Potential risks of the pregnant mother (孕婦須知)  Link to Human beings

[The information on this page is compiled from various sources for a S3 sex education program 2001-2002]

Sitting in the same position for a long time

Unwise, because blood circulation to the lower part of the mother's body and the foetus is lower.

Standing for a long time

Unwise, because it is difficult for blood to return to the heart against gravity.

Drinking alcohol

When a mother drinks alcohol (酒精), it is absorbed from the intestine and passes to the liver where it is changed to other harmless substances. Unchanged alcohol flows into the bloodstream and goes everywhere in the body. It may pass into the foetus. The newborn baby could be characterised by facial deformities and mental and physical retardation.

Caffeine-based foods

Tea, coffee and Cola contain caffeine which is a stimulant known to increase heart beat rate. It may also diffuse across the placenta to affect the foetus.

Smoking

For the smoker, three chemicals - carbon monoxide(一氧化碳), cyanide(氰化物) and nicotine(尼古丁) - pass into and harm the foetus. Carbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin (the oxygen carrier)  in blood, so it reduces the supply of oxygen to the foetus and hinders brain development. Cyanide is toxic and it reduces the supply of nutrients. Nicotine decreases foetal breathing movements and causes the arteries in placenta and cord to contract, which in turn reduces the oxygen supply to the foetus. With a reduced oxygen supply, the foetal heart tends to beat faster. Pregnant mother who is a smoker also has a higher chance of miscarriage.

Drugs

Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications may be harmful to the growing foetus. Carefully seek for medical advice.

German Measles (Rubella)

German measles is caused by a virus. The disease can cause serious developmental abnormalities. However, most female are immunised against the disease early in life. In Hong Kong, there is an immunisation programme for primary six girls.

Unbalanced diet

The pregnant mother should get enough amount of nutrients in the correct proportion. Mal-nutrition results in poor maternal health and poorly developed babies.

Exposure to radiation

The pregnant mother should avoid exposure to X-ray or other forms of radiation. Radiation may cause direct damage to the foetus and cause developmental abnormalities. Long time exposure to computer monitor is also unhealthy.

Pets

Live animals may harbour pathogens which may affect the pregnant mother. Infected mother may produce premature babies and even suffer from miscarriage.

Travel

Generally travel does no harm to the baby.

Flight

It is unwise to fly after about the sixth months as the baby may be born much earlier.

Moderate sports

Acceptable unless there is a previous miscarriage or premature labour. Even swimming is OK when the mother's condition is stable about 4 months after conception.

Sexual intercourse

No special harm. However the emotional state of the mother may change a lot. Sexual activity close to birth is generally considered as inconvenient and undesirable.

Stress

Stress may cause undesirable changes in hormonal composition.

Age

Older mothers have a higher chance of producing babies with Down's syndrome. These babies' mental development are retarded.  At the age of 35, the unlucky chance for a pregnant mother is 1 in 365.

General reference

Online week by week pregnancy chart http://www.pregnancyguideonline.com/index.html