Right Start for a Healthy Baby
Protect your baby from harm by avoiding alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and infections during pregnancy
Stop Drinking Alcohol
Drinking any type of
alcohol such as beer, wine or cocktails when you are pregnant can hurt
your baby. When alcohol reaches your unborn baby, it may harm
developing organs such as the brain and heart. No amount of alcohol is
safe. Dads-to-be can support their partners by being alcohol-free as
well.
Stop Using Street Drugs
Using street drugs of
any kind such as crack/cocaine, speed, uppers, downers, heroin,
marijuana, PCP or LSD can make your baby very sick. They can seriously
harm your baby’s mental, emotional and physical well-being. If you are
using street drugs, ask for help to stop.
Some Prescription or Over-the-counter Drugs are Harmful
Some
medicines can be harmful to your unborn baby, including those
prescribed by your doctor before you became pregnant. That is why it is
important that you see a doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or as
soon as you suspect you are pregnant. Talk with your doctor or nurse
about using any prescription or over-the-counter drug. Tell the doctor
or dentist who prescribes medication for you that you are pregnant.
Stop Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes can
cause your baby to be born too early and too small. Smoking makes the
blood vessels in your body smaller. When this happens, less food and
oxygen reaches your baby. Quitting as soon as possible will help
you and your unborn baby. Second-hand smoke is also harmful. It is
important that your partner stops smoking. Avoid being in a
smoke-filled room.
Cure Infections
Pregnancy makes it harder for
you to fight off infection and any infection you may get could possibly
harm your baby. If you have a cat for a pet, let someone else change
the cat litter. Stay away from raw or undercooked meats and eggs. Do
not drink unpasteurized milk and juices. Do not eat soft or blue-veined
cheeses. See your doctor right away if you suspect that you may have an
infection of any kind.
Other Safety Tips
Avoid contact with household
or garden chemical products by wearing rubber gloves when you use them.
Let someone else work in the garden or take care of your plants for
you. Stay away from paint fumes. Wear your seatbelt when you are in the
car.