Is secondhand smoke a threat during pregnancy?
Some studies suggest that the babies of nonsmoking women who are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke are at an increased risk of intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, subtle deficits in learning and behavior, and, possibly, certain childhood cancers. A 1998 study suggests that a father’s smoking may also cause genetic changes in a baby that have been linked to childhood leukemia. Because the chemicals present in passive smoke are at least potentially harmful to your baby, try to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke. Are hot tubs and saunas safe during pregnancy? The March of Dimes recommends that pregnant women and women attempting to conceive avoid hot tubs and saunas. A number of studies have suggested that a body temperature of 102 degrees or higher during the first four weeks after conception increases the risk of neural tube defects, problems with closure of the baby’s spinal cord or skull. Besides steering clear of hot tubs and saunas, avoid exercising strenuously on h
