Hygiene rules during pregnancy

• Do not smoke: Carbon monoxide from cigarettes is a poisonous substance that permeates the placenta. As it combines with your baby’s hemoglobin, oxygen transportation is impaired, which results in fetal deoxygenation. Decreased birth weight is directly correlated to the number of cigarettes smoked. Nicotine reduces head circumference and body length of newborns.
• Do not drink: Alcohol may increase the risk of abortion, retarded intrauterine growth, neonatal tremors and irritability, and an increased number of fetal malformations.
• Do not use hair dyes: Dyes are absorbed by the skin and permeate the placenta. Research indicates they may cause congenital defects.
• Do not self-medicate: Indiscriminate intake of medicines is not safe. During pregnancy, part of drugs taken by the mother may reach and damage the fetus. Therefore, only your physician is in a position to prescribe you adequate medication.