- Your baby's development depends on proper nutrition. Most important are folate and folic acid, calcium, protein and iron. These are important to your baby's growth and can prevent birth defects and low birth weight.
- Smoking, including secondhand smoke, can contribute to low birth weight, preterm delivery, stillbirth and chronic health problems for the baby, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation or learning disabilities. Smoking can cause problems during pregnancy, such as placental previa and placental abruption.
- Using alcohol during your pregnancy can cause behavioral and physical problems for your baby, as well as fetal alcohol syndrome. Issues of fetal alcohol syndrome include birth defects, mental retardation, growth and nervous system problems, and vision and hearing issues. If you use illegal drugs during your pregnancy, your baby could have low birth weight, birth defects or symptoms of withdrawal at birth.
- Prenatal doctor's visits are critical during your pregnancy, to follow the growth of your baby. Your doctor will likely prescribe vitamin supplements to support the development of your unborn child.
- If you are over the age of 35 and pregnant, you are at higher risk of developing problems for both your baby and yourself. The risk of birth defects, miscarriage and stillbirths is higher. You can develop high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy. The chance of needing a Caesarean section is also slightly higher in this case.
Nutrition
Smoking
Alcohol & Drugs
Prenatal Care
Age
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