1. LIFE-STYLE & RISK FACTORS IN PREGNANCY

2. THINGS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY

3. SAUNAS, HOT TUBS & HOT BATHS Increase in mother’s temperature leads to an increase in baby’s temperature

4. X-Rays, (dental or medical), CT scans etc. Make sure the technician knows you are pregnant X-RAYS, ETC.

5. Prescription, over the counter medication and even natural health products Always check for safety with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional. TAKING MEDICATION

6. SMOKING Quit!!! Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen the fetus receives Can cause premature births, still births & low birth weight Increased risk of miscarriage Don’t forget that second hand smoke is also a risk

7. ALCOHOL Can result in lifelong disabilities (FAS) No known amount has been determined “safe” for an unborn baby Brain damage & miscarriage can occur with even a small amount of alcohol Daily drinking and binge drinking are most dangerous

8. DRUGS Marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, inhalants, etc. Increased risk of miscarriage, still birth, pre-term birth, low birth weight, birth defects, baby born addicted, SIDS, etc.

9. C AFFEINE Has been linked to an increase in miscarriage, so large amounts should be avoided One cup of caffeinated beverages per day is considered safe

10. LIVING WITH ABUSE 25 to 30 percent of women are physically harmed by their partner at some point in their lives 40 percent of abuse begins during pregnancy SEEK HELP

11. PAINT & HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS Pregnant women should not paint the nursery because the fumes could harm the fetus Expectant mothers CAN use cleaning supplies but with a few precautions Strong cleansers with overwhelming fumes should be avoided Chlorine-based products should never be mixed with ammonia Rubber gloves should always be worn

12. UNDERCOOKED MEAT & CAT LITTER Can cause risk of toxoplasmosis: an infection that could harm the fetus The eyes and brain of a fetus can be damaged, which can be contracted from eating under cooked meat or from contact with a cat’s feces

13. HAIR PRODUCTS There is no evidence that proves coloring your hair or getting a permanent while pregnant could cause harm to the fetus However, they are not recommended during pregnancy

14. STIs If you have or are at risk of an STI, communicate with your doctor Some STIs affect the baby