The ALARMING STATS: According to the March of Dimes, as many as 50% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. The risk of a miscarriage drops to 10% in your eighth week. The risk of having a baby born with a birth defect is 3-5%.
Some factors increase the risk:
a) Alcohol: A small amount can lead to “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome,” which increases the risk of miscarriage, developmental delay, and hyperactivity in the child.
b) Drugs: Needless to say – Drug kills.
c) Cigarettes: The more a woman smokes, the higher the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, premature birth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), & possible death.
d) Medications: Accutane/Retinoic acid given for Acne, Antidepressants substantially affects the baby’s health.
e) Antibiotics: Most antibiotics are safe but there are exceptions. Avoid Aminoglycosides, Tetracycline and Doxycycline during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Other preventable factors that affects baby’s health:
· Infection
· Diabetes that is not controlled
· Exposure to environmental and workplace hazards such as high levels of radiation or toxic agents
In Summary: Check with your Ob-GYN before you add any chemical to your body.
