Having a Healthy Pregnancy
By Cheryl Stallings, R.N.
Most women are healthy during their child-bearing years, and most pregnancies are considered low risk. One of the most important ways women can help ensure a healthy pregnancy is to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes:
- Beginning prenatal care early in the pregnancy
- Exercising regularly if your doctor approves
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Avoiding hot tubs and saunas
- Avoiding x-rays
- Limiting caffeine
- Avoiding cigarettes, alcohol and illegal drugs
- Consulting your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications
- Avoiding infections
- Taking good care of your teeth and gums
Dental health
Your teeth and gums? What effect could dental health possibly have on pregnancy? Recent studies indicate that there is a relationship between periodontal disease and pre-term, low birth weight babies. Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the gums. It can destroy bones and tissue that hold teeth in your mouth. Research shows that women who have this condition are seven times more likely to give birth prematurely to a baby who is too small.
The reason may be that a chemical called prostaglandin, which induces labor, is present in bacteria of the mouth. The levels of prostaglandin in people with severe periodontal disease are very high.
Dangers of low birth weight
Low birth weight babies generally require specialized care in a hospital, and their mothers have a greater risk of postpartum depression. These mothers generally do not return to work as quickly as other mothers, the families experience higher levels of stress, and marital problems often develop.
Babies who are born early and have low birth weights are also at greater risk for the following:
- Cerebral palsy
- Asthma and other respiratory conditions
- Vision problems
- Learning difficulties
The earlier a mother gives birth, the more likely her baby will develop problems.
Early prenatal care
It is never too early to begin prenatal visits with your doctor or other health care professional. Examinations are scheduled once a month during the first few months of pregnancy, assuming there are no problems, and increase in frequency to once a week or more at the end.
During the examinations, the doctor or nurse will listen to the baby’s heartbeat, check the mother’s weight and blood pressure, measure the uterus, and take a urine sample from the mother to check for evidence of sugar or protein, which may indicate possible complications. The mother will also be asked whether she is having any problems such as unusual headaches, leg cramps, or abdominal pain. Ultrasound and genetic tests may be performed during some of the examinations.
Exercise & diet
Research indicates that physical activity is generally healthy during pregnancy, but a woman should talk to her doctor before exercising. With the doctor’s approval, she can exercise at least three times a week for 20 minutes per session. Excellent choices for exercise are walking, swimming, and taking a prenatal aerobics class.
During pregnancy, women should avoid exercising outdoors when the weather is hot. They should also forego deep knee bends, horseback riding, rock climbing, and other activities that involve bouncing movements.
Good nutrition is vital during pregnancy. This includes:
- A combination of seven servings of fruits and vegetables each day
- Nine or more servings of whole grain bread or cereal
- Two or more servings of protein, with each serving totaling two – three ounces
Other precautions
- Additional precautions for pregnant women include:
- Avoiding exposure to toxic substances – including cleaning products and paint
- Giving up all tobacco products if you use them
- Taking folic acid and iron tablets every day, as prescribed by your doctor
- Informing your doctor of any birth defects in your family
- Washing your hands frequently to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria
- Taking childbirth and parenting classes
- Keeping medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other problems under control with the help of your doctor
- Avoiding under-cooked food
- Avoiding the handling of cat litter
- Getting plenty of rest
- Contacting your doctor if you experience any abdominal pain, uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, difficulty walking, swelling of your joints, or less activity by your baby