MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pregnancy

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Pregnancy - health risks

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Illustrations	Information

Illustrations

Ultrasound in pregnancy

Information Return to top

You should try to follow healthy habits from the time you are trying to get pregnant all the way through your pregnancy. Do not smoke or use illegal drugs, and stop drinking alcohol. Talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking to see if they can affect your unborn baby. Eat a well-balanced diet.

If you have any chronic medical problems (such as high blood pressure, kidney problems, or diabetes), talk to your doctor before trying to get pregnant.

Men need to be careful, too. Smoking and alcohol may cause problems with the unborn baby. Smoking and alcohol or marijuana use has also been shown to lower sperm count.

Update Date: 8/17/2007

Updated by: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.