Alcohol And Pregnancy
If you have been drinking up until the point when you become
pregnant or smoking it is also vital that you stop doing so
immediately. Many women worry that they consumed a few alcoholic
drinks prior to learning they were pregnant. If you are
concerned you should talk with your healthcare provider. Chances
are that everything will be just fine as long as you stop
immediately. At this time there are no recommended safe limits
of alcohol to consume during pregnancy, thus it is best that you
avoid alcohol all together.
Smoking is equally as harmful for a mother during pregnancy.
Smoking can also affect your unborn fetus, potentially
contributing to birth defects or respiratory problems later in
life. Did you know that when you smoke your baby is receiving
less oxygen than they normally would? This can cause your baby
to grow less rapidly than they might normally, and may also
contribute to preterm labor, which can be potentially life
threatening for your infant.
If you are a smoker when you find out you are pregnant, be sure
to consult with your healthcare provider immediately about your
condition. Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop
a plan for quitting that is manageable and something you can
learn to live with during your pregnancy. There are also
numerous support groups available for mothers who are trying to
quit during and even after pregnancy. Remember that the sooner
you quit smoking, the sooner you start providing your unborn
child with the best possible outcome for a healthy and safe
delivery and later life.