-Smoking (first or second hand) may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth: chemicals in the smoke affect the placenta ( placental abruption: a condition when the placenta separates from the uterus before childbirth ), and causes slow foetal development. -Alcohol affects development of baby's nervous system. -Illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can cause mental retardation, miscarriage, or physical defects of child - Only drugs prescribed by doctors should be used. Aspirin, Advil, and Motrin can cause fetal heart defects -X-ray: during pregnancy, this can cause genetic mutations in foetus, causing abnormal development. Ultra sound is a safer method, to do internal examination of the body