When it comes to quitting habits, it is better to make decisions before you become pregnant. However, if you are already pregnant, it is not too late to stop.

Alcohol enters your bloodstream, and then enters the baby's bloodstream through the placenta. The placenta provides the essential nutrients to baby, but it will deliver harmful substances, as well. Babies of expectant mothers who drink alcohol may develop Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which can cause mental retardation, deformities, hearing loss, vision problems and behavioral problems. Alcohol can also lead to early miscarriage. Since no one is sure exactly how much alcohol can be consumed safely, complete abstinence from alcohol is the only way to prevent these risks.

Smoking can put your baby at risk of being born prematurely or with a low birth weight, making it harder on your baby during delivery and during the first months of life. Smoking can also cause miscarriages or babies born with disabilities. Babies of expectant mothers who smoke are also more likely to experience sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) during the first month after birth.

Caffeine in small amounts is okay. Talk to your doctor about your diet and how much tea, soft drinks and coffee you drink each day. Limit caffeine to one or two cups of coffee, tea or cola a week, and if possible, quit completely. Caffeine works as a stimulant and travels like alcohol through the placenta to baby. Although caffeine in small amounts is generally safe during pregnancy, any substance in excess can cause problems for your baby.

Drugs can be harmful to your baby. This includes street drugs, medications prescribed by your doctor before you were pregnant and even over-the-counter medicines. Like alcohol and smoking, drugs can cause birth defects, learning disabilities, growth development problems and more. Even occasional use of recreational drugs may have harmful, if not deadly, effects on your baby. Discuss your prescription medications with your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant. Check with your doctor before you take any over-the-counter medicine, especially for headaches, cold, cough, diarrhea or flu. While some may seem safe, it is best to check with your doctor before putting your baby at risk. If you have taken any drugs before you knew you were pregnant, and since have stopped, still let your physician know. This will help him or her to manage your care more effectively. If you are addicted to drugs and are pregnant, get professional help with a substance abuse program or call Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Behavioral Health at 901.726.8700 or (toll free) 888.530.8700.

Saying "no" isn't easy, but it is very important for you and your baby!