A Healthy Pregnancy

A Healthy Pregnancy

Jan Christian

Axia College of University of Phoenix

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When it comes to a healthy pregnancy, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Pregnancy is a life changing moment and will be filled with all kinds of emotions. The most important part of it all is to have a healthy pregnancy not only for the baby but also for you. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise will decrease the high risk factors which come along with pregnancies.

I will be discussing how maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent some of these risk factors. I will help teach about what should be avoided during pregnancy and the important things to do to be healthy.

For starters, finding the right prenatal care plays a significant role during pregnancy. It is important to find a doctor who you will feel comfortable seeing. Remember this is a person you will see on a regular basis to monitor the health of you and the baby and will also be bringing the baby into the world. Women who see a healthcare provider regularly have healthier babies.

During pregnancy the risk factors for women rise. The risks which can occur and put the mother and baby at danger are high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, problems with amniotic fluids, preeclampsia, and stress, just to name a few.

Preeclampsia only occurs during pregnancy and affects both the mother and the baby. The Preeclampsia Foundation (2008) stated, “Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms: however some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms” (para.1).

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Smoking, drinking, and drug use during pregnancy can cause birth defects, low birth weight, and even death. Such risk factors can conclude in premature delivery, birth defects, weak immune system for the baby, and health problems once the baby is born. There are many chemicals and foods which should be avoided also. The website for the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (2005) has many interesting facts and provided the ABCs of having a healthy pregnancy.

Eating well and maintaining a healthy diet along with regular exercise is essential to both the mother and baby. A healthy diet and good nutrition is important for the growth and development

of the baby. Not only is it essential for the baby but the mother also. If you are not eating right, the baby will take the nutrients from the mother, which can weaker her as she gets older.

A healthy diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, breads, grains, dairy products and protein sources. Prenatal vitamins should be taken daily to ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Plenty of fluids should also be part of the diet.

There are certain types of foods which should be avoided. Certain fishes should not be eaten since they contain high-levels of mercury, soft cheeses which are unpasteurized can cause Listeria infection, avoid raw fish and shellfish, cold sandwich meats and hotdogs. Listeria infections can cause life-threatening blood infections and meningitis in newborns.

Healthy weight gain throughout pregnancy should be between 25-30 pounds. WebMD (2008) states, “In general, you should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during your first three months of pregnancy and 1 pound a week for the remainder of your pregnancy” (para.4).

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Regular exercise can be done while pregnant and is recommended but should first be discussed with the healthcare provider. Physical activities such as walking, yoga, or swimming can be beneficial to both the mother and baby. Not only does light or moderate exercise strengthens abdominal and back muscles but it increases early recovery after delivery.

Being overweight or underweight may cause complications, so it is important to have a healthy diet and regular exercise. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services recommends that healthy pregnant women get at least 2 ½ hours of aerobic exercise a week (March of Dimes, 2008).

There are different risks that come along with age especially during pregnancy. Pregnant women between the ages of 20-30 have a higher risk of preeclampsia. March of Dimes (2008) states,” Women over the age of 35 have increased risks of: fertility problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple pregnancies, miscarriages, placenta previa, cesarean section, and a baby with genetic disorder.” It is just as important for pregnant women over the age of 35 to get prenatal care since they have increased risks.

Throughout pregnancy the riskiest trimester would be the first. During the first trimester you are at higher risk of a miscarriage if you do not take care of yourself. It is important to not overwork your body and stress. This is the time to just take it easy on the body and relax.

During the second trimester you will notice different changes with your body. This is the time where regular exercise can start beginning and become an everyday routine. Maintaining a regular exercise routine will not only help with stress but will be beneficial for you and the baby in the long run.

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For the third trimester, every pregnant woman is anxious for the baby’s arrival. This is the time where you may start feeling discomfort since the baby has become too big. Pre-term labor can happen to anyone and about 12 percent of babies are born prematurely. Some pre-term labor can be avoided while others are spontaneous.

Delivering the baby before 37 weeks is considered pre-term labor. The earlier the baby is born, the higher risks for health problems and can be fatal. The longer the baby stays, in the healthier it will be. So it is important to take care and try to avoid pre-term labor.

Being pregnant right now, with my second child makes me highly aware of all the risks that come along with pregnancy. I have been given good advice from my doctors and also turn to the internet for reference. For my first pregnancy, I did have pre-term labor; therefore, this pregnancy makes me more aware. It is essential to educate those about pregnancy because it is something which should be enjoyed.

Overall, before, during and after pregnancy it is important to stay healthy. Not all birth defects can be prevented but taking action can increase the chances of having a healthy delivery. Taking precautions with everyday activities will help decrease risks factors. It is important to do research and talk to the healthcare providers about any questions or concerns you may have. The internet provides extensive information about maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

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References

The Preeclampsia Foundation (2008)

About Preeclampsia

Retrieved November 9, 2008, from

http://www.preeclampsia.org/about.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2005)

ABCs of Healthy Pregnancy

Retrieved November 9, 2008, from

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/abc.htm

WebMD (2008)

Pregnancy and Weight Gain

Retrieved November 12, 2008, from

http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/healthy-weight-gain

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March of Dimes (2008)

Spotlight on Exercise

Retrieved November 12, 2008, from

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_515.asp

References: The Preeclampsia Foundation (2008) About Preeclampsia Retrieved November 9, 2008, from http://www.preeclampsia.org/about.asp Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2005) ABCs of Healthy Pregnancy Retrieved November 9, 2008, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/abc.htm WebMD (2008) Pregnancy and Weight Gain Retrieved November 12, 2008, from http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/healthy-weight-gain Healthy Pregnancy 6 March of Dimes (2008) Spotlight on Exercise Retrieved November 12, 2008, from