Pregnancy Concerns: Risks of Pre-Conception Habits - Dr. Rapaport

Question
Dear Dr. Rapaport,

I just learned last night that I am pregant.  I am about 4-5 weeks along as my last period began June 1st.  I am seeing my PCP on Monday for an OB/GYN referral as normally I go to Planned Parenthood.  I am greatly concerned as not planning to become pregnant, I had been drinking cocktails, smoking cigarettes, taking ibuprofen for headaches, taking 10 mg lexapro daily for anxiety, using sunless tanning lotion, and took laxatives on about 5 occassions for constipation.  I am afraid that I will lose the baby or even hinder his/her development.  Please let me know how much damage I could have done.  As of finding out last night, I have done nothing harmful to the baby and will not.  

Answer
As long as you are not using anymore alcohol or ibuprofen now that you know that you are pregnant. There will be no problem. Smoking cigarettes during the entire pregnancy will lead to smaller babies, but if you stop for the remainder of the pregnancy, there will be no problems with the pregnancy or with the fetus.  Do not drink any alcohol for the remainder of the pregnancy, as well. Any drink you had up to now will not cause any harm to the baby and you will not get Fetal Alcohol Syndrome if you stop drinking now. Use Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol during the pregnancy, but ibuprofen or aspirin is not a problem until the last trimester.  Prozac has been found to be good for anxiety during pregnancy, but your obstetrician will assess your need. Laxatives are perfectly safe for use during pregnancy. As long as you stop smoking for the remainder of the pregnancy, your chances of miscarriage are tiny. Every pregnancy has a 15-20% risk of miscarriage. Don't worry. You should see an obstetrician for your first visit at 8 weeks from the first day of your last period. Good Luck.