MODULE 1

A Healthy Beginning

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d. Cannabis

Even though it’s legal for adults in NB to buy cannabis (or marijuana), it should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding. Using cannabis during pregnancy may cause your baby to be born with a low birth weight. It can also get to your baby in your breastmilk. Cannabis could harm your baby’s brain and lead to life-long problems with learning, hyperactivity, depression, and anxiety. There is no safe amount to use while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you find it hard to stop using cannabis, you should try to cut back. Please talk to your health care provider or contact Addiction Services in your area if you need support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dangerous products present in the environment

HAZARDS IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Dangers Recommendations
Chemical products
  • Handle with care.
  • Wear a mask, gloves, and work in a well ventilated area.
  • Avoid toxic cleaners and those with toxic vapors. (ex.: oven cleaners).
  • Avoid oil paint. Latex paint is safer.
Mercury
  • Health Canada suggests that a pregnant woman should not eat more than one meal of swordfish, shark, fresh or frozen tuna per month (except canned tuna) because of the high rate of mercury. 
  • Limit your consumption of fresh water fish such as trout to once every two weeks and avoid gray trout.
Lead
  • Run the water tap at least five minutes in the morning before drinking it.
  • Do not drink hot water from the tap because it may contain more lead than cold water.
Insecticides
  • There is no proof that insecticides which contain DEET can be hazardous to the baby.

  • If you use insecticides containing DEET, follow instructions carefully.
Pesticides
  • Avoid being exposed to pesticides and stay away from areas that have been treated with pesticides.
X-rays
  • Avoid all X-rays during pregnancy including dental X-rays.
  • If an X-ray is absolutely necessary during pregnancy, be sure to inform the doctor, dentist, radiology technician that you are pregnant. They will take extra precautions to protect your baby.
Domestic animals
  • Certain domestic animals such as cats, turtles, and iguanas are carriers of infections that can harm your baby.
  • Cats that go outside can carry as parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, an illness that can harm your baby's development.
  • Avoid touching the cat's liter. If possible ask someone else to do it for you.
  • Wear gloves to work outside in your flowers and garden.
  • Always wash your hands with hot water and soap after touching an animal, litter, or outside earth.
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Traveling by car

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Risk and recommandations associated with the usage of drugs

RISKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USAGE OF DRUGS
Name of drug Risks for the fetus Recommendations
Amphetamines (speed)
Increases the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, or insufficient weight at birth.

DO NOT USE.

Consult your health care provider or the addiction services in your area immediately if you are a user.

Cannabis (marijuana, hashish) 
The baby may not develop normally, be smaller than normal at birth, and have dependency or withdrawal problems later.

DO NOT USE.

Talk to your health care provider or someone at the addiction services in your area if you need help to stop usage.

Concaine, crack
Risk of miscarriage and premature delivery. The baby may not develop normally.

DO NOT USE.

Consult your health care provider or the addiction services in your area immediately if you are a user.

Solvants and Ihalants (ex: glue, gas, nitrous oxide)
Risk of premature labour and delivery. May also cause behaviour and memory problems.

DO NOT USE.

Consult your health care provider or the addiction service in your area immediately if you are a user.

Opiates such as heroine and prescription drugs obtained illegally (ex: percocet, Talwin, Darvon)
Risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and complications at birth. The baby may suffer from respiratory problems or withdrawal symptoms and mental and physical development delays.

DO NOT USE.

Consult your health care provider or the addiction services in your area immediately if you are a user.

NOTE: Using non sterile needles to take drugs increase the risk that the mother and baby may be HIV (AIDS) virus.

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Medication

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