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Ultrasound in pregnancy
Ultrasound in pregnancy

Pregnancy risk factors
Alternative Names:
Risk factors in pregnancy

Information:


Question 1:
What health changes should you make before getting pregnant?

Answer:
You should start thinking about health risk factors from the time you are trying to get pregnant all the way through pregnancy. Some considerations are to reduce or preferably eliminate alcohol, drug consumption and smoking; eat a well-balanced diet; and avoid drug use unless approved by your physician.

If you have any chronic medical problems (i.e., high blood pressure, kidney problems, or diabetes), you should discuss pregnancy with your physician before trying to get pregnant.

Question 2:
Can a man's bad health habits adversely affect a pregnancy?

Answer:
Possibly, and particularly 2 to 3 months prior to conception. Smoking and alcohol consumption may cause problems with the fetus. Smoking and alcohol or marijuana use has also been shown to lower sperm count.
Review Date: 9/6/2001
Reviewed By: Catherine S. Bradley, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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