Top 4 Considerations for a Healthy Pregnancy
Pre-conception and inter-conception health are important contributors to a healthy pregnancy. First, consider what you did to be healthy before pregnancy and apply this to the next pregnancy. For example, do you have a healthy diet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meats like chicken and fish, and drinking 8 glasses of water a day? Have you stopped smoking and drinking alcohol just in case you plan another pregnancy? If not, are you trying to cut back a little every day for the health of the baby that is coming? Do you take prenatal vitamins, which are recommended during childbearing years? Do you manage your stress levels by exercising at least 20-30 minutes 5 times weekly? Do you spend time with positive friends and try to decrease stress in your life by growing spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally? These are basics for achieving better health and quality of life for everyone at any stage of life, not just during pregnancy.
Number 1: It is important to get early prenatal care and keep your appointments. Each visit enables your provider to make sure everything is going as planned and to detect any warnings for high-risk pregnancies in order to prevent a poor outcome. You will be tested for infections, STI’s, diabetes, high blood pressure, and for possible birth defects. All of these are important to know prior to delivery for the best outcome for both mom and baby.
Number 2: Avoid alcohol during pregnancy because it can cause birth defects, and quit smoking. Tobacco use can cause miscarriage, low birth weight babies, or babies that are prone to having lung issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Ask your provider about Smoking Cessation classes offered at Parkland if you need help quitting smoking.
Number 3: Know the warning signs and when to go to the Emergency Room or Labor and Delivery. Some of them are fever, vaginal bleeding, water breaking, severe headache, and sudden weight gain, swelling in your hands, feet, or face. Know whom to call if you need help getting to your hospital as soon as possible.
Number 4: Enjoy your baby moving in your uterus. Keep track of the kicks in the last trimester and if the baby slows down or is not moving, get to the hospital ASAP.
Your provider wants you to have a healthy baby as much as you do!
All the nurses at Parkland’s Nurse-Family Partnership work day in and day out with first-time moms to teach, encourage and coach them to have a healthy pregnancy and full-term healthy baby. In addition, support from family and friends is helpful in this important time of your life. We hope that all who are reading this blog are getting the support they need.
Guest blogger Lisa Summers lends us her expertise as a nurse who has worked with expecting moms for 9 years. Lisa works at Nurse-Family Partnership, an incredible organization that “helps first-time parents succeed.” She loves watching parents become more confident as they learn new ideas and skills. You can find out more information about NFP here or contact Lisa directly at Elizabeth.summers@phhs.org.