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What Expectant Mothers Must Avoid!

The health of the unborn child directly depends on the chemical environment of the mother’s body. There are different substances and exposures that can cause birth defects in the infant. These threats are collectively called teratogens and must be avoided by expectant mothers since early pregnancy to ensure the healthy birth and growth of their infant. Well-known teratogens include:

• Alcohol: Drinking in pregnancy can cause brain damage, miscarriage, mental retardation, and stunted growth in the infant.
• Smoking: Smoking (including passive smoking) by expectant mothers can be the cause of premature birth and/or low birth weight.
• Drugs: The use of drugs like crack, cocaine, heroin, LSD etc. can cause immense damage to the fetus. Besides low birth weight and premature birth, these drugs may cause stroke, brain damage, or even death in some infants.

There are other harmful substances that a pregnant woman should avoid coming in contact with during pregnancy, e.g.:

• Hair care products, especially permanents and hair dyes
• Household cleaners, especially strong-smelling products
• Paint products, especially paint removers
• Lead

It is also advisable that pregnant women should stop taking caffeine (coffee, tea) in significant amounts because caffeine has been linked to the threat of miscarriage in some studies. Also, expectant mothers must not take any medication without consulting their physician.