Alcohol

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is one of the major causes of mental retardation in the United States. No one knows for sure what a "safe" amount is and if this "safe" amount would be for everyone. People handle alcohol in different ways.

If you had alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, chances are your baby will be fine. However women who consciously drink while pregnant are causing great harm to their unborn child.

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it quickly reaches the placenta and the fetus. If you drink one glass of wine, beer or a shot of whiskey, your unborn child is drinking the same amount of alcohol. Do not believe the myth that your unborn child is only getting a small portion of what you are drinking.

Alcohol is measured in the blood and is called blood alcohol content. The fetus will have the same blood alcohol content as the mother. For a fetus who is a lot smaller than the mother, this could be a dangerous and toxic amount.

Small amounts of alcohol on a daily basis can cause low birth weight. In later years, the child may have a learning disability.

What is FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)?

FAS occurs when a pregnant woman drinks increased amounts of alcohol during pregnancy. The increased amount that causes the fetus to have FAS may be different for each woman. Some resources have sited that approximately 4-6 alcoholic beverages a day cause FAS to occur. However, this may be a totally different amount for a smaller woman or a larger woman.

The characteristics of a child born with FAS are:

Shorter in length

Weigh less than average

May have smaller heads

May have facial deformities

May have heart defects

May be mentally retarded

Cocaine/Crack

Cocaine/Crack is a very addictive street drug. This drug can cause the mother to not take care of herself or her unborn child. If you are currently using cocaine and/or crack, please get help. Most of the time people who are using this drug do not believe they are addicted or they do not believe that they can stop. You can stop and you definitely are addicted! If you need some persuading in stopping the use of cocaine or crack, just visit your local hospital and ask to see a baby who was born addicted to crack.

Facts about using cocaine/crack during pregnancy:

May cause miscarriage

Reduces the levels of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus

Fetal strokes, brain damage and death is possible

May cause the placenta to tear away from the uterus (Abruptio Placenta)

More likely to have premature labor

More likely to have a lower birth weight baby

This drug is linked to learning disabilities and behavioral problems as the child gets older.

Cigarettes

If you are planning to become pregnant, now would be a great time to stop smoking cigarettes. Women who smoke are usually smoking because they are anxious or nervous. Once you get pregnant, you may be unable to stop because of the extra stress during that time. You may even smoke more during pregnancy.

If you are already pregnant, make sure you try to quit or at least cut down on how many you smoke during each day.

Cigarettes may cause the following things:

Increased risk of a miscarriage (see related topics below)

Low birth weight (increased by 82%)

Death (before or right after birth) increase by 26%

Premature Labor (increase risk by 2 ½ times) (see related topics)

Infants are more likely to develop health problems in the first couple of months after they are born. (Like respiratory problems and ear infections)

Cigarette smoke has been linked to an increase risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) (see related topics)

Newborns may have a lower Apgar score

Increase risk for ectopic pregnancies (see related topics)

Resources on the internet to help you stop smoking:

Stop Smoking

Steps to stop smoking

Vitamins

When you first visit your doctor and discover that you are pregnant, they will prescribe a prenatal vitamin. These vitamins have been specially formulated for pregnant women. It is not necessary to take additional vitamins unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Facts about Vitamins:

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are stored up in your body tissues and can be very dangerous in excess dosages.

High levels of Vitamin A are extremely dangerous and may cause birth defects.

There is no risk in eating a lot of foods with Vitamin A (carrots).

You should not take no more than 4,000-5,000 IU's of Vitamin A (look on the label)

Beta Carotene is the safer form of Vitamin A.

Accutane (Acne Medication):

This medication is derived from Vitamin A and contains high levels of the vitamin. Do Not take this medication during pregnancy. This medication has been shown to cause birth defects.

If you are taking accutane now and plan to get pregnant, stop taking before trying to conceive. If you just found out that your pregnant, stop taking this medication now. You can look into other acne medications that may not present a risk for your baby.

Caffeine

Caffeine can be found in many different things. It can be found in coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and some medications. Caffeine is a stimulant and easily crosses the placenta and gets to the fetus. Research is unsure of what caffeine can do exactly, but animal studies have shown that high levels can cause birth defects.

Things you should do:

Avoid herbal teas because the effects of these are unknown and some have very high levels of caffeine.

Drink decaffeinated (caffeine free) beverages.

If you drink coffee, drink fewer than 2-3 cups daily.

Limit your intake of chocolate.

Safe Medications during pregnancy:

Medications during pregnancy are best to be avoided to prevent any complications with the developing baby. However, women during pregnancy are not exempt from having pain and sometimes needing medication. You should always consult your doctor before taking any medications.

Medications considered safe during pregnancy:

**Note: Most doctors do recommend waiting until after the first trimester (3^rd month) or at least the first 8 weeks to take any medications.**

Acetaminophen Products:

Tylenol

Antacid Products:

Amphojel

Gelusil (may help heartburn)

Maalox (may help heartburn)

Milk of Magnesia (1-2 Tablespoons for constipation & heartburn)

Cough or Sore Throat Products:

Sucrets

Robitussin

Antihistamines & Decongestants:

Chlor-Trimeton (antihistamine)

Actifed (antihistamine & decongestant)

Sudafed (decongestant)

Thyroid Medications:

Thyroxin (hypothyroid---low thyroid)

Propylthiouracil (hyperthyroid----high thyroid)

Depression Medications:

Prozac

Un-safe Medications during pregnancy:

Medications considered un-safe during pregnancy:

**Note: These medications are not considered safe to use during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before taking any medications.**

Do NOT use (unless advised by doctor):

Mineral oil

Aspirin or Ibuprofen medications (such as: Advil, Motrin, and Rufen)

Baking Soda

Pepto Bismol

Tetracycline (will discolor babies permanent teeth)

Cough Syrups (may contain more than 25% alcohol)

Accutane (acne medication)

Prescription and Over-the-counter medications without consulting doctor first

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