Herbal : 10 Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware of

Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthy child, some which are beyond your control and others that are within your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancy risk factors that can be controlled or influenced:

1. Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for your baby
   as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen that
   the baby receives and increases the risk of miscarriage, bleeding,
   and morning sickness. Chemicals inhaled while smoking may lead to
   other health problems with the baby. Reduced birth weight, premature
   birth, increased risk of SIDS, and stillbirth are other possible consequences.
   Pregnant women should also avoid second hand smoke.






2. Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, including symptoms
   like low birth weight, medical problems, and behavior abnormalities.
   As soon as you know you are pregnant, stop drinking. For more detailed
   information on problems that can be caused by alcohol, visit http://www.nofas.org.
   






3. Caffeine - There are many conflicting studies about caffeine and
   pregnancy and some believe that caffeine is not as harmful as it was
   once thought to be. Nevertheless, the FDA warns against caffeine consumption
   during pregnancy and suggests quitting or reducing consumption at
   the very least. Caffeine has been shown to affect fetal heart rates
   and awake time (fetuses grow when sleeping). Decaffeinated coffee
   can also be harmful since producers often add additional chemicals
   to remove the caffeine. Caffeine can also increase risk of stretch
   marks. Suddenly quitting coffee intake can cause headaches; so most
   experts recommend gradually reducing the amount consumed.






4. Drugs and Herbal Remedies - Always be careful about drugs or herbal
   remedies that are not prescribed by a doctor. These substances may
   affect the development of your unborn child.






5. Nutrition - Good nutrition is crucial to a developing child, particularly
   getting enough folic acid. Lack of folic acid can cause birth defects.
   At least 400-1000 micrograms of this B vitamin is suggested (about
   ten times more if you've already had a child with neural tube birth
   defects) starting one month before pregnant
   

   and throughout the entire
   pregnancy. Leafy vegetables, orange juice, and beans are some natural
   sources of folic acid. Many stores sell vitamins with folic acid.
   







6. Exercise - Moderate exercise is helpful as it improves the mother's
   mental state and can increase oxygen flow to the fetus. However, over-exertion
   can be dangerous. Most experts recommend reducing your exercise intensity
   during pregnancy. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are
   popular for pregnant women.






7. Prenatal Care - Regular doctor visits are important to your baby's
   development. The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Some
   side effects may be completely normal, whereas other may not. Regular
   monitoring by a professional will help ensure that your baby will
   be born healthy.






8. Multiple sex partners - Multiple sex partners can increase risk
   of STD's, which in turn may lead to birth and pregnancy complications,
   like low birth weight or premature birth.






9. Exposure to chemicals - During pregnancy, reduce exposure to unnatural
   chemicals, particularly pesticides in food. Many people now eat organic
   produce, which is grown without chemicals. The simplest precaution
   to take before consuming vegetables or fruits is to wash them thoroughly.
   Also, removing the outer surface of vegetables can be helpful since
   most pesticides will rest on the outside of the vegetable or fruit.
   






10. Other factors - Many other factors can affect fetal development,
    including heart disease, the mother's age (before 15 years and after
    35 years is riskier), asthma, excessive stress or depression, diseases,
    and bleeding. Consult your physician if you are affected by any of
    these conditions.

About the Author

Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics. For baby shower supplies, information, and more baby related articles by this author, visit My Baby Shower Favors (http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com).

Written by: Criss White