Pregnancy is a beautiful time and every moment is special. Taking care of your health is very important not just for yourself, but even for the baby you are bringing in this world. Alcohol and drugs not only affect the development of the baby but can also have serious effects on the mother’s health. The development of baby’s growth will also be hampered and so will the growth. Consumption of alcohol and medicines can even lead to miscarriage, still birth, premature delivery or even complications at time of labor.

Harmful Effects Of Alcohol On Pregnancy

If you are an alcoholic, then its time you should quit drinking for your baby’s sake. Alcohol and drugs can have harmful effect on the development of baby’s growth. When you drink alcohol or take medicines, your baby takes it too. It is because it mixes with your blood and reaches the baby through the placenta. Your liver works hard to breakdown the alcohol level from your blood, but your baby’s liver is still not strong to do the same work, and it has serious effects on the growth of the baby . That is why it is recommended to quit alcohol or medicines when pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you drink alcohol excessively, then baby can develop a syndrome called fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) which can cause-

• Heart defects
• Vision and hearing disabilities
• Behavioral problems
• Low birth weight
• Weak organs
• Learning disabilities
• Affect baby’s size

Some people say that alcohol during the first three months of pregnancy should be avoided, while it may be consumed in the later stages of pregnancy as the baby’s initial development is complete. However, this is not true. Drinking during any stage of pregnancy can put your baby at huge risk. There is no amount of alcohol that is considered safe during pregnancy, and a precautionary approach is largely suggested.

How Can You Quit Drinking During Pregnancy?

The first rule is to understand that drinking can play havoc with your pregnancy and chances of getting pregnant. At social gatherings, opt for juices and other healthy drinks and keep your willpower strong. Do not get pressurized into drinking by other people and at all costs refrain from binge drinking. Some other tips to avoid drinking are:

1. Ask your family to keep a watch on you and help you in quitting
2. Ask your friends to avoid drinking in your presence so that it doesn’t tempt you
3. Avoid going to places where alcohol is available easily like bars and clubs
4. Ask your doctor to help you if you have problems in quitting it
5. Replace alcohol with healthy drinks

As soon as you discover your pregnancy, stop drinking it. The sooner you quit, the healthier the baby will be.

Harmful Effects Of Medicines On Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, even common painkillers and over-the-counter medicines can become unsafe for you and your baby. Only use those medicines that are prescribed by your gynecologist. And always tell the doctors that you are pregnant before they prescribe the medicines as some of them can harm the unborn baby. It is always better to see the same doctor who is advising you on pregnancy. If you are taking any other medicine for some conditions like thyroid, epilepsy, asthma etc., your doctor may change the medicine or modify your dosage. Hence, once pregnancy is confirmed, make sure you inform your doctors and take necessary steps.
If you have cold

, fever, infection or body pain, always consult the doctor for the medicines. Some medicines are harmless while most of them can harm the baby. Vitamins and calcium supplements are safe and important for expecting mothers. Always consult your doctor for the right amount of dose. Nothing should be consumed in excess during pregnancy. Avoid pain killers as they can have harmful effects on the organs of the baby. Use natural methods for relieving pain or consult your doctor for safe medication. Aspirin and other such pain killers must be avoided. Many cold and cough syrups or medicines can also be dangerous for the unborn baby, so it is better to opt for homemade remedies to get relief from blocked nose or cough. If you face acne problem, it is better to avoid medicines or antibiotics for skin treatment because it is a part of hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. It will clear away the skin naturally.
The best way to calm yourself and get rid of body pains, aches and other discomforts is to opt for pregnancy exercises, yoga and meditation. If the pain is severe, then consult your doctor for medicines that are safe during pregnancy.
Remember, it’s your creation, your way.