Your Baby's Birth - Pregnancy & Childbirth Home

Protecting Your Baby
Prenatal Supplements
Your diet may not meet the increased vitamin and mineral needs of pregnancy, especially if you are
not eating a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid. A prenatal vitamin supplement including
folic acid is usually recommended. Folic acid before and during pregnancy helps reduce the risk of
neural tube defects (brain and spine). Iron supplements are sometimes needed to prevent anemia.
Remember, supplements do not replace eating a healthy diet.
Alcohol
Just like smoking or street drugs, alcohol can cause serious birth defects in your child if you drink
while you are pregnant. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a permanent condition that
results in brain damage and physical abnormalities. Alcohol is NOT safe during pregnancy.
Artificial Sweeteners
During pregnancy, the best sweeteners are natural and nutritious fruits and fruit juices. Saccarine
(Sweet’n’Low) is not recommended during pregnancy, and aspartame (Equal, Nutrasweet) and
sucralose (Splenda) should only be consumed in limited amounts.
Caffeine
Beverages such as coffee, tea, chocolate and cola contain caffeine, which passes into the placenta
and enters your baby’s circulation. A cup or two a day of caffeinated beverages shouldn’t be a
problem, but if you can, cutting out caffeine makes for a healthier diet.
Cats and Kitty Litter
Cats may carry a harmful infection called toxoplasmosis that may harm your baby. Wash your
hands after handling cats and have someone else change the kitty litter.
Dieting
In short, don’t diet. You should never try to lose weight once you are pregnant, no matter what your
weight was before you became pregnant.
Hair Color and Other Chemical Treatments
Avoid use of chemicals on your body, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. If you color,
straighten, or perm your hair, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider and hair stylist.
Hot Tubs/Saunas/Tanning Beds
Raising the mother’s body temperature even a small amount increases the risk of damage to the
baby’s nervous system. Don’t use hot tubs, saunas or tanning beds until your care provider tells
you it is safe.
Lead
Lead can be found in water in lead pipes and old paint in older homes. Lead poisoning can cause
brain damage and learning problems.
Medications
Do not take any over-the-counter or prescription medications while you are pregnant without
talking to your healthcare provider. Your doctor can provide you with a list of safe, over-the-counter
medications.
RhoGam
When a mother’s blood is Rh negative, a medicine needs to be given to prevent blood problems
with your baby both in this pregnancy and any future pregnancies.
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Y O U R B A B Y ’ S B I R T H