Tobacco and alcohol contain multiple harmful substances that can kill sperm and cause deformities. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the uterus, leading to prolonged oxygen deprivation and inadequate nutrition for the fetus in long-term smokers—a contributing factor to low birth weight. Chronic alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause fetal malformations. Therefore, both partners should abstain from smoking and drinking when planning pregnancy and throughout gestation.But what if you smoked or drank without knowing you were pregnant?
Small amounts of smoking or drinking may not cause severe harm to the fetus, but avoiding tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy is always advisable.
If you took medication before confirming your pregnancy, the best course is to consult an OB-GYN. Before doing so, note the drug name, dosage, and timing to help the doctor assess the situation.Generally, medication taken within the first two weeks of pregnancy—before ovulation or fertilization—is unlikely to harm your baby. The risk of fetal abnormalities is also related to dosage and timing; a single low-dose medication typically causes no significant harm.