Tips for Pregnant Women From Dr. Oz

http://blogs.abcnews.com/gma/2009/11/dr-ozs-tips-for-pregnant-women.html

According to Dr. Oz, pregnant women should avoid toxins that can affect their child while in the womb. Bisphenol, a chemical linked with diabetes, heart disease, liver toxicity, and birth defects, is found in some plastics like water and baby bottles, and some cans. Oz said that it is safe to consume food or drink out of plastics with a little "2" or "4" on the bottom of the container. Some foam trays and plastic wraps can also become harmful to your food if heated in the microwave. Avoid heating things in containers that are meant to store cold foods such as margarine tubs.

Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy has been shown to affect boys' brain development, altering gender specific behaviors in boys. These chemicals can be found in food containers, soft toys, flooring, lotions, cosmetics, and nail polish.

Pregnant women should aim to take in 200 milligrams or less of caffeine per day. Small amounts of alcohol consumed before a woman finds out she is pregnant won't harm a fetus, but even moderate alcohol use during pregnancy impairs a child's sucking reflex at birth, which could cause a feeding problem.

Dr. Oz also recommended pregnant women, and women thinking of becoming pregnant, take supplements including 400 milligrams per day of folic acid, omega 3 fatty acid, and a prenatal vitamin.