Having a healthy pregnancy is no small feat. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. According to many doctors, just paying attention to certain important details can ensure that you and your baby are healthy. These areas address before and during pregnancy so you may be dealing with multiple tasks at a time. When you’re working with a doctor, though, it’s easy to keep on top of things.
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Your Drugs And Supplements Are Important
It’s recommended that you start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid even before you’re pregnant. This vitamin is essential to the development of the baby’s brain and spine.
While you can get folic acid from certain foods such as breakfast cereals, it’s best to take a supplement to make sure you’re getting 100% of the recommended daily value. In fact, your doctor may recommend additional folic acid in addition to your regular maternal multivitamin.
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Another thing you need to bear in mind is what kind of medications you can take. When you’re pregnant, some drugs can negatively affect your baby.
The list includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some cough medicines, and certain antidepressants. You should always talk to your doctor before taking new drugs even if they’re available over the counter.
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A Doctor’s Guidance Makes All The Difference
It’s essential to see a doctor regularly during your pregnancy. Not only will they keep track of how your baby is progressing but they’ll be able to quickly pinpoint if something is going wrong.
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During your pregnancy, you’ll need scheduled blood tests and ultrasounds at the minimum. Depending on what your doctor notices, you may need other tests as well.
A doctor can also advise you on integral vaccination requirements. Even though you’re pregnant, it’s advisable to get the flu vaccine and the Tdap vaccine (adult tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine). These vaccines will prevent diseases that are known to affect the health of your baby.
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Certain Illnesses May Need To Be Handled Differently
If you’re dealing with a chronic illness such as diabetes, mental health disorders, and pain disorders, it’s likely that you’re taking medications daily. Not all of these drugs are recommended while you’re pregnant. That’s why you need to be open with your doctor about what’s happening. During your pregnancy and possibly during breastfeeding, they’ll work with you to find the most effective alternatives to the medications you typically take.
Additionally, it’s not unheard of for pregnant women to develop high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and hernias. These conditions might be treated differently because of your pregnancy but the doctor’s aim will be to ensure that the conditions are managed well. If the methods aren't working, they’ll keep exploring other options.
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Protect Your Body All The Time
While pregnant, you’ll need to protect yourself from all external factors that can have a negative effect on your baby. That includes harmful chemicals in the environment as well as second-hand cigarette smoke.
If you work in an area that will expose you to chemicals, it’s best to talk to your employers and the doctor about the options. In some cases, a change in protective gear will be all you need.
In others, you might need to work in a different area until you’ve given birth. You should never drink alcohol, smoke, or take illegal drugs while you’re pregnant.
Additionally, your diet can make a huge difference in the health of your pregnancy. You may be taking multivitamins but they won’t give you all the nutrients you need. It’s a good idea to include a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy items in your diet.
While some aspects of pregnancy are beyond your control, there are a lot of things you can do to ensure that things go well. Most importantly, any concerns need to be discussed with your doctor quickly. It’s better to be told that nothing’s wrong than to hear that you should have said something sooner.
