It is important that pregnant females pay close attention to their diet. Besides having a healthy and balanced diet, it is recommended that a pregnant female take dietary supplements, such as multivitamins, to ensure her foetus receives all the nutrients it needs for proper growth. Drugs can affect foetal growth and development. The improper use of drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy or nicotine, can harm a foetus. They may even cause the death of the foetus.