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Becoming a mom is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life, but don’t let pregnancy stress you. (Oops! Did I say “don’t?”?) Whether you’re dreaming of motherhood, trying to conceive or already pregnant, there are many things you can do to ensure your vitality and the health of your baby. Here are some that have the greatest impact. Preconception care is a must. MCGHealth physicians recommend that you begin preconception care at least three months before you begin trying to get pregnant. Because some women may need more time to get their bodies ready to carry a child, you should always consult your doctor first. Be sure to discuss the following topics: ● Health problems that run in your or your husband’s family. ● Medicines you use, including over-the-counter, herbal and prescription drugs and supplements. ● Ways to improve your overall health, such as appropriate food choices, achieving a healthy weight, being physically active, reducing stress and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. ● Vaccines and screenings you may need. ● Taking folic acid and prenatal vitamins. ● Managing pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, obesity, depression, high blood pressure and other health problems you may have. ● Your age, because the age of a mother plays a role in birth outcomes. There are additional things to consider once you have conceived. Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, which is divided into three trimesters. Your obstetrician will want to see you monthly for checkups. During each visit, the physician or nurse will perform a series of examinations and tests to determine the health of you and your baby. These checkups will increase to once a week or more, closer to your due date during your last trimester. Write down (so you won’t forget to ask them) any questions you have along your journey and bring them to each appointment. Work with your doctor to establish some guidelines on how to maintain your health and to promote good health in your developing baby. Here are some of the biggest issues to cover. Eating for Two Remember the old phrase, “Eating for two?” Don’t let this trip you up, because eating for two doesn’t mean eating twice as much. Rather it means that “what” you are eating affects you and your baby. What you consume is the main source of nutrients for your growing little one, which is why balanced meals are the best recipe for good health during your pregnancy. An expectant mom needs more of many important vitamins, minerals and nutrients and about 300 to 500 additional calories than she did before. Ask your doctor about prenatal vitamins, and maintain a balanced diet. A good diet consists of a variety of grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, beans and lean meats. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have special dietary needs because of diabetes or a food allergy. Most foods are safe for expectant mothers and their babies. However, be sure to ask your doctor about any specific food concerns he or she may have. Also it’s important to handle, clean, cook and store food properly to prevent food-borne illnesses. In addition to making healthy food choices, be sure to drink plenty of fluids. All of your body’s systems need water, and supporting a growing life inside you requires even more. Regular water intake also helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling and urinary tract or bladder infections. Conversely, too little water can lead to premature labor. MCGHealth physicians recommend you drink at least 80 ounces of fluids a day, which can include water, juices, coffee, tea and certain soft drinks. But keep in mind that some beverages are high in sugar and empty calories, so you will want to limit those kinds of drinks. Some studies have shown a link between high amounts of caffeine and miscarriage and preterm birth. But there is no solid proof that caffeine causes these problems. Because the effects are unclear, it’s best to check with your doctor about your caffeine consumption. There is no known safe amount of alcohol a woman can consume while pregnant. When you drink alcoholic beverages, the alcohol is absorbed in your bloodstream, and this blood travels to your baby through the umbilical cord. Alcohol can stunt growth and cause birth defects, so abstinence is the best practice. Exercise plays dual role. Fitness goes hand in hand with a balanced diet in order to maintain your physical health and well being during pregnancy. Healthy pregnant women should get at least two and a half hours of moderately intense aerobic exercise per week. Spread your workouts throughout the week to avoid overexertion or injury. Physical activity can also prevent or ease many aches and pains caused by pregnancy, including backaches, constipation and exhaustion. Exercise will better prepare you for labor, delivery and recovery, and it may also improve your sleep while you’re pregnant. For most expectant moms, exercise is safe and valuable, but be sure to get clearance from your doctor before you begin a routine. The recommended activities include walking, dancing, cycling, swimming and low-impact aerobics. Avoid contact sports, scuba diving and activities with the potential for a fall, like horseback riding or gymnastics. Travel with care. Life doesn’t stop when you become pregnant, and most healthy women are able to continue their normal routine, such as going to work or running errands. But for some, travel is a normal way of life, so to take care of yourself and keep your baby safe through some careful preplanning. Consider the destination. Is the water and food safe? Will you need immunizations before you go? Is appropriate medical care available in the event of an emergency? Avoid sitting for long periods in a car, plane or other form of transportation, because prolonged sitting can affect blood flow in the legs. Take frequent, 10-minute breaks to walk or stretch. Wearing support hosiery can also stimulate blood flow. Take along a copy of your medical records in case you have a health emergency. If you suspect a problem with your pregnancy during travel, see a doctor quickly. Don’t wait until you return home to get medical care. And be sure to buckle up during your travels. Minimize environmental risks. Our environment consists of everything around us wherever we are - people, animals, chemicals and the very air we breathe. While you don’t have to avoid every little thing you may breathe in or encounter, it’s wise to eliminate your exposure to certain substances that put your unborn child’s health at risk. Avoid exposure to: 1. Lead - It’s found mostly in homes built before 1978 and in some water and paints. Toys have been recalled in recent years because of lead content; so, check labels carefully before buying for your baby. 2. Arsenic - High levels have been discovered in well water. If you drink from well water, it’s a good idea to have it tested. 3. Solvents - Don’t use degreasers, paint strippers and thinners or related chemicals. Let someone else paint the nursery. 4. Pesticides - These may be found in household or agricultural products. It’s o.k. for your husband to do the cleaning and handling of the chemicals for a few months. 5. Cat litter - Stay away from the litter box, because there is a risk of toxoplasmosis from exposure to cat waste. Toxoplasmosis can devastate a fetus. 6. Mercury - The harmful form is most often found in large fish. Consume fish in moderation. 7. Cigarette smoke - Smoking is not good for mom or baby. My best advice is to stay away from secondhand smoke, and if you are a smoker, to stop for good. Your doctor can provide you help in quitting. When to call your doctor Don’t hesitate to call your physician if something is bothering you while you are pregnant. It may be nothing, but it’s always safe to voice your concerns. If you experience bleeding or leaking fluid; severe or persistent headaches; sudden or severe swelling in the face, hands or fingers; or severe pain or cramping in the lower abdomen, call your physician. Take a deep breath and relax. Body changes, hormone fluctuations and the many other facets of pregnancy can be challenging. Sometimes it’s best to step back and break away from the stresses in your life. Leading a frenzied and stressful life during your pregnancy can worsen some of the side effects of pregnancy such as morning sickness, fatigue, headache, backache and indigestion. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your tasks, and don’t spread yourself too thin. Take more breaks from the really stressful things in your life and practice relaxation techniques to get some relief from the grind of everyday life. Motherhood takes a solid commitment to your health and that of your baby. But with careful preparation and diligence, you’ll make it through the nine months of ups and downs to experience the unmatchable joy of bringing a new life into the world. MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient facilities and services throughout the state. For more information, please visit mcghealth.org. Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7. HealthNewsDigest.com We videotape Press Conferences, produce SMT's, VNR's, B-rolls, PSA's, - all with distribution: HealthyTelevisionProductions Top of Page 
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