Some women are hesitant to consider it as an option, but a doctor can assure you of the nutritional and emotional benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. If you are drinking alcohol, consider that alcohol use in pregnancy can cause growth retardation, central nervous system dysfunction and mental disabilities in the newborn. This group of symptoms, known in its severest form as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, affects one out of every 500 newborns in the United States and is considered the leading cause of mental retardation. No amount of alcohol has been proven safe for pregnant women. Use of tobacco and illegal drugs also can cause severe problems in infants.
Tobacco use can cause infants to be born too small, or hinder intellectual or emotional development.
Illegal drugs can cause birth defects, developmental disorders, respiratory problems and disabilities. Children born under the influence of illegal drugs often are born addicted and must endure severe withdrawal symptoms at birth. Also, illegal drugs often cause miscarriages or stillbirths. Consider these effects when deciding whether to stop drinking, smoking or taking illegal drugs. Your decision could be crucial for your baby's health.