Pregnancy Excersises.I don't really like to work out. Is exercise that important?
Pregnancy Exercise is good for you, whether or not you are pregnant. Develop a good exercise program before getting pregnant to help you feel better, control weight and increase stamina. Exercise can also help make labor and delivery easier.
How can I find and maintain a good exercise program?
Find exercise you enjoy and can do in any type of weather. Information on various types of exercise programs is available from your local hospital, your doctor and health clubs. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG) has tapes available on exercise during and after pregnancy. Ask your doctor for information on ordering them.
SUBSTANCE USE
My friend just found out that she is 8 weeks' pregnant. She uses cocaine once or twice a week but says she'll stop now that she's pregnant. How does this affect the baby?
Drug use can be harmful during pregnancy. A woman should get these problems under control before stopping birth control or trying to conceive. A doctor can help a woman find assistance. (Doctors who deal specifically with these problems are called addictionologists, addictionists or addiction specialists.] It is extremely important to stop using cocaine before conceiving. Research has shown that damage to the baby can occur as early as 3 days after conception! Cocaine use increases risk of miscarriage and intrauterine growth restriction. For the mother-to-be, problems are many, including malnutrition.
I've tried to stop smoking, but I don't know if I can. Can cigarette smoking harm a growing baby?
Smoking can affect pregnancy and fetal development. Low birth-weight and a slower growth rate are problems in babies born to mothers who smoke. For your health and the health of your baby, try to stop smoking before you consider pregnancy.
I read somewhere that caffeine can make a woman infertile. Is that true?
Studies have shown that drinking 8 cups of coffee a day (l,600mg of caffeine) is associated with a decrease in a woman's ability to get pregnant. Some researchers have found an association between excessive caffeine consumption and miscarriage.
My friend told me she stopped drinking alcohol before she got pregnant, but I don't drink very much. I don't have to stop, do I?
In the past, we believed a little alcohol was OK during pregnancy, but times have changed. Most doctors believe it's best not to drink any alcohol during pregnancy. Every time you take a drink, your baby does too! Stop using alcohol from the time you are preparing to conceive until after your baby is born.
There really aren't many side effects from marijuana; I always feel relaxed when I smoke it. Is it bad for the baby?
Marijuana contains tars, resins and other substances that can be dangerous during pregnancy. It crosses the placenta and enters the baby's system. We know it can cause attention deficit, impaired decision making and memory problems in childhood years if a fetus is exposed. Stop before you get pregnant.
|
