Marijuana remains in a mother's system long after it has been used. This causes the baby to be exposed to the effects of this drug for a long time. Smoking marijuana releases carbon monoxide into the mother's system, which then crosses the placenta into the baby's system, reducing the baby’s oxygen levels. And, of course, marijuana is illegal!

Cocaine can be deadly. Cocaine drastically increases your risk of bleeding and is likely to cause serious problems with your heart rate and blood pressure. Women who use cocaine while they are pregnant have a 25% chance of delivering their baby too early. If the baby survives this early birth, it may suffer a lifetime of health problems - including neurological disorders and brain defects.

Cocaine passes very quickly from the mother to the baby. It causes the blood pressure and heart rate to increase suddenly, sometimes to life threatening levels. This can lead to a serious problem called placental abruption. The placenta tears away from the uterine wall prematurely. This causes the mother to start bleeding and keeps the baby from receiving any oxygen. This may require an emergency cesarean section to save both the mother and baby. The bottom line is, virtually every illegal drug can contribute to birth defects or fetal death.

Exposure to X-rays can sometimes cause birth defects. If possible, you should avoid having any X-rays in the first trimester, through the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy. This includes X-rays at your dental office. If you must have X-rays after this time, check with your provider first, and ask to have a lead apron put over your abdomen during the X-ray.

It's best to avoid hot tubs, saunas, whirlpools, and Jacuzzis because they can cause your body temperature to go too high. Your routine bath water should remain below 102 degrees and you shouldn’t stay in it for longer than 15 minutes. Be careful when getting out of the tub. If you get dizzy sit back down on the edge of the tub and wait to stand until the dizziness passes.