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Is the baby all right? It's the first question we all ask when a baby is born. The answer is usually yes, but every year a few babies are born too small or weak to live, or with handicaps that last a lifetime. The best protection that you can give your future children is your own good health before pregnancy even begins.
There are many things you can do, but they all start with taking better care of yourself. And how do you maintain that? The three most important ways are to maintain good nutrition, keep up good health practices and hygiene, and keep in shape through exercise. |
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Plan together |
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Preparing for pregnancy means getting as fit and healthy as you can in the months beforeyou stop using contraception.
A man's health is important because his sperm can be affected by what he eats, by smoke, by alcohol and pollution, and certain diseases and drugs - the same things which may affect a woman's fitness to have a baby.
Preparing for a baby is even more important for women. By the time you notice that your period is late, your baby is already being formed.
It is never too early to get fit for pregnancy, but if you haven't started yet, try to give yourself at least 3 months to get into good habits and kick any bad ones.
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Eating |
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Try not to start your pregnancy underweight, or very overweight. You can start by eating well-balanced meals every day. Eat a varietyof foods every day. Every day eat at least one helping of fresh fruit or green vegetables (these contain one of the B groups of vitamins which you need for the growth of healthy cells - your own and your baby's.) Also plan your meals from other variety of food groups, including whole grain products, enriched grain products, meats, beans and other protein-rich foods, and dairy products. Balanced diets provide many added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you will need during pregnancy. As long as you are eating a balanced diet, you should not need any other supplements. Some women do need additional iron but your doctor or midwife will advise you.
Eating well needn't be expensive: cheese on toast and an apple is a far better meal than elaborate pasta and tinned peaches.
Some Asian women take herbal supplements for health. The best advice to give to these women is to take all this supplements in moderation. Some Chinese herbs like “dong guai” or “pat chan” are extremely strong and may flare up certain gynaecological conditions like endometriosis.
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The importance of folic acid |
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A supplement of folic acid of 400mcg per day from the time you start trying to have a baby to the 12th week of pregnancy is recommended. This supplement of folic acid, a B vitamin, is to help prevent your baby from having a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. In neural tube defects, some of the vertebrae (bones of the spine) fail to close properly, leaving a gap. This can lead to damage of the spinal cord resulting in total or partial paralysis. By taking the supplement before conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, you are making certain that you have enough folic acid to protect your baby and ensure his or her spine forms properly.
In addition, you can increase your intake of folic acid by eating spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, granary bread and yeast extract, or foods that are fortified with folic acid such as bread or cereals.
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Kicking bad habits |
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Smoking:
There is no longer any doubt about it; smoking harms babies. Try to stop now: Your doctor can give you advice on how to stop. In addition, it is not only what yousmoke that counts. You breathe in what others breathe out, so, if you are going to stop, or cut down, you could ask those around you to do the same.
Alcohol:
Drinking can also harm your baby; particularly if you drink around the time you conceive and during the early weeks of pregnancy. Heavy drinking can cause birth handicaps. Doctors now advise that you should not drink alcohol if you're planning to start a baby. If you do choose to drink, it is advisable to limit your drinking to not more than one or two units once or twice a week, and certainly try to avoid binges as these may be particularly harmful. One unit of alcohol is equivalent to half a pint of beer or a glass of wine.
When you are pregnant, you may find that you are averse the taste of alcohol anyway; which could be your baby giving you good advice!
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Pre-pregnancy Medical checks |
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German measles (Rubella):
If you catch this disease during pregnancy your baby can be seriously damaged. A simple injection will immunise you against it. Ask your doctor for advice. If you require to be immunised and receive the injection, wait at least three months before getting pregnant.
Sexually Transmissible Diseases:
These diseases are fairly common nowadays. Get checked and treated at a clinic if there is any chance that either of you could have a sexually transmitted disease.
The Pill:
Come off it three months before you plan to get pregnant to give your body a chance to get ready for pregnancy. In the meantime, use another contraceptive, for example, condoms, etc. Keep a careful note of the date of your last period.
Drugs and Medications:
Whether they are prescribed or bought over the counter, any drugs or medications should be treated with extreme caution. Tell your doctor that you are planning to get pregnant and check that any drugs you are taking are safe. If you suffer from diseases requiring long term medication, such as diabetes, epilepsy or heart disease, talk it over with your doctor. He will advise you about your drugs and pregnancy, or refer to a specialist. If you take tranquillisers or sleeping pills, now is the time with your doctor's consent, to see if you can manage without them.
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Past pregnancies |
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If you have had difficulties with previous pregnancies, speak to your doctor about the best way to avoid any problems next time. You may be referred to a specialist for further advice. |
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Hereditary Diseases |
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Talk to your doctor if you or members of your family suffer from a disease or condition that you fear may be passed on. It may be helpful for you to see a genetic counselor. In Malaysia, an inherited blood condition called thalasaemia is particularly common, especially among the Chinese. If there is an unexplained history of anaemia in you or your family members, it is important to screen for thalasaemia prior to attempting to conceive. |
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Getting fit for pregnancy |
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Pregnancy is natural, but it does put a strain on your body. Just as an athlete gets into shape for a race, you should get your body in shape for starting a baby. It will work best when you are eating well, exercising regularly and sleeping as much as you need.
Of course, your baby stands a very high chance of being fit and healthy whatever you do, but it is worth it to give babies an even better chance. |
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Preparing for pregnancy check list for both parents |
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Think ahead 3 - 6 months.
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Stop contraceptive pill. Use cap or condom until at least 2 regular normal periods.
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Stop smoking, or cut down with a view to stopping.
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Stop alcohol consumption - drink more fruit juice.
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Take folic acid 400mcg per day.
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Check that you are not over or underweight.
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Aim for a better diet - wholemeal foods, fresh vegetables, meat etc.
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See your doctor if taking any medicines. Have blood test to check if rubella immune. Consult your doctor if any hereditary factors.
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Are you working amongst dangerous fumes or chemicals?
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Are you ready to cope physically and emotionally with another member of the family?-
If you have checked and passed, go ahead - being healthy will give your baby the very best start in life. |
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Disclaimer |
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For Patients:
The health information provided in this website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician for your own specific medical condition.
For Health Professionals:
While efforts has been made to get the relevant experts in each topic to contribute, the views and opinions of authors expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect those of the OGSM.
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