Tips For a Healthy Pregnancy

Not all birth defects or birth injuries can be prevented, but a healthy lifestyle including healthy eating and exercise habits combined with attentive pre-natal care can help increase your chances of having a healthy baby. It is important to educate yourself about appropriate behaviors during pregnancy as early as possible, because many preventable birth defects are caused in the earliest stages of pregnancy. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, there are some very simple but important steps you can take to safeguard the well being of your baby and protect your fetus from birth defects or injuries.
 

• Avoid contact with chemicals such as paint and paint fumes, cleaning solutions,  insecticides, and bleach. Avoid toxic substances of any kind.
• Seek medical advise as soon as you think you may be pregnant. Prenatal care is a requirement if you want to be assured of having a healthy child. Continue to see your physician frequently and regularly throughout your pregnancy.
• Do not smoke. Do not allow yourself to be around second hand smoke. Cigarette smoking can cause a wide variety of birth defects, and even miscarriage or infant death. It has been linked to low birth weight, premature delivery, asthma, and many other tragic conditions.
• Drink plenty of healthy fluids. Your body needs water, especially, in order to produce enough blood to support your baby.
• Eat healthy foods and consult your physician regarding the nutritional needs of your unborn child. Consider taking prenatal vitamins to supplement your healthy eating habits. Your prenatal vitamin should contain Folic Acid, which is a crucial part of the healthy development of your baby’s brain and spine. You should continue taking Folic Acid for a few months after delivery if you are breast-feeding. Your vitamin should also contain Iron, which will help reduce the risk of anemia, a common issue during pregnancy.
• Consider full genetic testing. Know your family history, and report and birth defects or pregnancy issues in both your family and the father’s family to your physician. Any hereditary diseases should also be reported.
• Keep clean. Wash your hands often, and be extra careful to remain sanitary when bathing or using the bathroom. You want to prevent any spread of infection causing bacteria that could harm your fetus.
• Take classes and read plenty of literature on pregnancy and the early stages of parenting. The more you know, the less likely you are to mistakenly do something to harm your child. Make plans for when you bring the baby home. Prepare a nursery with the items needed to care for a newborn, and “Baby proof” your home, removing all dangerous or toxic items in areas accessible to the child.
• Do not hesitate to contact your physician immediately if you feel there may be a problem of any kind during your pregnancy. Even if you think your concern is silly, it is much better to be safe than sorry when it concerns your unborn child.
• Do not consume alcohol while pregnant. Like cigarettes, alcohol is known to cause a wide variety of birth defects and pregnancy complications. Caffeine should be strictly limited if not completely removed from your diet. This means teas, coffee, chocolate, and other candies should be strictly controlled or eliminated.
• Apprise your doctor of any pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes and follow their instructions for your continued treatment during your pregnancy. Ask about all current medications and make sure they do not need to be changed or adjusted during the pregnancy. Keep a list of all medications you keep handy, in order to make sure no new medications will react dangerously with your pre- existing prescriptions.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over the counter medication, such as cold or flu remedies. Do not put any medication into your body without first consulting with a physician.
• Be active. Exercise is good for both you and the baby. Before you decide on an exercise regimen, consult with your doctor about your exercise needs, and the level of movement that will be safe and beneficial to you and the child.
• Do not go in hot tubs, saunas or steam rooms. The heat may be harmful to the baby. Public pools should also be avoided, as public bathing areas may expose you to bacteria that may harm your child.
• Do not eat undercooked meat, handle cat litter, or garden without gloves on. All three of these activities may expose you to a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis, a serious infection that cause your baby significant harm.
• Make sure to discuss any needed vaccinations with your physician, in order to protect both you and your unborn child from infection or disease.
• Avoid X-Rays. Except in circumstances of extreme emergency, a pregnant woman should not be exposed to radiation. If you must have X-Rays, be sure to inform the physician so extra protection may be given to your baby.
• Be sure to get plenty of rest, both the ensure your health and that of your baby.
• Maintain a healthy weight for your height. Consult your doctor regarding your diet as soon as possible after becoming pregnancy. Remember, whatever you are putting into your body, you are also putting into your baby’s body.

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