Planning a pregnancy has a lot of advantages as it gives you the time to ensure that an optimum environment is created enabling the child to grow up healthy.
Pregnancy planning will usually begin with a visit to a health care practitioner who may do a check up. This will alert the physician to any problems that may arise while getting pregnant or once you are pregnant. Women who are above 35 contemplating pregnancy may need extra care as there are chances that complications may arise such as congenital abnormalities in the infant.
Pre Pregnancy Health Issues To Be Wary Of
Most women are healthy and have healthy babies, but not all women are so lucky, some may have to deal with issues such as Anemia, hypertension and diabetes. If you plan on getting pregnant beware of pre pregnancy health issues such as Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Genital herpes, Chlamydia, HIV etc. Vaccinations against German measles, hepatitis b and tetanus may be required too. The physician may also be keen to know if you have any hereditary diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, Hemophilia, Sickle Cell Disease, Tay - Sachs disease and Thallasaemia. Sexually transmitted infections and UTI are also harmful for mother and child.
What Changes In Lifestyle to Adopt
Several lifestyle changes have to be made while planning a pregnancy such as cessation of smoking, drinking, drug or substance abuse etc. as they increase the risk of miscarriages, low birth weight babies etc. Food and nutrition plays a very important role while planning a pregnancy. It is necessary to opt for well balanced, regular and nutritious meals that are rich in fiber, starch and vitamins. Green leafy vegetables, fruits, fortified cereals, dry fruits, nuts are recommended. It is not recommended to eat raw fish, shark, marlin or sword fish, undercooked meat and soft cheese or un-pasteurized milk. Physicians usually recommend folic acid, calcium and multi-vitamin supplements to ensure that the baby develops normally in the pre pregnancy stage. Morning sickness and swollen feet are common complaints, so ensure that you eat healthy and do the recommended exercise to stay healthy and fit.
Health Hazards to Stay Away From
While planning a pregnancy be sure that you do not expose yourself to hazards such as radiation, solvents, pint fumes, anesthesia, dry cleaning fluids, heavy metals etc. Do not stand for long periods or do strenuous exercise. Take regular breaks by walking around a bit and eating healthy snacks. Do maintain your weight so that you do not develop complications due to obesity.
Planning Ahead During Pregnancy
You have to make provisions for the rising costs by perhaps adhering to a budget as you may not get paid leave for delivering your baby. Start saving before planning a pregnancy as it will greatly reduce stress if you know that you are financially secure. Talk to your partner and decide if you will be a working mom or a stay-at-home mom. Look out for a reliable baby sitter/day care center if you plan to return to work. It will be easier if you purchased the necessary goods before the baby is born such as the crib, bassinet etc. to get your house in order as postponing it can lead to increased stress and worry as you may have little time left when the baby arrives.
Planning a pregnancy can be fun and an exciting event that you may share with your partner. Be calm, have a positive attitude, eat healthy and stay fit, trust in god and soon you will be holding that bundle of joy in your arms and will know that no matter what sacrifices you make, it was worthwhile, for nothing is more precious than the health and well being of the unique life that you created.
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