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