2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:44
Getting drunk, smoking, eating sushi and not taking folic acid: what does it mean to have done something forbidden at the beginning or end of pregnancy?
We all know that we must follow the recommendations to the letter during pregnancy, but we don't always find out that we're pregnant early enough. Once the damage is done, what will be the consequences for our baby? Are we doomed to a miscarriage or a baby who will have he alth problems? How should we react?
I drank alcohol while I was pregnant
It is not uncommon to realize that you are pregnant several weeks after the start of pregnancy. In between, there were parties, special evenings, wine-flowing dinners with friends, and other special occasions. If drinking alcohol is strongly discouraged during pregnancy, Éducalcool says that these occasional parties are unlikely to have had an impact on your baby.
It is not known exactly how much alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, but it is known that the amount drunk on each occasion or the regularity ofconsumption are determining factors. We also know that alcohol is not filtered by the placenta so if you have been drinking regularly or in large quantities, do not keep this information to yourself and talk to your doctor. If you are having trouble quitting drinking during pregnancy, or if you have any questions about your alcohol use, please don't hesitate to talk to them too or contact Motherisk at 1-877-327‐ 4636.
I smoked during pregnancy
Smoking during pregnancy can cause placental abruption, premature delivery or a small baby. Smoking also increases the risk of having a stillborn baby and sudden infant death syndrome. For all these reasons, smoking during pregnancy is strongly discouraged.
On the other hand, it is never too late to quit smoking and your baby will benefit from this abstinence, no matter when it happens during pregnancy. Ideally, your loved ones should also refrain from smoking around you during pregnancy. Plus, it'll give them practice since they shouldn't smoke around baby either. If quitting is extremely difficult for you, as it is for many smokers, there are resources that can help. Call 1(866) JARRETE (1 866 527‐7383) or visit www.jarrete.qc.ca. Here you will find advice and support.
Raw meats
Raw meats and fish increases the risk of listeriosis, toxoplasmosis and salmonellosis. This is why you should refrain from eating sushi, steak tartare and other forms of raw meat. If you ate it and didn't contract anything, good for you. You were lucky. But since that doesn't mean you'll have the same luck next time, you'd better refrain from eating it in the future.
If you have eaten raw meat and you show symptoms of these infections, it is best to contact the person responsible for monitoring your pregnancy as soon as possible. This one will give you tests and check that everything is fine.
Drugs
When your doctor talks to you about drugs, it won't be to tell anyone about you, so you can be honest with them. If he talks to you about it, it's more to check if you're having trouble quitting and to talk to you about the consequences on your he alth and that of your baby.
In the case of cannabis, for example, very little is known about the effects on pregnancy, but smoking it can have the same effects on the fetus as smoking. Cocaine, on the other hand, can cause placental abruption, fetal death and premature delivery.
As for other drugs, as they are designed and sold illegally, little is known about their contents. However, we know that some of them can causespontaneous abortions and other fetal problems. It is therefore a good idea to be honest with your doctor so that he can do the necessary checks and help you quit, if it is difficult for you.
I haven't taken folic acid yet
Several different sources recommend taking folic acid even before getting pregnant to reduce the risk of spina bifida and help your baby's brain and nervous system development.
It's not catastrophic not to have taken supplements from the beginning of your pregnancy, or even before, especially if you eat well. Folic acid is present in several foods such as legumes, dark green vegetables (asparagus, spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, Brussels sprouts), sunflower seeds, pasta, enriched breads and flours and oranges. Of course, it is still recommended to take it as soon as you become aware of your pregnancy.
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