PLANNING A BABY?
PLANNING A BABY?
VISIT
CAROLS BOOKSTORE IN THE U.S.A FOR BOOKS ON PLANNING A BABY
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FOLIC ACID
Q I am thinking of starting a family and have heard
that I should take folic acid. When
A Folic acid is a member of the Vitamin B complex
and when taken prior to pregnancy and
Q Do I have to take separate folic acid
tablets, or can I use multi vitamins that combine
A Be careful what you take.
Try not to take vitamins that have Vitamin A in them as this is
believed
to be harmful to the eyesight of the developing fetus, if taken in excessive
[RETURN TO TOP]
There are many books on diet, health and nutrition in pregnancy,too many to list here there is a selection of the most modern titles on my book store page--Browse U.K. or U.S.A.
DIET
Q. Is there anything in particular that I
should or shouldn't eat whilst I am trying for a baby?
A. Basically,
the advice is, everything in moderation! There
are however some foods that
It is wise to avoid in pregnancy. These include: -
Soft-boiled
eggs
Pate.
Unpasteurised
milk/yoghurts.
This
is because they may contain bacteria that can cause serious infection in
pregnancy
Or
even miscarriage. Generally, good
all-round diet, including fresh meat (well cooked)
And
vegetables, cereals, bread and fruit, is good.
Cutting down on fats, salt and sugar is
Also
advisable, as too much weight before or during pregnancy can cause blood
Pressure problems and a complete nightmare after the baby is born with dieting!
Q Is it safe to diet in
pregnancy?
A. Generally, no!
You need extra calories during pregnancy for your growing baby,
Dieting
will only make you feel weak and ill. Your
baby will be unlikely to suffer
As
it will take what it needs from you, but things will be unpleasant for you! In short,
Don't
bother until afterwards.
[RETURN TO TOP]
There are many books on diet, health and nutrition in pregnancy,too many to list here there is a selection of the most modern titles on my book store page--Browse U.K. or U.S.A.
SMOKING
Q.
I love smoking and I am reluctant to give it up.
What harm would I do to my baby? If
I were to continue through my pregnancy?
A. As well as being harmful to you, smoking can cause a number of problems in pregnancy and afterwards.
A small baby.
We've all heard it," you don't want a big baby anyway!"
It is not so simple. Smoking
can cause the placenta (afterbirth) to "shut down". The small blood vessels, arteries
and veins become clogged up, preventing blood carrying oxygen to the
baby. As a
result, the baby stops growing and becomes weak.
This can result in the baby dying before
birth, or during birth (stillbirth).
Infection
A baby of a smoker is more prone to infections, such as coughs, colds and ear Infections. These babies are more at risk of cot death, and it has been shown during extensive research, that smoking is one of the biggest contributory factors towards cot death.
Blood Pressure.
Smoking can also clog your veins and arteries and make your heart unhealthy. Your Heart has to work much harder to pump blood around your body, and this can cause a rise in your blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause the same problems in Pregnancy as smoking can, and can result in a premature delivery after which your baby could be severely ill or even die in severe cases.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
o Give up, or at least cut down.
o Never smoke in the same room as the baby, always go outside.
o Ask others to do the same
o If you smoke in pregnancy, keep a close watch on your baby's movements.
o If you want to quit, seek advice from your midwife.
[RETURN TO TOP]
There are many books on diet, health and nutrition in pregnancy,too many to list here there is a selection of the most modern titles on my book store page--Browse U.K. or U.S.A.
DRUGS
Some drugs that you may take routinely, may actually be harmful to the growing
baby, particularly in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, during which abnormalities may occur. If you are on prescription drugs, and are considering having a baby. Please go and see your doctor before you become pregnant, to see if an alternative may be required.[RETURN TO TOP]
HEALTH
Q. I am considering trying for a family, but want to prepare myself physically first. What should I be doing?
A. It is a very good idea to be as healthy as possible before you embark on a Pregnancy. This is because pregnancy is a stressful time for your body which has to make major changes to itself, whilst supporting another living being. Good health also will improve your chances of carrying the pregnancy to its term. It is a good idea to try to stay within your ideal weight range, as being obese increases your risk of pregnancy complications such as blood pressure. A good all-round diet, cutting down on fat will help, as will a gentle exercise programme. It is generally a good idea not to start anything strenuous after you become pregnant, as this can cause muscle strains etc which can be difficult to treat whilst pregnant. Always follow the principle of, if it starts to feel uncomfortable, stop, as this is your body's way of saying it's had enough. The old saying "no pain, no gain", has no place at all let alone in pregnancy!
Try to cut down (or out!) smoking and drinking, although a glass of wine etc occasionally does not do any harm. Discuss any medication that you are on with your Doctor, who may need to change the prescription.
Q. My niece has got chicken pox and I am worried as I am 6 weeks pregnant.
A. You are right to be concerned. Chicken pox, which is a form of the Herpes Virus can be extremely dangerous to a woman in early pregnancy. If caught by a non immune woman in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the baby is forming, it can cause abnormalities or even death and miscarriage. Your best course of action, is to go to your Doctors or health centre, and ask for a blood test to see whether you are at risk or not. The results should be back within 24 hours, and if you find that you are not immune to the disease, you will be offered an injection, which will not harm your baby, that can give you some immunity to enable you to fight off the infection. All this said, it is worth remembering that most women will have had the Chickenpox in childhood, and so will be immune to it. But always Remember, better safe than sorry! Go and be tested!
PLEASE NOTE: - It is best to avoid any type of "childhood" disease when Pregnant, unless you absolutely have to be in contact with it. If in doubt Seek advice.
[RETURN TO TOP]
There are many books on diet, health and nutrition in pregnancy,too many to list here there is a selection of the most modern titles on my book store page--Browse U.K. or U.S.A.
CONTRACEPTION
Q. I am on the pill at present but we have decided to have a baby. How long should I be off the pill before becoming pregnant?
A. A good time limit is between 3 - 6 months. This is to allow the hormones in your body to become normal again, as they are altered slightly so as to prevent you becoming pregnant whilst taking the pill.
Q. I have just found out that I am pregnant, even though I am on the pill. I have stopped taking it now, but am, worried that I may have done some damage to the baby. Is this true?
A. Don't worry! The risk of doing damage to the baby is very slight. Many women conceive whilst on the pill, and the vast majority of their babies are perfect. If you are very worried, however, go and see your Doctor and he may offer you a scan to put your mind at rest.
NOTE:- The contraceptive pill and the mini pill, are 99% effective if used correctly. Accidental pregnancy is rare on the contraceptive pill,And it remains one of the most reliable and easy to use forms of contraception.
[RETURN TO TOP]
There are many books on contraception,diet, health and nutrition in pregnancy,too many to list here there is a selection of the most modern titles on my book store page--Browse U.K. or U.S.A.
12/03/00
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