Environmental Contamination Effects on Prenatal Stage

There are many environmental concerns during the prenatal stage of development. Avoiding alcohol, smoking and harmful chemicals will increase your chances of having a healthy baby.

Alcohol

• Women who are pregnant should avoid drinking any beverages containing alcohol. Alcohol exposure during prenatal development can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). There are other disorders caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy such as Alcohol-related neurodevelopment disorders (ARND) and Alcohol-related behavioral disorders (ARBD)

Smoke

• Common side effects of smoke exposure during prenatal development include premature birth, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma and still birth. Woman should refrain from smoking during pregnancy and avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible.

Chemicals

• Some chemicals can be harmful during prenatal development. Be sure to thoroughly read warning labels on pesticides, cleaning supplies, paint cans and hair treatments before using them. If you are unsure if a certain product is safe to use during pregnancy, ask your doctor.

Drugs

• All recreational drugs should be avoided during pregnancy. Women who use recreational drugs have a high risk of miscarriage. Also drugs including aspirin should be avoided, especially during the last two trimesters. Read labels on all medications, and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Temperature

• High temperatures can be an environmental hazard during pregnancy. Refrain from using hot tubs, taking really hot baths or any activity that would bring your temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other Concerns

• Pregnant women should not change cat litter. Over exposure to lead can lead to birth defects and miscarriage. Seafood often contains bacterias that can be harmful during prenatal development. If you have further questions, consult your doctor.