Today we will cover pregnancy and the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, elicit drugs, and household chemicals. In addition, on a following post, we will look at other daily activities, items or habits which may effect or have a notable risk during pregnancy.

Smoking.

Smoking should be avoided during pregnancy. Even secondhand smoke contains the same 4,000 chemicals a smoker would inhale. More than 40 of those chemicals are known to cause cancer.

Smoking and secondhand smoke can have the following negative effects:

• Decreased oxygen to your baby

• Increased risk of miscarriage

• Complications during birth

• Increased incidences of chest and ear infections, as well as asthma, in babies

• Low birth weight.

• Higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  

Note:If you want to quit smoking, ask your healthcare provider for help. Smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes (vapes), nicotine strips, and some “stop smoking” medications may be harmful if used during pregnancy.

Alcohol

There is no amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy. As soon as you know you are pregnant, avoid all alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, champagne, liquors, cocktails and coolers. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy puts your baby at many risks including:

• Brain damage

• Birth defects

These are known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome describes the many physical and mental changes that affect children born to people who drink alcohol during pregnancy. The extent of harm to your baby depends on how much alcohol you drink, the stage of your pregnancy, and certain sensitivities in both the parent and the baby. The effects of even small amounts of alcohol on an unborn baby are unclear.

Note: Anything you put into your body will affect your baby. There are mountains of research that confirm that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, abnormal facial features, and intellectual disability in a baby.

Marijuana Although marijuana (cannabis) is legal in many states, its impact on babies is not fully known. Many researchers believe marijuana has more long-term effects on young brains than adult brains. Studies suggest that babies' growth and brain development may be harmed when exposed to THC ( the active ingredient in marijuana) on a regular basis. TGHC is stored in body fat and more than half of an unborn baby's brain is composed of fat.

Because marijuana isn't grown or processed under any safety rules in Wyoming, it can also expose you and your baby to unwanted mold, fungi, bacteria, processing chemicals or even heavy metals found in soil (lead, arsenic, mercury). Although some people use marijuana to control nausea (morning sickness), it may not be safe for your baby and is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Drugs ( substance abuse)

Using elicit drugs during your pregnancy can harm you and your baby. Taking drugs during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, low birth weight babies, premature birth, fetal death, and even maternal death. Some babies will be born addicted to the drug and have to suffer withdrawal symptoms immediately after birth. Your baby may also be at greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Ending an addiction on your own is hard and may be harmful to you and your baby, especially if you have a problem with opioids or methamphetamines. Your healthcare provider can help you find treatment and support so you can have a health pregnancy.

During the first prenatal visit tell your doctor or midwife about any medications you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, dietary supplements or herbal products. If a healthcare provider( other than your prenatal health team) gives you a new prescription, be sure they know you’re pregnant. Many medications are safe to use during pregnancy, but some may be harmful. Don't stop taking a medication on your own. Ask your provider about the safest way to stop taking a medication.

Note: Do not use drugs or take pills while you are pregnant unless prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you have used illegal drugs, including cocaine, opioids (like heroin or oxycodone), amphetamines, methamphetamines or club drugs, it is extremely important that you tell your healthcare provider immediately.

Household chemicals

Avoid using household chemicals while your are pregnant. Chemicals can be absorbed through your skin and through the air. Wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area if you have to use a strong household cleaner.

Other chemicals to avoid during pregnancy include insecticides, pesticides and weed killers. Use air fresheners and aerosol sprays sparingly as they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and artificial fragrances that may not be good for you or your baby. Most evidence suggests that hair dyes and permanent wave solutions are safe. But pregnancy hormones may change how these ingredients react with your hair. One more thing to avoid while we're on the subject: Mercury in your skin cream

You may know that exposure to heavy metals like mercury, lead or cadmium during pregnancy can increase your chances of having a miscarriage, a stillbirth, or a child with a birth defect. But did you know that certain face creams may expose you to mercury?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to avoid any skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, and lotions that contain mercury.

Final note: Mercury is most often found in creams marketed as skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments that remove age spots, freckles, blemishes, and wrinkles;

Do NOT use any product that has the words mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric,mercurio, or mercury listed on the label.

This list of the things to avoid while pregnant is not all inclusive. Using good common sense is always the best policy when making choices for you and your baby. The 307 Midwife Website has additional information on this topic to be found in other areas, and I highly suggest you take a peek at other posts.

Feel free to contact me at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County should you have any questions or concerns regarding your pregnancy.