Do's and Don'ts

Chemicals are a part of our lives whether we like them or not. They can be found in our food, water, skin care products, household products, drugs, you name them. All these are in controlled proportions aimed at preventing health issues in the future when taken or used in the right proportions. However, a growing baby can be harmed by some or most of these chemicals/drugs even in the minute proportions that are safe for adults.

Many of the side effects of these chemicals and drugs are physical and mental, causing irreparable damage to your child. It is advisable to take precautions before, during, and after pregnancy to help reduce the harmful effects of these chemicals on your little one.

Smoking, and recreational drugs:

The use of recreational drugs during pregnancy is highly discouraged as these can adversely affect your growing baby. Taking drugs during pregnancy increases the chance of birth defects, premature babies, underweight babies, and stillbirth, also the use of alcohol and Marijuana (“Wee” or “ganja”) has been shown to cause behavioral problems in babies and toddlers.

It is not unheard of that you may not know you are pregnant, but it is advisable to seek medical care as soon as you find out you are pregnant, especially if you use drugs or drink or smoke.

Second-hand smoking is equally as bad as you smoking while pregnant. Make the right choices for your child’s future, avoid drugs and smoking of all kinds, inform your doctor and follow through with all your appointments and schedules to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

● Cocaine: can cause miscarriage, preterm birth, birth defects – physical and mental, stroke in babies leading to brain damage or death, stunted growth in children, and behavioral problems – memory and attentiveness as it affects brain growth/structure leading to issues in school and life in general.

● Marijuana: causes low birth weight, blood infection (sepsis), and low blood sugar in infants

● Smoking: can also cause issues with the placenta – a vital organ in your baby’s growth and nutrition and can also lead to Sudden Infant Death ( SIDS) after delivery, heart defects which can lead to death in the first year of life

● Alcohol: can cause abnormal facial features, growth deficiency, and problems with the Central Nervous System. It can also lead to

Over-the-counter Medicines and Herbs:

The use of herbs and self-medicating in our local communities is very common. I mean how many times have you taken 2 tablets of para for that headache instead of visiting the hospital or starting a Malaria course without first testing? We do it without thinking kraa but pregnancy is not a time to be self-medicating or trying new things.

If you have been taking herbal medications/preparations, it is advisable to source them from approved and licensed herbal practitioners. Speak with your doctor, ensure you follow all directions and measurements given and report immediately to the hospital if you have any side effects.

Do not buy just any drug because someone tried it and it helped them, remember, you have a precious passenger onboard. Always speak with your doctor or midwife before taking any over-the-counter meds, or a licensed Pharmacist.

Note: Not everyone who sits in a pharmacy is a pharmacist

Prescription medications and procedures:

When it comes to chronic medical conditions and pregnancy, your attending physician is the best person to speak with before, during, and after pregnancy. It is advisable you speak with him/her before pregnancy as some drugs may interfere with your fertility, are not safe in early pregnancy, or may just cause miscarriages.

Chronic Health Conditions are any health issues you have been dealing with for at least 1 year and require ongoing medical care or attention. Examples are Asthma, Autoimmune conditions like Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, HIV, Epilepsy, Cancer, and Mental conditions to name a few.

Your doctor is in the best position, armed with your medical history, to determine if it is safe for you to get pregnant and the adjustments to make to your drugs and other medical procedures to ensure everything goes smoothly.

It is likely your doctor will refer you to a Specialist Obstetric Gynecologist for assessment before or the minute you find out you are pregnant and together they will work out the best treatment and care plan for both you and your baby.

Going cold turkey on your meds or doctor because you want to have a is not advisable as it can lead to lots of complications during pregnancy and delivery

When visiting a new doctor or the Obs/Gyn for the first time, it is advisable to go along with all your drugs, a referral letter from your current doctor, and your medical records where possible, or ensure your doctor’s office has forwarded all the necessary documents to the new doctor

Environmental chemicals:

We may not have the ability to test everything around us but it is safe to avoid things or places that may be chemically polluted.

● Mercury is found in a lot of seafood and it is associated with neurological disorders that look like cerebral palsy. Opt for fish and seafood like salmon, herrings, shrimp, and tilapia that are low in Mercury. Ensure you clean and cook them well before eating. Raw seafood is dangerous during pregnancy.

● Radiation and X-rays are also known to cause blindness in infants, and abnormal development of arms and legs. Your doctor will only request an x-ray or imaging when necessary. It is best to inform your boss as soon as you find out you are pregnant if you work with machines or harmful chemicals in a lab or X-ray department.

To ensure that you and your baby's safety is made a priority, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Your health and that of your baby are best protected when you work together with your doctor/midwife and have the assistance of those close to you.

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