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Increasing Odds For A Healthy Pregnancy
There are many
steps a woman can take prior to conception for a healthy pregnancy.
A woman's nutritional health, general health, fitness level and
daily routines all affect the environment in which her child will
grow. A tiny new person within relies on its mother to provide a
safe and nutrient-rich environment for a full nine months. The better
prepared the mother is at the time of conception, the easier it
will be for her body to adapt to the demands of pregnancy.
Stepping
into pregnancy:
It's never too soon or too late to take good care of your baby's
first home, you! The following are steps you can take now to prepare
for and maintain a healthy pregnancy.
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Step
1
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Have A Physical Exam:
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1.
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Visit
your doctor and discuss your plans to become pregnant. Any minor
or major health problems should receive the proper attention
prior to conceiving. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing
if you have medical risks or a family history of genetic disorders. |
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2.
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Have
a complete gynecological exam. This may include testing for
sexually transmitted diseases. Review your birth control method.
It is usually advised that birth control pills be stopped several
months before trying to get pregnant. |
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3.
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If
you take prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, medicinal
herbs or dietary supplements, ask your doctor if they are safe
to use during pregnancy. Certain drugs or supplements should
be stopped before pregnancy.
Many other common pain relievers are not recommended during
pregnancy. Be sure to your doctor's advice about pain relievers,
cold medicines, or any other chemicals (natural or pharmaceutical)
before attempting to become pregnant. |
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4.
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Make
sure that you are up-to-date on your own immunizations. |
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5.
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Once
you become pregnant, it is important to have regular prenatal checkups.
Your health care provider will make sure important tests are done
on schedule, guide you, educate you on key issues, and monitor you
and your baby throughout your pregnancy. |
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Step
2
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Have
A Dental Exam and Complete Needed Dental Work
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1.
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Have
a complete examination and dental cleaning prior to becoming
pregnant.. |
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2.
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Have
any x-rays, procedures, fillings or dental surgeries done prior
to becoming pregnant. Avoid any exposure to x-rays once you
become pregnant. |
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Step
3
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Eat
A Balanced Diet and Work On Weight Management
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1.
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Use
the Food
Guide Pyramid to balance food selections for general good
nutritional health. Once you become pregnant, follow the nutrition
guidelines for pregnancy. You will need more calcium, protein,
iron and other key nutrients. |
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2.
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Limit
fats and sweets. Now is the time to cut down on the "empty
calorie" foods and strive to make food choices that are
"nutrient-rich". |
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3.
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Try
to achieve and maintain a healthy
weight prior to pregnancy. On one hand, excess weight can
complicate a pregnancy. On the other hand, if you are fiercely
dieting while you are trying to conceive, you may be lacking
very important nutrients needed to start a healthy pregnancy.
Once pregnant, never try to lose
weight. Gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy
helps to protect both you and the baby. |
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4.
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Take
a general vitamin-mineral
supplement and be sure it contains 400 micrograms of folic
acid. Folic acid is needed for healthy brain and spinal cord
development very early in the pregnancy. For women who had a
previous child with a known neural tube defect (NTD), the recommendation
for folic acid intake is significantly higher and should be
discussed with your doctor. Starting supplement before
you get pregnant will help assure that you have the proper intake
of this, and several other important nutrients during the early
weeks of pregnancy, a critical time. Unless otherwise advised
by your physician, prenatal vitamins with a higher level of
iron are not started until the second trimester of pregnancy,
since iron will reduce absorption of zinc and may cause stomach
upset or constipation. |
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Step
4
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Build
Your Strength and Fitness
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1.
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Exercise
tones and strengthens muscles. This will prepare your body for carrying
the baby throughout pregnancy. A higher level fitness also makes delivering
the baby easier. |
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2.
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Exercise
can help reduce your risk of developing backaches and varicose
veins during pregnancy. |
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3.
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Exercise
can help you manage your weight before, during and after pregnancy. |
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4.
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Drink
plenty of water to stay
hydrated and don't exercise to the point of exhaustion or
overheating. |
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5.
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Check
with your doctor for individual advice about any health conditions
that would require you to limit or modify your exercise. You
may need to avoid very intense exercise while you are trying
to conceive. Once you become pregnant, there will be certain
restrictions to avoid injury and protect the fetus. |
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Step
5
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Avoid
Exposure to Hazards:
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1.
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Chemicals
and other hazards can reduce fertility and, once pregnant,
can be dangerous to your baby. Lead, heavy metals, asbestos,
chemical fumes, insecticides, strong household cleaning supplies,
paint fumes, and countless other hazards loom in our environments.
Find out about potential hazards are in your workplace. Avoid
handling or breathing toxic substances. If in doubt regarding
a particular substance, ask your physician or pharmacist. |
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2.
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Strictly avoid all illicit
drugs. If you use street drugs, get help to quit prior to
becoming pregnant. All street drugs hold dangerous and even
deadly consequences for the baby. |
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3.
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Stop drinking alcohol.
Alcohol intake is toxic to the fetus. Drinking during pregnancy
can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which can lead to brain injury
and other defects. |
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4.
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Quit smoking.
Don't smoke and don't breath other people's smoke. Smoking reduces
fertility and is harmful to you and the baby. |
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5.
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Reduce caffeine
intake. Large intakes of caffeine (coffee, teas, cola-drinks)
may reduce fertility. If you must have it, try to limit yourself
to one cup per day. Too much caffeine can contribute to mild
dehydration which is harmful to you and your fetus. It also
interferes with proper rest and sleep. Caffeine can interfere
with absorption of certain minerals so, if you drink caffeine
beverages, don't take your vitamins or minerals at the same
time. |
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6.
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Don't
let your body
temperature rise too much. Hot tubs, saunas, electric blankets,
heating pads, excessive exercise or anything else that causes
you to get too hot can reduce fertility, may cause miscarriage
or result in other problems for you or your baby. |
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Step
6
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Rest and Relax!
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1.
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You
are embarking on an exciting journey. Enjoy yourself. Too
much tension or stress can reduce your chances of becoming
pregnant. It can also create harsher environment for a developing
baby to grow. |
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2.
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Once
pregnant, you will need more rest than usual. Your body may
or may not tell you this, but it is true. Try to pamper yourself.
Prioritize your day and save time for yourself. |
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