancy lifestyle risk factors to avoid which may adversely affect the health of their baby. By informing themselves of potential health risks and the problems they can cause, moms-to-be can make lifestyle choices that are safe for themselves and their babies.
Everyone knows that smoking and excessive use of alcohol can be harmful to adult bodies, but these habits can also have a dramatic effect on the developing organs of a fetus. Women who are trying to conceive should try to stop these habits, not only for their baby?s health but also to reduce risk-factors during delivery. A pregnant woman should try to eliminate her exposure to other contaminates as well. These include paint fumes, insecticides, lead paint, and dyes. Many of these items may be potentially harmful to the fetus.
Another lifestyle change expectant moms can make for the better is to start taking particular vitamins and supplements that support fetal development. Mothers who have a diet extremely low in folic acid have a much greater chance of delivering a child with birth defects. Some studies have also linked vitamin B to a healthy infant. By incorporating a variety of healthy foods into the diet during pregnancy and following a doctor?s recommendation concerning prenatal vitamins, a pregnant mom can support her baby?s healthy growth by providing the fetus all the nutrition needed.
Some doctors even feel that caffeine may be detrimental during pregnancy and consider it a risk factor to avoid. Some studies have shown that when a mother-to-be consumes beverages containing this drug, the fetal heartbeat quickens. This is one of the pregnancy lifestyle risk factors which is being closely scrutinized by the scientific community, but mothers may choose to live without caffeine for nine months rather than take an unnecessary risk.
Some doctors suggest a few other changes that can be incorporated into a healthy pregnancy lifestyle. Some say that too much salt is a risk factor to avoid, and cutting back will help control the woman?s blood pressure and reduce swelling. Others recommend an exercise routine to prepare the body for delivery. Women should discuss each of these pregnancy lifestyle choices with their obstetricians, along with any individual history of problems that might exist, such as high blood pressure or genetic weaknesses.
