10 Risk Factors That Every Pregnant Woman Should Be Aware Of
By Criss White, Thu Dec 8th

/p>

Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthychild, some which are beyond your control and others that arewithin your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancyrisk factors that can be controlled or influenced:

1. Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for yourbaby as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount ofoxygen that the baby receives and increases the risk ofmiscarriage, bleeding, and morning sickness. Chemicals inhaledwhile 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 womenshould also avoid second hand smoke.


2. Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome,including symptoms like low birth weight, medical problems, andbehavior abnormalities. As soon as you know you are pregnant,stop drinking. For more detailed information on problems thatcan be caused by alcohol, visit http://www.nofas.org.
3. Caffeine - There are many conflicting studies aboutcaffeine and pregnancy and some believe that caffeine is not asharmful as it was once thought to be. Nevertheless, the FDAwarns against caffeine consumption during pregnancy and suggestsquitting or reducing consumption at the very least. Caffeine hasbeen shown to affect fetal heart rates and awake time (fetusesgrow when sleeping). Decaffeinated coffee can also be harmfulsince producers often add additional chemicals to remove thecaffeine. Caffeine can also increase risk of stretch marks.Suddenly quitting coffee intake can cause headaches; so mostexperts recommend gradually reducing the amount consumed.
4. Drugs and Herbal Remedies - Always be careful about drugsor herbal remedies that are not prescribed by a doctor. Thesesubstances may affect the development of your unborn child.
5. Nutrition - Good nutrition is crucial to a developingchild, particularly getting enough folic acid. Lack of folicacid can cause birth defects. At least 400-1000 micrograms ofthis B vitamin is suggested (about ten times more if you'vealready had a child

   with neural tube birth defects) starting onemonth before pregnant and throughout the entire pregnancy. Leafyvegetables, orange juice, and beans are some natural sources offolic acid. Many stores sell vitamins with folic acid.

6. Exercise - Moderate exercise is helpful as it improves themother's mental state and can increase oxygen flow to the fetus.However, over-exertion can be dangerous. Most experts recommendreducing your exercise intensity during pregnancy. Activitieslike walking, swimming, and yoga are popular for pregnant women.
7. Prenatal Care - Regular doctor visits are important to yourbaby's development. The body undergoes many changes duringpregnancy. Some side effects may be completely normal, whereasother may not. Regular monitoring by a professional will helpensure that your baby will be born healthy.
8. Multiple sex partners - Multiple sex partners can increaserisk of STD's, which in turn may lead to birth and pregnancycomplications, like low birth weight or premature birth.
9. Exposure to chemicals - During pregnancy, reduce exposureto unnatural chemicals, particularly pesticides in food. Manypeople now eat organic produce, which is grown withoutchemicals. The simplest precaution to take before consumingvegetables or fruits is to wash them thoroughly. Also, removingthe outer surface of vegetables can be helpful since mostpesticides will rest on the outside of the vegetable or fruit.
10. Other factors - Many other factors can affect fetaldevelopment, including heart disease, the mother's age (before15 years and after 35 years is riskier), asthma, excessivestress or depression, diseases, and bleeding. Consult yourphysician if you are affected by any of these conditions.

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it onyour website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as thecredits and resource box remain in tact and the hyperlinks areactive.

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