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Conquering Addictions
Breaking Bad Habits for a Healthy Pregnancy
By Laura Cone
Caffeine use has been linked to reduced fetal growth and miscarriage. Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine reported pregnant women with a family history of alcoholism have a harder time giving up caffeine during their pregnancy. According to the study, 50 percent of the women who had a history of caffeine dependence and a family history of alcoholism continued to use caffeine in unsafe amounts during pregnancy.
Russell says soda pop and other sugary foods are hidden addictions that most people overlook, yet are serious addictions with major health consequences.
One of the most important reasons women need to break addictions is to decrease the probability of infant mortality and preterm labor. Russell points out that the United States ranks 28th in the world in infant mortality statistics.
"That means 27 other countries had better stats than us," Russell says. "And infant mortality is considered the most important single factor to consider in determining a country's health status. The biggest reason for our high infant mortality is our high rate of preterm birth. Despite all the technology thrown at preterm labor it hasn't decreased at all from 7 percent."
Finally, Russell says having the support of a certified nurse midwife can also help decrease preterm labor. Enlisting the help of a doula, birth coach and supportive family members may help women break bad habits during pregnancy and have a successful labor. Instead of trying to go it alone, take advantage of the support of friends, families and professionals.
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