However, it will surprise you (at least it did surprise me), the study and its findings were published in the journal Pediatrics, and the findings stand in contrast to a 2005 U.N. report claiming that there is no evidence of an increased risk of birth or other reproductive defects in the Ukraine areas that are contaminated by radiation from the Chernobyl accident.

Dr. Wladimir Wertelecki of the University of Southern Alabama in Mobile claims this study is a proof that further research into actual consequences of catastrophe, including birth defects will be needed, and luckily this question re-opened the misleading results of 2005 U.N study…

I can’t believe that the mankind is really stupid enough to even believe that Chernobyl catastrophe cannot leave serious consequences…  The International Atomic Energy Agency and other U.N. bodies took a stand that the catastrophe did not have any effects on birth defects… this does proves once more money is worth more than human life.

Luckily, the dilemma and a huge problem of Chernobyl catastrophe re-opens with the help of following study results.
Study was conducted in the area the Ukraine province of Rivne, which is located approximatelly 150 miles from Chernobyl nuclear power plant. As an illustrative example, the soil and food from that area is still contaminated with low levels of the radioactive substance cesium 137. I truly hope people living are not eating radioactive lettuce …

The study results were following: among more than 90.000 babies who were born in Rivne between 2000 and 2006, the rate of neural tube defects was more than two times higher than for the rest of the Europe.

Neural tube defect which represents a serious anomalies of the brain and spine, including spina bifida, which is a common serious consequence if woman lacks folic acid in early pregnancy.

In 10,000 babies, 22 babies  in Rivine were born with a neural tube defect, comparing to the rest of the Europe where approximately 9 births with neural tube defect per 10.000 births.

Additionally, in the area of Polissia which is known to have the highest rate of contamination with radioactive substances, the rate was three times higher comparing to the European average.

Additionally study reports higher rate of other birth defects, including elevated rates of conjoined twins, sacrococcygeal teratomas (congenital tumors on the tailbone), microcephaly (head is abnormally small) and microphthalmia (eyes are undersized).

However, dr. Wertelecki said these findings are not definite, because study didn’t include nutrition into observation. Since all these defects can be caused by either alcohol consumption or deficiency of folic acid, and both alcoholism and malnutrition are a problem, and this study only observed the exposure of actual radiation absorption.

On the other hand, taking a hot shower when pregnant doesn’t result in an increased core body temperature; of course if the shower is not excessively hot or long.

Long and steamy showers, not to mention saunas, might seem relaxing when your body is going through changes during first trimester of pregnancy. The fact is that this type of relaxation raises your body temperature above 38.9° Celsius (102° Fahrenheit) which is proved to be is in strong connection with neural tube defects and dehydration later in pregnancy.

The baby is very sensitive to changes in maternal blood pressure. When maternal blood pressure drops, which is the case when body overheats, there’s less blood supply to the uterus, the placenta, and of course to the baby. This is the main reason studies have proved a link between neural tube defects and the use of saunas and hot tubs.

Heat can be very dangerous for a pregnant woman; and overheating and dehydration can lead to several dangerous reactions such as:

• Fainting
• Cramps; often in legs;
• Heat exhaustion (which includes symptoms such as weakness, thirst, blurred vision, confusion and irritability)
• Heat stroke, life threatening emergency.

For a pregnant woman it is essential to limit activities such as that raise body temperature. These activities include:

• Saunas and Jacuzzis
• Taking hot and long showers
• Becoming overheated either due to over exercising or/and because of hot weather

Instead using hot tub or sauna, I recommend taking a dip in a cool or warm pool.

Hot shower as long as it is a short one, won’t harm you, but try to follow your body’s cues that you’re showering. The same is when enjoying outdoors: be careful not to get overheated when exercising and make sure to drink enough water and take a break from whatever you’re doing if you are feeling overheated.

Additional advise to all women who are going through hot-weather pregnancy is to choose maternity clothes that have as little spandex or nylon and as much natural fiber as possible.

The problem is that most maternity clothes have spandex or some other similar stretchy fabric, but the problem with them is that they are hot – they do not breathe.  Also, instead black or navy color, use lighter tones, perhaps something in pastels or earthy tones, or maybe something white?

Some studies suggest that THC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana decreases testosterone levels which is also connected with lower sperm count, and this as many times emphasized lower chances of conception.

Other studies suggest that smoking marijuana can interfere with woman’s ovulation and can also disrupt woman’s menstrual cycle. The journey of woman’s egg through the fallopian tubes after the implantation requires a special environment, a special balance of endogenous chemicals. Unfortunately, even the slightest imbalance of this chemicals can destroy the whole conception process, and since scientist claim THC is a chemical that can affect this hormonal balance, it is very possible that it can also have detrimental effect on the egg during the implantation process and can decrease chances of successful conception.

However, there is still not a solid proof available that could prove that (smoking) marijuana actually affects woman’s or man’s fertility and chances of conceiving. It is a chance you are taking when you are (ab)using drugs.

If you are already having problems with conception, smoking marijuana will probably only decrease the chances of healthy conception. In other words I would say, it is a chance you wouldn’t want to take: Call marijuana a drug or a medicine: drugs and babies do not mix. Several studies have proved that regular use of marijuana causes birth defects, their abnormal development and problems with cognitive capabilities later in life.

You actually never know whether marijuana you are smoking is contaminated with herbicides or other drugs, and this my friend puts your unborn child at a huge risk. Would you want to do that to your baby because of (one) joint?