What to AVOID while pregnant

Research has shown that alcohol, smoking and unprescribed medications (including herbs) should be avoided during pregnancy. These will definitely put you and your baby's health at risks.


ALCOHOL
Alchohol intake should be avoided as it affects your baby's mental, nervous system and other vital parts of his body's development. Once the alchohol enters the blood stream of the unborn child when the mother drinks, this may result to mental retardation, nervous system problem and facial abnormalities.

SMOKING
Smoking is definitely not recommended during pregnancy. If you smoke or inhale smoke while you are pregnant, you are at a higher risk of having a premature or underweight baby. Mothers who smoke may result to miscarriage and fetal malformation. Sudden infant death syndrome has also been linked to having a smoker in the family.

MEDICATION
It is always been safer to consult your doctor during pregnancy, NEVER SELF-MEDICATE! Certain drugs may have harmful effects on your fetus.

CAFFEINE
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and cocoa-based beverages, chocolates and caffeine- containing softdrinks. Though its effects on the developing human fetus is unclear, but animal studies have shown that it can cause fetal abnormalities or low birth weight babies. Try to avoid excessive amounts of caffeine intake in your diet.

HAZARDOUS FOOD PREPARATION
To minimize the risk of food poisoning avoid foods that are hygienically prepared, have not been properly cooked, or which have gone mouldy. All foods should be eaten immediately after cooking or should be reheated until very hot. Also, avoid eating raw foods such as fish and eggs. Raw vegetables should be washed thoroughly before eating.