No doubt about it, fetal alcohol is the first non-genetic cause of mental handicap in children. The risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy are therefore widely recognized. You should know that fetal alcohol syndrome does not depend on the dose consumed (one glass may be enough), but on the period of ingestion and the woman. When it comes to alcohol, not all women are equal. Healthy babies have been born to mothers who have consumed a lot of alcohol and, conversely, malformations have appeared in children whose mothers had consumed only one drink. When in doubt, it is therefore imperative to apply zero tolerance.
France is the European country where pregnant women smoke the most. Apart from the known risks associated with smoking (cancer, blood disorders, etc.), we know that it causes hormonal imbalance and a decline in fertility in particular. However, there is still a tendency to underestimate the risks associated with tobacco consumption during pregnancy. Tobacco lowers your immune defenses, therefore, it increases the risk of miscarriage, spontaneous abortions, premature births, delayed development and complications in childbirth. Unlike alcohol, the risks are proportional to the amount consumed. So do your best to stop smoking during pregnancy or to cut down significantly, especially during the third trimester. If you are a non-smoker, stay away from smokers to avoid passive smoking, which is also very harmful.
Medication and pregnancy rarely go hand in hand. And for good reason, most drugs pass into the blood and cross the placental barrier to directly reach the fetus. Against minor ailments such as nausea, coughs, colds, abdominal pain, certain medications can be prescribed without risk. As for painkillers, the use of paracetamol in usual doses is allowed, while aspirin and ibuprofen are contraindicated and prohibited beyond the 6th month. Also be aware that alternative medicine is not without danger either. The use of essential oils is, for example, prohibited because of the toxic nature of certain plants (thyme in high doses is abortifacient). Overall, avoid all forms of self-medication during your pregnancy and keep in mind that the best way to keep germs away and maintain a healthy lifestyle (diet, physical activity, etc.).
We often hear:"I'm pregnant, I have to eat for two". If energy needs increase during pregnancy, they do not double. It is considered that from 1,200 calories per day in normal times, a pregnant woman goes to 1,500 calories per day. In addition, during pregnancy, it is necessary to stop the consumption of certain foods. Listeriosis, salmonellosis and toxoplasmosis are the main food-related diseases. Eliminate raw or undercooked meats, game, fruits and vegetables that have not been washed or peeled, raw eggs, seafood and raw fish. Also avoid cold cuts, raw milk cheeses and sprouted seeds. Finally, cut back on caffeine and fatty foods (cakes, fried foods, sweets, etc.).
