So, you’re having a baby. First, congratulations. Second, you better get some sleep now before your kid arrives. Third, you’re going to have live a more subdued lifestyle for the next little while if you want to have a healthy and happy baby. Like what exactly? Well, there are many things associated with high-risk pregnancies that you will need to either avoid or come to grips with. Are you ready?

Here are 10 pregnancy risk factors every woman needs to know:

1. Smoking

Cigarette smoking is perhaps one of the worst pregnancy risk factors in the list. The harmful chemicals from smoking can lead to a wide array of health problems not just for your baby, but also for you. It’s tragic to see how some pregnant women are still smoking a pack a week in the middle of their second trimester.

So, just why is smoking risky while you’re pregnant? Here is an appetizer:

• Pre-term birth
• Low birth weight
• Birth defects
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Miscarriage

A lot of critics like to point to the early- to mid-20th century and allude to how there was a boon in the baby population. Well, at this time, there was also a whole host of other illnesses, primarily polio. We advance for a reason.

2. Alcohol

While it might not be as bad as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption is still horrendous for your health and your baby’s development. What we have learned about alcohol drinking during your pregnancy is that many babies can be diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which can lead to a multiple developmental disabilities.

Like smoking, it can also lead to:

• Facial issues, such as a small head, a flat face, and narrow eyes.
• Growth setbacks, like being smaller than other babies their age.
• Birth defects.
• Difficulties in bonding or feeding as a newborn.

As a mother, you don’t want these pregnancy risk factors to happen to your bundle of joy, right?

3. Diet

The myth that a pregnant woman can eat anything and as much as she wants is prevalent. A diet is essential for the proper and healthy growth of a fetus. Sure, you may have cravings for a McCain vanilla cake and bags and bags (and bags) of chocolate chip cookies, but this won’t do anything for your baby.

Where is the folic acid? Where is the vitamin D? Where is the fat and protein? Besides, when you have morning sickness, which feels like all-day sickness, you don’t feel like eating.

4. Family History

As you examine your family history with your fertility doctor, you will come across some vital information that could affect your pregnancy. Yes, in most circumstances, you don’t know if your great grandmother had two miscarriages or diabetes. But you know that there are twins that run in the family, or there are numerous instances of down’s syndrome.

Your physician will ask you these questions, or they might know based on your medical history (if your family doctor has dealt with multiple generations of your family, then they have first-hand knowledge that will prove to be pertinent.

5. Previous Complications

If you have been pregnant before, then it might provide hints as to what your future pregnancies will look like. For instance, if you have been pregnant twice before and they were both premature, then it might happen for a third time. Or, if you have been pregnant three times and you have miscarried on each occasion, then something could be wrong with your health.

6. Smartphone Radiation

The research on these pregnancy risk factors is not settled, but as the old adage goes: It is better to be safe than sorry.

What are we talking about? Smartphones and their radiation.

Many people are addicted to their mobile devices. When you’re on maternity leave and you have nothing to do for two months until your child is born, then chances are you will spend a lot of time on your phone. That’s fine, but you should never place your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy in the vicinity of the womb. The radiation levels from the smartphone as well as the Wi-Fi Internet connection are high.

You don’t want your baby to experience this radiation.

7. Maternal Age

Years ago, most women would get pregnant in their 20s and early 30s. Today, these trends have changed. More women are getting pregnant later in life (30s and early 40s) because of school, work, money, living situation, and other societal factors that have drastically transformed how we live life.

That said, until we evolve and adapt to these situations, pregnancies that happen when you’re 39 or 43 are far more high risk than someone pregnant at 23 or 29. And, believe it or not, you are more susceptible to having twins or triples the later in life you have children (is your body playing catchup?). Age could also lead to a myriad of disorders in your children, one of which might be ADHD.

8. Medical Conditions

A variety of medical conditions can affect your pregnancy and make it high-risk.

What are some of these health issues? Here is a brief list of the most common medical conditions:

• Iron deficiency
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Pelvic inflammation
• Hormone imbalance
• Thyroid gland problems
• Cyst

These are only a few of the medical conditions that can either prevent you from getting and staying pregnant or causing complications in your pregnancy.

9. Physical Inertia

Exercise is as important to your health and the health of your pregnancy as your diet is. Unless directed by your doctor, physical inertia should be avoided. Of course, you don’t need to participate in crossfit activities or hike 10 kilometres or lift 50-pound dumbbells. But it would be a good idea to take a light stroll around your neighbourhood every day, especially after meals.

10. Drugs

Now, it is common sense that you must avoid hard drugs, such as crack, cocaine, and heroin. But many people are unsure if marijuana is acceptable. The consensus? Don’t touch the stuff. While it might be a natural element, it isn’t something you want to consume while your fetus develops in the womb.

Pregnancy is one of the greatest joys in life. While it is painful and uncomfortable for women during the entire nine months, many women say that they would go through it all again just to have their son and/or daughter. To make this a wonderful experience, you need to change your lifestyle, even if it is only temporary. By modifications or adaptations, the risks of your pregnancy can fall.