A healthy Pregnancy and Baby’s health are closely related. A new born’s health depends on:

· genes the child inherits from it parents

· environment in the womb

Most expectant women are warned that drinking alcohol, smoking and even eating unpasteurized cheeses can have serious consequences for the growth and development of their unborn children. But there are other ways in which a pregnant woman influences the later health of her child.

Shed pounds before pregnancy: Maternal obesity increases the risk of a woman developing gestational diabetes or going into preterm labor, as well as the risk of obesity and diabetes in the child. Recent studies have also linked a woman’s pre-pregnancy weight to her child’s risk of asthma. Regular exercise helps.

Limit Coffee Intake: Doctors and researchers have known that high caffeine intake during pregnancy may harm the fetus but the limit on caffeine is not known. However, a study published last month found that caffeine was associated with an increased risk for babies being smaller than normal at birth. Preferably avoid coffee.

Avoid secondhand smoke: Living in a smoky environment or secondhand smoke has long been tied to asthma and breathing problems in kids. Per study, kids born to mothers exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to develop attention and aggression problems by the age of five than the children of mothers unexposed to smoke.

Discuss antidepressants with your doctor: Antidepressants have lasting impacts on the developing fetus, according to recent review of studies. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) while pregnant may be linked to a higher risk of miscarriages, birth defects, preterm delivery and behavioral problems, including autism. Behavior therapy, which includes counseling but not medication, should be the first line of depression.

Get your VITAMIN ‘D’ AND FOLIC ACID. There’s growing evidence that low levels of the “sun vitamin” & folic acid during pregnancy may lead to health problems for mother and child. The review of more than 30 studies linked low levels of vitamin D to an increased risk of gestational diabetes, autism, pre-eclampsia and lower birth weight.

CUT out Deli meats: Roughly 1,600 Americans yearly suffer from severe cases of listeriosis, a food borne illness caused by a bacteria. A Listeria infection can lead to premature delivery, infection in the infant and even stillbirth. Processed meats, such as hot dogs, deli slices and smoked salmon can become contaminated with Listeria before they are packaged. Washing all fruits and vegetables and thoroughly cook all meats before consuming.

Avoid air pollution: Breathing outdoor air pollution caused by traffic, industry and even dust during pregnancy may slightly increase the risk that a baby will be born at a lower birth weight. Avoid rush hour traffic as well as idling cars. One study published found that increasing the intake of fruits and veggies during pregnancy may help protect against the effects of air pollution.