ABC's...Pregnancy Tips (A-Z)
A
Avoid
exposure to toxic substances and chemicals --- such as cleaning
solvents, lead and mercury, some insecticides, and paint. Pregnant
women should avoid exposure to paint fumes.
B
Be sure to see your
doctor and get prenatal care as soon as you think you're pregnant.
It's important to see your doctor regularly throughout pregnancy, so be sure
to keep all your prenatal care appointments.
and...
Breastfeeding
is the healthiest choice for both you and your baby. Talk to your
doctor, your family and friends, and your employer about how you choose
to feed your baby and how they can support you in your decision.
C
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the chances of
premature birth, certain birth defects, and infant death. Women who
smoke during pregnancy are more likely than other women to have a
miscarriage and to have a baby born with a cleft lip
or cleft palate--types of birth defects. Smoking is one of the
causes of
problems with the placenta and can cause a baby to be born too
early and have low birth weight. Smoking is also one of the causes
of
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
D
Drink extra fluids (water is best) throughout pregnancy to help your
body keep up with the increases in your blood volume. Drink at
least 6 to 8 glasses of water, fruit juice, or milk each day. A
good way to know you're drinking enough fluid is when your urine looks
like almost-clear water or is very light yellow.
E
Eat healthy to get
the nutrients you and your unborn baby need. Your meals should
include the five basic food groups. Each day you should get the
following: 6-11 servings of grain products, 3-5 servings of vegetables,
2-4 servings of fruits,
4-6 servings of milk and milk products, 3-4 servings of meat and protein
foods. Foods low in fat and high in fiber are important to a
healthy diet.
F
Take 400 micrograms of
folic acid daily both before pregnancy and during the
first few months of pregnancy
to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine. All women
who could possibly become pregnant should take a vitamin with folic
acid, every day. It is also important to eat a healthy diet with
fortified foods (enriched grain products, including cereals, rice,
breads, and pastas) and foods with natural sources of folate (orange
juice, green leafy vegetables, beans, peanuts, broccoli, asparagus,
peas, and lentils).
G Genetic
testing should be done appropriately. It's important to know
your
family history.
If there have been problems with pregnancies or birth defects in your
family, report these to your doctor. Also, genetic counselors can
talk with you about the information you might need in making decisions
about having a family. You can call a major medical center in your
area for help in finding a board-certified genetic counselor.
H
Hand-washing is
important throughout the day, especially after handling raw meat or
using the bathroom. This can help prevent the spread of many
bacteria and viruses that cause infection.
I
Take 30 milligrams of
iron
during your pregnancy as prescribed by your doctor to reduce the risk of
anemia later in pregnancy. All women of childbearing age should
eat a diet rich in iron.
J Join a
support group for moms to be, or join a class on parenting or
childbirth.
K
Know your
limits. Let your physician know if you experience any of the
following: pain of any kind, strong cramps, uterine contractions
at 20-minute intervals, vaginal bleeding, leaking of amniotic fluid,
dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, palpitations, tachycardia
(rapid beating of the heart), constant nausea and vomiting, trouble
walking, edema (swelling of joints), or if your baby has decreased
activity.
L
Legal drugs such as alcohol and caffeine are important issues for
pregnant women. There is no known safe amount of alcohol a woman
can drink while pregnant. Fetal
alcohol syndrome
, a disorder characterized by growth retardation, facial abnormalities, and
central nervous system dysfunction, is caused by a woman's use of
alcohol during pregnancy. Caffeine, found in tea, coffee, soft
drinks and chocolate, should also be limited. Be sure to read
labels when trying to cut down on caffeine during pregnancy. More
than 200 foods, beverages, and over-the-counter medications contain
caffeine!
M
Medical
conditions/complications
such as diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure should be treated
and kept under control. Ask your doctor about any medications that
may need to be changed or adjusted during pregnancy. If you are
currently taking any
medications ask your doctor if it is safe to take them while you're
pregnant. Also, be sure to discuss any herbs or vitamins you are
taking. They are medicines, too! Discuss with your doctor all
medications, prescribed and over-the-counter, that you are taking.
N Now is the time to
baby-proof your home. These are important tips for making your home
a safer environment for your baby.
O Over-the-counter
cough and cold remedies may contain alcohol or other ingredients that
should be avoided during pregnancy. Ask your health care provider
about prescription or over-the-counter drugs that you are taking or may
consider taking while pregnant.
P
Physical activity
during pregnancy can benefit both you and your baby by lessening
discomfort and fatigue, providing a sense of well-being, and increasing
the likelihood of early recovery after delivery. Light to moderate
exercise during pregnancy strengthens the abdominal and back muscles,
which help to improve posture. Practicing yoga, walking, swimming,
and cycling on a stationary bicycle are usually safe exercises for
pregnant women. But always check with your doctor before beginning
any kind of
exercise, especially during pregnancy.
Q Queasiness, stomach
upset and
morning sickness are common during pregnancy. Foods that you
normally love may make you feel sick to your stomach. You may need
to substitute other nutritious foods. Eating five or six small
meals a day instead of three large ones may make you feel better.
R
Rodents may carry lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). If a pregnant
woman is infected with LCMV, it can pass to the unborn baby and cause
severe abnormalities or loss of the pregnancy. Avoid all contact with
rodents, including pet hamsters and guinea pigs, and with their urine,
droppings and nesting materials throughout pregnancy. Mice in the home
should be removed promptly by a professional pest control company or
another member of the household. Pet rodents should be housed in a
separate part of the house where other household members or friends can
care for the pet and clean its cage. For more information, see
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/lcmv/qa.htm
S
Saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms should be avoided while you are
pregnant. Excessive high heat may be harmful during your
pregnancy.
T
Toxoplasmosis
is an infection caused by a parasite that can seriously harm an unborn
baby. Avoid eating undercooked meat and handling cat litter, and
be sure to wear gloves when gardening.
U Uterus size increases during the first
trimester, which, along with more efficient functioning of your kidneys,
may cause you to feel the need to urinate more often. You may also
leak urine when sneezing, coughing or laughing. This is due to the
growing uterus pressing against your bladder, which lies directly in
front of and slightly under the uterus during the first few months of
pregnancy. If you experience burning along with frequency of
urination, be sure to tell your doctor.
V
Vaccinations
are an important concern for pregnant women. Get needed vaccines
before pregnancy. CDC has clear guidelines for the use of vaccines
during pregnancy. Review the list and be sure to discuss
with your doctor.
W Being
overweight or
underweight during pregnancy may cause problems. Try to get
within 15 pounds of your ideal weight before pregnancy. Remember,
pregnancy is not a time to be dieting! Don't stop eating or start
skipping meals as your weight increases. Both you and your baby
need the calories and nutrition you receive from a healthy diet.
Be sure to consult with your doctor about your diet.
X Avoid
X rays. If you must
have dental work or diagnostic tests, tell your dentist or physician
that you are pregnant so that extra care can be taken.
Y Your baby loves
you, and you should show your baby that you love her, too. Give
your baby a healthy environment to live in while you are pregnant.
Infants
and children require constant care and guidance. Their health and
safety should be carefully watched at all times. Refer to the link
above for tips on safe and healthy child care.
Z Get your ZZZZZZZZZ's...Be sure to
get plenty of rest... Resting on your side as often as possible,
especially on your left side is advised, as it provides the best
circulation to your baby and helps reduce swelling.
Disclaimer:
Please consult your doctor on any and all issues regarding your
pregnancy. Although these may be good general pregnancy tips,
every pregnancy is different, and each deserves the attention of a
doctor or health care provider.
Safe Motherhood
Related Links
The following
links provide more technical literature on pregnancy-related issues:
Medications & Pregnancy
Drug & Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Date: October 5, 2005
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities