How to Abstain During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, everyone will tell you to eat up since you are now “eating for two.” What they may not mention, though, is that you are now doing everything for two; therefore, some of those things you used to enjoy may not be so good for your unborn child. In fact, once you are aware that you are pregnant, there will be a long list of things that you're going to have to give up for your baby's well-being.

Instructions

Avoid alcohol. Although it was once thought that a small amount of alcohol was safe for a pregnant woman to consume, it is now recommended that all alcohol consumption be eliminated during pregnancy in order to prevent the child from developing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

Kick the cigarette habit. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to babies with low birth weight who become at risk for a number of health problems in early infancy. You won't be able to smoke after your child is born either as smoke-filled environments have been linked to high rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as well as to childhood asthma and other bronchial complications.

Stay away from unsafe foods. Raw meats are to be avoided; as are deli meats, smoked fish, pate, raw eggs, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized milk as any of these items could be contaminated with listeria, a type of bacteria that has been known to induce miscarriages. Fish with high levels of mercury such as swordfish and mackerel can damage the baby's developing nervous system. All types of undercooked or raw meats, fish, and shellfish are to be avoided as they are possible sources of food poisoning which can adversely affect the baby.

Keep out of hot tubs. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women should never allow their core body temperatures to rise above 102.2 degrees F as it may put their unborn child at risk of developing birth defects. Most hot tubs are set at 104 degrees F and can raise body temperatures into the danger zone in as little as ten minutes.

Do not take any type of drug or supplement, even drugs that have been prescribed for you or over-the-counter medications, unless you've cleared them with your doctor. It is especially important to avoid taking any type of medication during the first eight weeks of pregnancy when the baby's brain, heart and lungs are developing. Drugs (both legal and illegal) have been linked to instances of low birth weight, central nervous system damage, organ damage and physical malformations.