Risk factors during pregnancy/prenatal stage

Maternal diet

listeria bacteria in soft serve icecream, soft cheeses, cold meats, raw/smoked seafood and there is mercury in certain fish

what does the maternal diet cause

may cause miscarriage, still birth, premature labour

parental smoking and tobacco smoke in the home

reduces oxygen to placenta and exposes foetus to harmful chemicals

what does smoking cause

increased risks of low birth weight, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature birth, birth defects, lung issues, and perinatal care

Alcohol use during pregnancy

when alcohol is consumed it crosses the placenta from the mothers blood to the baby’s blood

what does alcohol cause

can cause foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) may result in brain and nervous system damage, restricted blood flow through the placenta and umbilical cord, and in severe cases, stillbirth