I am a 27-year-old lady and have conceived for the first time. I need to mention that I do have some vices - I smoke and drink. Though I have never faced any healthy crisis due to these habits of mine, but my gynaecologist warned me that I should lay off smoking and drinking. Why is it advised to women to avoid alcohol and nicotine during pregnancy?
If your doctor has advised you to refrain from smoking and drinking there are good reasons for it. If you are indulging in alcohol occasionally, you can still be rest assured that your baby would be doing fine while you take those sips however once you cross that line you are putting your developing baby into danger. Studies have concluded that alcohol intake in large amounts during pregnancy can lead to poor growth and improper brain development in the baby. In worst cases it can also lead to abnormal facial features in the baby with severe mental retardation. Know more about how alcohol affects pregnancy.
As for smoking it's a strict no-no during pregnancy. Smoking exposes the developing foetus to an excess of nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar within the womb. This lessens the oxygen supply to the baby, escalates the chances of the baby being born with birth defects like cleft palate or give rise to a low birth weight.
Hence it is wise to stay away from cigarettes (even second-hand smoke) and alcohol when you're pregnant.
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