Special PRECAUTIONS for PREGNANCY

Special PRECAUTIONS for PREGNANCY     The first three months of pregnancy is the most crucial stage in your baby's development as all organs are forming. Throughout your pregnancy, but especially during the first three months, be very careful about using alcohol, drugs and medication. The following information outlines substances that require special precautions during pregnancy. Instructions are also given on how to keep track of fetal movements, an important sign of your baby's health.

·  Fish and Seafood ·  Alcohol ·  Caffeine ·  Cigarettes ·  Food Additives ·  Food Handling Concerns ·  Medications and Herbs ·  Saunas and Hot Tubs ·  Toxoplasmosis ·  Video Display Terminals (VDTs) ·  Other Precautions and Concerns ·  Informational Hotlines - Chemical Use and Precautions

Fish and Seafood

Fish and seafood are excellent low-fat sources of many nutrients and an important part of a healthy diet. However, there is a concern about eating fish and seafood during preganancy, since many types of fish may contain high levels of mercury. To be safe, choose wisely among types of fish. Precautions Eat no more than 12 ounces of cooked fish a week. Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish. Limit albacore (white) tuna (even canned) to once a week. If you eat fish caught by family and friends from local waters, check local advisories about the safety of fish. Fish sticks and fast food sandwiches are commonly made from fish low in mercury

Alcohol

No one knows how much alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy The danger of alcohol use during pregnancy is that it may cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Babies born with FAS may: grow more slowly have learning problems have abnormal facial features There is no cure for these problems caused by fetal alcohol syndrome. Alcohol is an ingredient in many over-the-counter medicines. For example, some cough medicines are 25 percent alcohol. Ask your health care provider if you should use such products during pregnancy. Always read the label before taking any medicine. Precautions Because there is no known safe level of alcohol taken during pregnancy, the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the March of Dimes caution pregnant women to follow the safest course: Completely avoiding alcoholic beverages while pregnant. Discuss your concerns about alcohol and pregnancy with your healthcare provider.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects people differently. Caffeine can cause nervousness, irritability, anxiety, irregular heartbeats and problems sleeping. How caffeine affects an unborn baby is still under investigation. Some scientists believe caffeine can cause premature or smaller than normal babies or possible birth defects. Precautions Cut down or eliminate food and drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, colas and other soft drinks, cocoa and chocolate. Caffeine is an ingredient in many non-prescription medicines such as headache, cold, allergy, and pills made to combat drowsiness. If you have been consuming caffeine in large quantities, gradually decrease your intake. Stopping all at once can cause severe headaches, nausea, fatigue and other symptoms. Check with your health care provider for more information.

Cigarettes

Cigarette smoking may lead to serious health problems. Women who smoke during pregnancy usually give birth to babies that weigh less than those of women who don't smoke. Low birth weight babies are more likely to have health problems such as: Infections Trouble keeping warm Feeding problems Breathing problems. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) New research shows that exposure to second hand smoke is also linked to SIDS and can cause major health problems to your baby. Precautions Stop smoking or cut down your smoking when pregnant. There are many community programs available to assist you. Call the American Cancer Society for information on Smoke-Stopper Programs in your area. Call 1-800-NOBUTTS(800-662-8887). Avoid smokers and smoking areas whenever possible.

Food Additives

Precautions Whenever possible, try to minimize your use of Processed food items (such as hot dogs) Foods containing sodium nitrate, such as cured meats (hams, bacon, etc.); these substances may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Be sure to wash fruit and and peel carrots to avoid eating pesticides used on farms to kill insects.

Food Handling Concerns

Eating raw fish, meats or poultry may increase your risk of infection or parasitic disease. Cooking food destroys bacteria and parasites. Milk that is not pasteurized may also cause illness. Precautions Avoid eating raw fish (sushi, ceviche), meats or eggs. Only drink pasturized milk. Cook your fish, meat, poultry and eggs thoroughly. Always wash cutting boards after slicing any raw fish, meats, or poultry. Recommendations Run plastic cutting boards through the dishwasher. Microwave wooden boards for five minutes.

Medications and Herbs

Some medications and herbs may harm your baby. Before taking any medication or medicinal herbs during your pregnancy, ask your health care provider these questions: What is this medicine/herb? What does it treat? What are the side effects my baby or I may experience? What is the smallest effective dose? How long will I need to take this medication? Precautions Be cautious about using medicines that contain multiple ingredients. They are more likely to contain extra substances, that may harm your baby.

Saunas and Hot Tubs

Avoid saunas and hot tubs that maintain a temperature greater than body temperature. They can potentially cause overheating and possible affect the development of your baby. Precautions Avoid possible overheating. Check with your health care provider for recommendations.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a condition caused by a parasite found in cat feces, plant soil, and raw or undercooked meat. The parasite can cause brain damage in a developing baby if the mother becomes infected during pregnancy. Precautions Avoid contact with cat feces. Have someone else change the litter box. Wash dirt from fresh produce before eating. Use gloves when you garden. A blood test is available to determine if you have been exposed to toxoplasmosis. Ask your health care provider for more information. Cook all meat to at least medium, preferably well done.

Video Display Terminals (VDTs)

At this time, there are no solid research findings regarding the effects of computer monitors or Video Display Terminals (VDT) on a developing baby. Precautions Reduce your exposure to VDT's whenever possible. Be sure to take frequent stretch breaks and look away from the computer screen whenever possible.

Other Precautions and Concerns

Fetal Solvent Syndrome - Risk for Major Birth Defectors Exposure to chemicals may cause birth defects. Talk with your health care provider if you are concerned about exposure to chemicals in your environment. Rh Negative Mothers and Rhogam If you (mother) are Rh negative and your baby's blood is Rh positive there is an Rh incompatibility. Because some of the baby's red blood cells leak into your system, your body will produce antibodies to fight the Rh factor as if it were a harmful substance. These antibodies will remain in your body and may affect your next baby. If you are Rh negative, you will be given an injection of Rhogam at about 28 weeks of pregnancy, and within 72 hours after a birth, miscarriage, abortion or amniocentesis. The Rhogam will prevent your body from making these harmful antibodies. If your baby is Rh negative, you will not need Rhogam after delivery. Talk with your health care provider for more information. Preeclampsia Preeclampsia is also called Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) or toxemia. The cause of preeclampsia is unknown. It occurs in 5% of pregnancies and is most common in: First pregnancies Twin or other multiple pregnancies Women with high blood pressure before 20 weeks of pregnancy Teenage pregnancies Women with diabetes Women who have had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy Symptoms of preeclampsia include a rise in blood pressure, protein in your urine and rapid weight gain due to fluid retention. If left untreated, preeclampsia can cause many problems that could be life threatening to you and your baby. Early preeclampsia can be diagnosed during a routine visit with your health care provider. Call your health care provider immediately if you experience blurred vision, headache, upper abdominal pain, rapid weight gain or increased swelling. Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy. The changes in your body during pregnancy can cause your blood sugar (glucose) levels to be high, which can cause problems for you and your baby. You will receive specific education on how to care for yourself if you develop gestational diabetes. It is very important to follow the diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring plans given to you. Gestational diabetes is most likely to develop if you: Are overweight Have a family history of diabetes Gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more Had a baby who died before birth Had gestational diabetes in the past Are of Latin, American Indian, African, Asian or Pacific Islander descent You and your baby may have the following problems if you don't keep your blood sugar under control: Baby Big baby Premature birth Jaundice Low blood sugar Stillborn (although this is rare) Mother High blood pressure Bladder or kidney infection Shortness of breath Harder birth and longer recovery time Increased chance of c-section delivery     Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer. Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

 

MONTHLY GUIDE FOR PREGNANCY

MONTHLY GUIDE FOR PREGNANCY

 

 

Learning you are pregnant is a joyous occasion. For the next nine months, you will go through many changes. Although each woman's pregnancy is different, this month-by-month guide can help you plan for some of the changes that may occur.

·  Month One, Two, and Three ·  Month Four ·  Month Five ·  Month Six ·  Month Seven ·  Month Eight ·  Month Nine

Month One, Two, and Three

Your Body By the end of the third month, you may have gained several pounds. You may feel very tired due to hormonal changes. Plan to get extra rest, sneaking in naps when you can and slow down. You should feel more energetic by the end of the third month. You may need to urinate more frequently now. This is common during the first trimester of pregnancy, and again right before your baby is born. For greater comfort, start wearing loosely fitting clothes. See your health care provider by the second month to confirm your pregnancy. Regular check-ups will be scheduled for your prenatal care. "Morning Sickness" Nausea sometimes occurs early in pregnancy and usually goes away after the third month. Although it is called "morning sickness," it can happen any time of the day or night or you may never experience nausea. Your Diet Calcium, Fruits and Vegetables and Water Calcium is very important for both you and your baby's bones and teeth. An easy way to include calcium in your diet is to eat and drink pasturized dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and bran cereal to make sure your bowel movements are regular. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Your Feelings Talk to your partner about how you are feeling. Ask for help, especially if you are tired. During this time you may be feel overweight and clumsy. Remember the extra weight is preparing your body for pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, it is common to have mood swings in your feelings about sex. It is not harmful to have sexual relations during pregnancy, but check with your healthcare provider about sexual activity during this time.

Month Four

Your Body You may notice that you have more energy. Nausea and fatigue may stop. You may also notice that your belly looks larger because the baby has grown. Your Diet During pregnancy, your need for iron increases. To be sure you get enough iron, eat meats, leafy green vegetables, whole grain breads, dried fruits and beans. Childbirth Preparation Classes Childbirth classes should begin in month seven. Register now since classes fill up early.

Month Five

Your Body Changes in your circulation require that you to stand and move often. Continue to do this throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Your breasts may begin to leak a yellowish fluid called colostrum in preparation for breastfeeding and you may begin to feel the baby move during this month. Your Diet Be sure to eat food rich in Vitamin C. Your body does not store Vitamin C, so it is important to get a fresh supply every day. Good sources of Vitamin C are oranges, broccoli, and tomatoes. Choosing a Health Care Provider for your Baby Before you are admitted to the hospital to the hospital, you need to decide who will care for your baby after the delivery. This is a good time in your pregnancy to start looking for a health care provider for your baby if you have not already chosen one. Talk to your friends and ask them if they are happy with the health care provider who cares for their children. Many pediatricians and family care physicians will meet with you before your baby is born and let you interview them. It is a good idea to select someone that close to where you live!

Month Six

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. Your feet may swell during the latter stages of pregnancy. Putting your feet up may help reduce any ankle swelling. Shop for wide, comfortable shoes, preferably with a flat heel. Your Diet You may crave certain foods or find that other foods smell or taste bad, even if you like them before you were pregnant. If this happens, try to find substitutes that provide the right nutrients. Hospital Pre-Registration If you have not already pre-registered at the hospital you will be delivering at, this is a good time to do so. Check with your health care provider or call the hospital directly for pre-registration information.

Month Seven

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. You may tire more easily. Again, ask for help. If you work, try to work shorter hours or a more flexible schedule if possible. Rest when you can. Your Feelings Mood swings and increased irritability are common during the last three months of pregnancy. Be sure to discuss your feelings with your partner. Childbirth Preparation Classes Begin childbirth preparation classes with your partner. These classes provide useful information on labor and birth, and what to expect.

Month Eight

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. Increases in frequency of urination, backaches, anxiety, heartburn, and shortness of breath occur at this time. Shop for larger maternity clothes, if necessary. You will be growing quite a bit these last few weeks. Your Diet What you eat is still important. If you have trouble sleeping, try drinking something warm and lying on your side with pillows to support your body. Taking a warm shower before bed also helps to relax you and make you sleepy.

Month Nine

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. Your stomach may change shape as the baby begins to position itself for birth. It may be easier to breathe now, but you may have to urinate more often. Get plenty of rest! Hospital Stay Make arrangements for your hospital stay. Keep important phone numbers and papers close by. Pack your bag for the hospital, and plan how you will get there at different times of the day or night. Make sure you have everything you will need when you come home from the hospital, such as food and diapers.