THINGS TO AVOID IN PREGNANCY
Here are some suggestions of things to avoid while pregnant:
· avoid any alcohol[1]
· recreational drugs, and check prescription drugs
with your doctor
· any smoked or undercooked meats
· cheeses made with unpasteurized milk
· soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert and blue cheese
· things sweetened with aspartame
Also, avoid things with caffeine such as:
· coffee
· black tea
· caffeinated soft drinks
· chocolate
Young Woman Smoking 1894
by Francisco Masriera y Manovens
Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic. It can reduce the absorption of certain minerals and vitamins, raises blood pressure and is passed on through the placenta to the baby, who cannot metabolize it. Too much caffeine (more than 300mg) can increase risk of miscarriage or babies with lower birth weight. [2] If coffee or chocolate is a must, buy better quality (organic) and be as moderate as possible.
Make sure any drugs, vitamins, teas, herbal teas, homeopathic, Traditional Chinese Medicine or other remedies you want to take are safe in pregnancy. Some herbs have powerful effects.
See
________________________________________________________________
[1] Alcohol and Pregnancy. Public Health Agency of Canada www.publichealth.gc.ca, September 2008, researched July 2009 <http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-gs/know-savoir/alc-eng.php>
[2] Health Canada Reminds Canadians to Manage Caffeine Consumption Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca, 19 March, 2010, researched October 2010 <http://hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_40-eng.php>