 Puts both mother and baby under stress  Reduces blood flow to the uterus, lowering the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.  Remains in the pregnant mother and baby’s system longer  Limit the amount to no more than 400mg per day from all sources ( cola, coffee, tea)

 Large amounts of coffee ( more than 3 cups) may increase the chances of miscarriage, premature labour, and low birth weight.  Also be aware of Herbal teas! Only some are considered safe for pregnancy.

 Toxoplasmosis is caused by a small parasite which can infect humans and animals.  Sources of infection include:  1) Raw and undercooked meat  2) Cat feces  3) Garden soil

 Wash hands before and after eating and after gardening  Wash hands well after handling raw meat  Avoid eating undercooked meats  Have someone else change kitty litter  Use gloves when gardening, handling raw meat or changing litter.

 Helps prevent unnecessary weight gain  It may help control blood-sugar and high blood pressure in pregnancy  Active women report fewer physical symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, heartburn, leg cramps, varicose veins, swelling, insomnia  Decreases recovery time from delivery  It can help with labour and delivery

 May reduce the incidence of depression and anxiety and increases self-esteem  Don’t forget your Kegels!!

 Smoking and being around second hand smoke during pregnancy can have dangerous consequences for your baby  If you smoke the placenta does not work as well as it should, which causes the baby to get less food and oxygen  It can increase the chance of premature labour and birth

 Babies of women who smoke do not grow as well as they should  Smoking in pregnancy has also been linked to miscarriages, low birth weight, birth defects and even impaired mental development.

 1) Amount of alcohol consumed by the mother  2) Gestational timing of consumption of alcohol  3) Mother’s ability to break down alcohol in her own body  4) Individual response by the baby to alcohol

 They can cause:  1) Low birth weight  2) S.I.D.S  3) Miscarriages  4) Stillbirths  5) Fetal malformations  6) Mental Retardation  7) Deafness  8) Respiratory problems  9) Prematurity  10) Neonatal withdrawal

 Effects of tobacco smoke  1) Increases the risk of bronchitis by 46%  2) raises the risk of asthma by 43%  3) Increased risk of low birth weight  4) Increased risk of stillbirths  5) Increases risk of lung cancer and heart disease by 30% each  6) Increases the risk of tonsillectomies by %  7) Raises the risk of ear infections by 19%