| You are here: Home > News & Resources > Loyola's Printed Publications > Loyola Living Summer 2006 Issue > Healthy Pregnancy From A to Z
Healthy Pregnancy from A to Z
Did you know you can take steps to help ensure you have a healthy baby, even before he or she is conceived? If you’ve already become pregnant, you can still take several important steps to maintain your and your baby’s health until the day he or she enters the world.
Having a baby can be both the most exciting and most stressful time in parents’ lives. Anticipating the arrival of your little one can bring with it fears about childbirth, what type of parent you will be and your child’s health and well-being.
Taking care of yourself prior to getting pregnant lowers your chances of having a baby born with a birth defect or at a low-birth weight, while after you have successfully conceived and your baby is on the way, you may have some questions regarding what to do now. In addition to speaking with your physician, here are some guidelines to follow both before and during pregnancy. |
|
If You’re Planning…
Do
Eat a diet filled with fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans.
Exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
Get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
Take a daily dose of at least 400 micrograms of folic acid (a form of B vitamin), which helps prevent birth defects when taken during early pregnancy. Folic acid can be found in breakfast cereals and other
grain products.
Schedule an appointment with your physician for a thorough physical and ensure all your vaccinations are up-to-date.
Tell your obstetrician/gynecologist about all medications you’re taking because some are not safe to take during pregnancy.
Don’t
Drink alcohol or smoke.
Take drugs.
If You’re Pregnant…
Do
Schedule regular prenatal care visits to ensure your health and your baby’s health, and to identify any problems when they’re most treatable.
Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and lean, well-cooked meats, which have vitamins and minerals your baby needs.
Take the supplements you need including calcium, iron and folic acid. Ask your physician about how much is right for you.
Drink plenty of fluids (especially water). Your body needs more fluid than usual when you’re pregnant.
Exercise at a moderately intense pace for at least 30 minutes most days after you have received your physician’s okay.
Don’t
Drink alcohol or smoke.
Consume caffeine — including tea, soda and chocolate.
Sit in hot tubs or saunas, which increase the risk of miscarriage.
Eat unpasteurized cheeses, raw eggs or processed meats. These can carry bacteria that may affect your baby’s development.
Change cat litter (infections called toxoplasmosis can be spread through soiled litter) or use chemicals such as insecticide, solvents, lead and mercury.
Take over-the-counter/prescription medications without first consulting your physician.
Loyola University Health System offers obstetrics and gynecology services at the outpatient center in Maywood as well as at many of our suburban locations. Call (888) LUHS-888 to make an appointment at a location near you.
Did you know? Loyola University Health System has one of the few obstetrical intensive care units in the country and the only one in the state. We also have one of the state’s highest survival rates for infants who are born at a low birth weight.
|
