There are many factors that pregnant women need to consider in order to successfully give birth to a healthy baby. First of all, they need to cut out their bad habit. The first three months of pregnancy are a critical period for the baby’s heart health. During this time frame, the fetus experiences a period of rapid development where the fetus is most sensitive to harm 2 to 3 weeks after the conception. So it is important to quit smoking, do not drink alcohol and stop taking some medications as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. Secondly, they need to make sure they eat a nutritious diet during their pregnancy that will help the fetal brain development, have a healthy birth weight, and it can reduce the risk of many birth defects.
Smoking is linked with poor reproductive health in both men and women. In men it has been associated with impotence and reduced sperm count. Women who smoke have greater difficulty becoming pregnant and suffer early menopause. The risks to the fetus of smoking during pregnancy are well known and include increased incidence of miscarriage, neonatal death, and low birth weight. Pregnant woman who smoke are more likely to have babies who have an increased risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome and respiratory distress. They are also more likely to have low birth weight babies. Low birth weight is linked to many infants’ health disorders.
The first days and weeks after conception are critical for the baby. The health during the entire fetal period affects the brain, and behavioral teratogens affect the fetus at any time. Some teratogens that cause preterm birth or low birthweight are harmful in the second half of pregnancy. A study found that even though smoking cigarettes during prenatal development can harm the fetus, mothers who quit smokers early in pregnancy had no higher risks of birth complications than did women who never smoked. Another study found that binge drinking in the last trimester of pregnancy was more harmful to the brain than during any other period during pregnancy. It is recommended that women avoid drugs, have a diet of extra folic acid and iron, update their immunizations and gain or lose weight before
Being healthy while pregnant is an important factor when considering carrying a baby. The risk of dying by giving birth is higher than having an abortion (ProCon). Not at women can handle the negatives of giving birth and survive through them. If a woman is aware that should is not healthy enough to give birth, she
medications, proper prenatal care, and consulting with doctor about medications are effective precautions during pregnancy. Also, if suffering with diabetes, anemia, hypertension, seizure, or nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, then these must be controlled. After birth, do not shake baby, which can lead to shaken baby syndrome and brain damage. Do not expose children to lead, this can also lead to brain damage, and give proper immunizations at the right time for the child (Bachrach, 2012).
Having her own doctor, and make regular visits, are very important for her, because prenatal care is useful, for pregnant woman. She needs to take adequate folic acid, as ordered by her doctor. The folic acid intake should not exceed (400 to 800 mcg or0.4 to 0.8 mg) daily. Taking folic acid, with vitamins, helps to lower risk of birth defects. For a pregnant woman eating from major food groups are vital for the healthy development of the child. ( Kail & Cavanaugh, 2014).Pregnant woman need to eat, different kind of healthy foods including, fruits, and vegetables. Specially, foods rich in calcium, such as whole grain, lean meats, and seafood. Increasing daily fluid intake is necessary, particularly drinking sufficient water. The other area which pregnant woman needs to be active is doing physical activity, which helps to maintain balanced body weight during pregnancy. Getting enough sleep, washing hands frequently and, avoiding stress, is crucial. In addition to what I already mentioned above, taking necessary flu shot is always useful for pregnant woman. Avoid smoking, and quit if they are smoking. Because, smoking is not good during pregnancy, and also it can harm the health
The cause of premature birth is often unknown. Any pregnant woman could experience preterm labor. Some women are at a higher risk for experiencing preterm labor. One known risk factor is having a previous preterm birth. Carrying more than one baby, such as twins, triplets, or more, is a risk factor for premature birth. Problems with the uterus or cervix can cause a woman to have a premature birth. African-American women are approximately fifty percent more likely to have a premature baby compared to Caucasian women. Chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and blood clotting disorders are also risk factors for premature births. Certain infections, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or illicit drug use during pregnancy can cause a woman to deliver a baby preterm. Women who are underweight and overweight before becoming pregnant are also at a risk for not carrying a baby full term (Siega, Adair, & Hoebl, 1996). Sometimes doctors need to deliver a baby before full term because of concerns for the mother’s health, as well as the baby’s health. ...
...ht of an infant it can be seen that the birth weight is a most important factor for their life. As nutrition students we have to provide correct information to pregnant mothers to overcome this huge problem. Women who are expecting for pregnancy must take folate supplement before 2 months when they get pregnant. Also pregnant mother need high content of iron as well as calcium as micro nutrients. Therefore they will have to consume some more green leafy vegetables, fruits as well as milk which is a rich source of calcium.
Prenatal development is often overlooked, but it is an important topic that everyone is influenced by. Mothers’ actions during pregnancy greatly affect the child (for good or for bad). There are many factors to a baby’s development of the brain, intelligence, and emotions. What a mother puts into her body affects the baby’s development. How stressed the mother is also contributes to development. A mother’s job during pregnancy cannot be overstated, because she is the main protector and nurturer of the child in the womb. How she handles her own emotional and physical health will determine the development of the baby inside and outside of the womb. The decisions a pregnant woman makes affects not only her health, but the health of her child.
The woman who wants to get pregnant should give herself six months to a year to change her diet and lifestyle. Taking white foods, preservatives and processed food out of the diet should help to start the process of changing the dietary side, as well as cutting sugar, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco out (‘Minimizing Risks’, ‘Avoiding Toxic Exposures During Pregnancy’). Losing weight helps to prevent risks once the woman becomes pregnant, and daily exercise helps to improve blood flow. (‘Before Pregnancy’). Around the house, the woman and her spouse should minimize toxins in cleaning, as well as changing to eco-friendly cleaning products for surfaces and for personal care. Probiotics, vitamins and Omega-3s taken regularly should help, and avoiding mercury, the flu shot and pesticides (‘Minimizing Risks’). After becoming pregnant, the woman should continue her diet and take vitamins and antibiotics, as well as consuming more protein. Finding a midwife and having a natural birth at home can help, as well as avoiding ultrasounds during the pregnancy and inductions or pain medications during labor. Children born by cesarean section have a higher risk of having autism than babies delivered naturally. Even though a cesarean section may seem easier, it has more potential to cause harm in the end for the baby (‘During Pregnancy’, ‘Minimizing Risks’). Bonding with the baby after its
Before the baby is born, he/she must grow and be fully developed. During this time, all the vital organs will start to develop. There are three stages of pregnancy that are called trimesters. Every trimester lasts for three months. During this time, the baby will be receiving from the mother all the minerals and nutrients needed in order to survive and develop. During pregnancy, every woman might feel different, both physically and emotionally. Of course, during pregnancy, both the baby and the mother will undergo a process in which many health problems can occur if the mother does not take care of herself and her baby. It is crucial for both the mother and the baby have a good prenatal care to ensure both mother and baby are healthy.
One of the primary prevention methods in maternal health is the utilization of prenatal care. During the provision of prenatal care, a healthcare provider counsels and discusses information with the expecting mother. Conversations about smoking and alcohol use, what to expect during pregnancy, when to seek help, and limitations on activities are put in place (Kirkham, Harris, & Grzybowski, 2005). Discussions about possible complications and potential warning signs are also an important part of prenatal education. Providing supplements, such as, calcium (1,000 to 1,300 mg per day), folic acid (0.4 to 0.8 mg), and iron (30 mg per day) to an expecting mother is also an important part of primary prevention, as they aid in the fight against blood pressure disorders, anemias, and defects in the unborn child (Kirkham, Harris, & Grzybowski, 2005). Additionally, the vaccination of expecting mothers has been shown to keep mothers and the unborn child healthy during pregnancy. Certain vaccinations, such as Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and inactivated influenza vaccinations, have been shown to be protective to the fetus, as the mother’s antibodies against the disease are transferred to the unborn child (Esposito et al., 2012).
I am five months pregnant and single, I am in a situation that I never thought that I would have to face. As far as life experiences go, I can truly tell you that dealing with pregnancy at eight-teen is truly a life changing and stressful event.
Teenage pregnancy causes physical health issues for both the mother and child. Its been stated, “9% of teen girls have low birth weight babies under 5.5 pounds.”(Howard Hughes) This can result in abnormalities in the child. Teens who get pregnant at a young age tend to be under nourished or battle with premature or prolonged labor (Howard Hughes), which can cause mental and physical side effects for the newborn. Some effects on the teenage mother are they are at risk of getting anemia, high blood pressure, placental problems, and pregnancy includes hypertension (Howard Hughes). The teen and child going through the pregnancy is such a risky situation for both the child and mother. “Teen mothers are less likely to gain adequate weight during the pregnancy leading to low birth weight” (Stanley Swierzewski). Low birth weight can cause health problems for the baby that can last through their lifetime. Many things can happen that lead to life long physical problems from substance abuse to complications in the pregnancy due to the age of the mother.
The review screened several online databases and processed only 31 documents consisting of studies, reports, and book chapters that fit their criteria. In the 31 documents, the population of the studies contained about 14,585 of pregnant women, babies and children (Carolan-Olah , Duarte-Gardea, & Lechuga, 2015). The review focused on how the nutritional status of the mother not only affected her but also led to future complications that would affect the child. Meaning, the mother’s actions would lead to alteration in the genetic makeup that would lead to predisposition to adult diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiac diseases.It was found that pregnancy was a possible time for dietary education and intervention on behalf of both child and mother after analyzing these documents. This evidence shows that education at this time point is optimal to reach new mothers. Though this practice has been implemented in many western countries, most notably the United States, it is not really practices in other countries or in women who fall in the low socioeconomic status
There are many different things that I take into consideration when it comes to parenting. Parents have many different responsibilities but there are three in particular that I think are very important. Being a good role model is important, as well as listening to your children and disciplining them appropriately. If you want to be a good parent you have to put your kids first.