10 Pregnancy 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For baby shower supplies, information, and more baby related articles by this author, visit My Baby Shower Favors and Babies and Showers.

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

---

Folic Acid - An Overview of Its Importanace Before and During Pregnancy

FOLIC ACID ? AN OVERVIEWFolic Acid, also know as Vitamin... Read More

Myth or Reality? Dads Have Pregnancy Pains

Ah hah. So you thought that it was just your... Read More

Moral Armor on Predational Pregnancy

We constantly hear of crackdowns on "dead-beat dads," but the... Read More

Postpartum Depression - Recognizing The Signs

In some cases, bringing home your brand new baby doesn't... Read More

Hyperpigmentation - Skin Discoloration - Pregnancy Mask

First and foremost I want to start by emphasizing that... Read More

The Dos and Donts of Pregnancy

With so many people giving their opinion on what to... Read More

Pregnant Women Dont Just Stay at Home; Go Shopping!

Most women like to go shopping. However, sometimes pregnant women... Read More

10 Pregnancy Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware of

Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a... Read More

How to Get Your Pre-pregnancy Body Back

The second biggest question you will ask yourself as a... Read More

What If Your Teenager Get Pregnant?

What if you received a letter from a 13 years... Read More

Coping With an Unplanned Pregnancy

Your period is late and you start to think maybe... Read More

Piece of Mind During Pregnancy - It is Possible with Babysheart

After four years of marriage my husband and I started... Read More

Planning a Healthy Pregnancy

Looking for healthy lifestyle pregnancy information? Here are some steps... Read More

How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches are one of the more unpleasant "side effects" that... Read More

Life After Birth

LIFE AFTER BIRTH: THE FIRST 6 WEEKSLife after birth can... Read More

Abortions After Fetal Viability

Abortion is without a doubt one of the hottest and... Read More

Maintaining Balance During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful time. And it is also a... Read More

Pregnancy and Tanning Beds

With summer approaching, you would love to wear those cute... Read More

Pregnancy Exercise

One of the best things you can do to prepare... Read More

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic is another way of saying "out of place". An... Read More

Pregnant Running: Expectant Runners Share Stories and Advice

When I became pregnant I planned to run throughout my... Read More

Train While You Gain - Why a Personal Trainer Can Make a Difference During Your Pregnancy

The average woman will gain between 25 and 30 pounds... Read More

Stress And Pregnancy

Stress Relief During Pregnancy If you truly want to ensure... Read More

Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk

It is commonly recognized that breast milk is the best... Read More

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Many women have questions about the types of food that... Read More

Benefits of Exercise When Pregnant

Exercising during pregnancy is always a very good idea, and... Read More

Twins Pregnancy?A Father?s Point of View

So you're expecting twins. Congratulations!Are you still in shock? I... Read More

Pregnancy Symptoms

There are many early signs that you may be pregnant.... Read More

How Can I Make Sure Im Exercising Safely During My Pregnancy?

Unless your practitioner gives you specific restrictions or instructions, you... Read More

Very Early Signs of Pregnancy - Do You Know the 10 Pregnancy Signs?

Very early signs of pregnancy - are there 10 pregnancy... Read More

Calcium and Pregnancy

Studies show that most women do not get enough daily... Read More

The Sleepless Challenge

For me, it was "welcome to motherhood". Ready or not,... Read More

Vitamin C Prevents Pregnancy Complication

Women who supplement with a small amount of vitamin C... Read More