Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices During Pregnancy: Part 2

I encourage you to read Part 1 of the blog in order to fully grasp this information- How to change? and Will it even matter?

Both the lives of mom and baby are important, and it is important that both are healthy. We will first discuss the benefits of stopping these unhealthy lifestyle choices. 1.) Mom will be able to be healthy. Not only for herself but also for the baby in her womb while pregnant and as her child grows older. As the child grows older, they will need their mama, and it is important to be around to help guide them as they walk through life. Using drugs/drinking alcohol/smoking/etc., is dangerous and could eventually lead to serious sickness or death. 2) When Mama chooses healthier options, this benefits the baby. Baby has more nutrients and oxygen to be able to grow and develop into the healthy baby you will see at delivery. This will also decrease the risk that the baby must go to NICU, and if so, decrease the time the baby must spend there. 3) As the baby grows, they can have a greater chance of meeting the expected growth for their age. Developmental delays can be noticed as children grow and develop. Developmental delays can be caused by any of these unhealthy choices made during pregnancy that we’ve discussed thus far. Developmental delay means that the child does not meet the expected emotional, physical, or mental growth expected for their age.

Both lives are important, and both can be affected. I hope this blog encourages that mother who wants to change but feels like she can’t.

It's probably not going to be easy. Addiction can begin and it is hard to break. But you CAN break the cycle of addiction. Find a support group of friends or family that will hold you accountable. There are also hotlines you can call if you need someone to assist you: contact 1-800-662-HELP for the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline or 1-800-QUIT-NOW for assistance to quit smoking. Start by removing whatever it may be from your home. Whether it be drugs, cigarettes, medications, or alcohol. If it is in your reach, it will be easier to resume. Avoid going to places you know will have alcohol/drugs/cigarettes/etc. Remember why you’re changing these lifestyle choices and remember the reasons each time you’re tempted to go back. You may need to choose a specific quit date... I recommend it today. If you’re participating in these lifestyle choices to relieve stress, try finding a healthier alternative that will help you. Whether that be reading, praying, going for a walk, or doing something simple like coloring or painting. Making these choices might be hard, but will always be worth it.

-McKenzie, RN