| My
friend delivered her baby 4 weeks early. What can I do to prevent
a preterm delivery? |
|
About
one in ten newborns in the United States is born too early.
The cause of preterm delivery is often unknown. Some things
you can do to reduce your risk of preterm labor and delivery
include:
- Obtain
early and consistent prenatal care.
- Avoid
exposure to sexually transmitted disease.
- Don't
smoke, use alcohol or illicit drugs.
- Learn
the signs and symptoms of preterm
labor. Early detection and treatment of preterm labor
may reduce the chance of a preterm delivery.
|
| I
have gestational diabetes. Will diabetes continue after my pregnancy? |
|
For the
majority of women, the answer is 'No'. In about 97 out of
100 women with gestational
diabetes, the blood sugar returns to normal after delivery.
However, women who develop gestational diabetes are at higher
risk for developing it again, and of developing diabetes mellitus
later in life. To minimize your risk, stay physically active
and maintain a healthy body weight. Have your blood sugar
checked regularly and before
becoming pregnant again.
|
| Should
I stop taking my blood pressure drugs now? I am trying to become
pregnant. |
|
Prescription
medication should never be discontinued without discussing
it with your physician. Some medications are safer than others
during pregnancy, however, poorly controlled blood pressure
will also increase your pregnancy risks. Check with your doctor
before you get pregnant
to find out if the medication you are taking is safe. If it
is not, discuss possible options, including another medication,
and the risks pregnancy presents to you and the baby. Make
sure you are in the best health possible to support a healthy
pregnancy.
|
| Can
I make enough milk to breastfeed my twins? |
|
For most
women, milk supply will increase based on how much milk is
being removed from the breast. In other words, the supply
grows to meet demand. In theory, you should be able to produce
enough milk for twins, or more! The challenges are logistics
(time) and getting enough rest. Learn all you can about breastfeeding
during your pregnancy, and don't be afraid to contact a lactation
consultant if you need help. Your local mothers-of-twins club
may be a good resource for practical suggestions on breastfeeding
twins. Good luck!
|
| I'm
expecting twins. Do I need two prenatal vitamins? |
|
No. Multiple
pregnancy does increase nutrient needs more than for women
expecting only one baby, however, it does not double your
needs. Certain vitamins and minerals are harmful in large
amounts. Take only supplements prescribed or approved by your
prenatal care provider.
|
| Is
it ok to drink coffee while I'm pregnant? |
|
It's recommended
that you avoid coffee and other sources of caffeine while
you are pregnant. If you "must" have coffee, try to limit
it to one cup per day. Too much caffeine can cause dehydration
which is harmful to you and your fetus. It can also interfere
with proper rest and sleep. Coffee can interfere with absorption
of certain minerals, so don't take your vitamins or minerals
at the same time as coffee.
|
| I'm
not a milk drinker, but I know I need more calcium during my
pregnancy. What are other good sources of calcium? |
|
Your need
for calcium is 1200 mg per day during your pregnancy and while
you breast feed your infant. That amounts to about 4 servings
of calcium-rich foods per day. Besides milk, other calcium
rich foods include cheese, yogurt, calcium fortified soy milk,
calcium fortified orange juice, and tofu that has been process
with calcium (read the label). Dark green leafy vegetables
and legumes (dried beans) also contain a significant amounts
of calcium. Your prenatal vitamin does not provide much calcium.
If you want to take calcium supplements, don't take calcium
at the same time as your prenatal vitamin, because the iron
in your prenatal vitamin will interfere with the calcium absorption.
|
| I'm
in my first trimester of pregnancy and I'm battling nausea.
Any tips? |
|
Having
something in your stomach usually helps relieve nausea. Use
smaller, more frequent meals. Try eating every 2-3 hours.
Dry and bland foods such as crackers and dry toast are often
well tolerated. Avoid any foods which you find offensive.
Eat in well-ventilated areas. Shorten food preparation time
or have someone else prepare the food. Avoid fatty or fried
foods. Drink cool, clear beverages between meals, rather than
with meals. Do not lie flat for at least 2 hours after eating
a main meal. Tea made with fresh ginger root, sliced and boiled,
may calm the stomach.
|
| I've
had a lot of problems with constipation during my pregnancy.
What are some tips to help with constipation? |
|
There
are several things you can do to help with constipation. Increase
your fiber intake. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables (including
the edible skins), choose whole grains, dried beans and split
peas. Use wheat bran cereals such as raisin bran, bran flakes
or bran buds. Drink plenty of liquids, at least 8 cups of
fluid each day. Apple juice or prune juice may also be helpful.
Exercise a little each day, physical activity helps keep the
gastrointestinal tract moving. Laxative use is not recommended
during pregnancy and should always be supervised by your physician.
|
| I've
been trying to get pregnant for a little over a year, and still
no success. Does this mean I'm infertile? Should I see a specialist?
|
|
Infertility
problems may be suspected after a full year of actively trying
to get pregnant. Since a year has already passed for you, you
should speak to your gynecologist and get recommendations in
finding an infertility specialist. Don't get discouraged. Many
infertility problems are treatable. You and your partner both
need to have a full medical workup. An infertility workup usually
finds the cause and then your specialist can discuss treatment
options with you. |
