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Will These Things Hurt My Fetus?
(From The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists)
During pregnancy, women have many questions about what substances may harm the developing fetus. Teratogens are agents that can cause birth defects when a woman is exposed to them during pregnancy.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Teratogens
Other substances, such as tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs are harmful in different ways. Here is a list of some things to avoid:
Drugs, Tobacco & Alcohol -- Most pregnant women have gotten the message that illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin are harmful to a developing fetus. Yet, too many pregnant women still smoke cigarettes, use legal prescription and non-prescription drugs, or drink alcohol.
The more alcohol a woman drinks during pregnancy, the greater the risk to the fetus for problems: one of the most serious is fetal alcohol syndrome, a common cause of mental retardation. We don't know how much alcohol is "too much," so it's best not to drink during this time.
Smoking also should be avoided, since it raises the risk for a number of health problems for you and the fetus, including sudden infant death syndrome.
Medications & Drugs -- Many place your unborn child at serious risk for health problems. These include legal and illegal drugs, prescription and non-prescription medications. Nutritional supplements and herbals supplements may be contraindicated during pregnancy as well. Consult with your midwife or health care provider before taking any medication, supplement or herbal formula during pregnancy. Known teratogens include isotretinoin (Accutaneâ) prescribed for acne; androgen hormones; and diethylstilbestrol (DES). Other drugs which may be harmful at certain times include lithium; the antibiotics streptomycin and tetracycline; anticoagulants used to treat blood clotting; antithyroid drugs used to treat an overactive thyroid; and anticonvulsants used for seizure disorders. If you are currently on medication for a chronic medical condition, do not stop or change your dosage until you have talked with your health care provider or midwife. Together, you should be able to work out an appropriate course of care.
Workplace Hazards -- A workplace may be hazardous because it exposes the mother to physical risks or because it exposes the fetus to teratogens. One example is when the fetus is exposed to excessive ionizing radiation of the type emitted with medical x-rays, due to inadequate shielding and precautions. There is no evidence that working at a computer causes any harm to the fetus. Many employers have taken steps to minimize workplace risks, but if you think you may be exposed to a risk, talk to your employer.
Hair Dye and Caffeine -- It's okay to still color or perm your hair when you're pregnant. Caffeine is a stimulant found in colas, coffee, tea, soft candies, chocolate, and cocoa. The use of caffeine during pregnancy has been a controversial topic in pregnancy nutrition for more than a decade. A 1980 study be the FDA found that caffeine, when fed to pregnant rats, caused birth defects and delayed skeletal development in their offspring, At that time, although there was no conclusive data on caffeine's effects during pregnancy in humans, The FDA advised pregnant women to eliminate caffeine from their diets. So, to err on the safe side, it's worth trying to minimize this stimulant found in coffee, chocolate, tea or colas.
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