Congratulations on becoming an expectant parent.
Even though you might felt flat and sick at first but this is a very exciting time in your life,
Your baby is very special and deserves every opportunity to get a flying start in life by growing healthily in your womb. Pregnancy is a very normal event in the life cycle and usually goes very smoothly, especially if you have regular medical care.
WHY HAVE REGULAR CHECKS?
Antenatal care is considered to be the best opportunity in life for preventive medicine.
It is important to check the many things that can cause problems—these are uncommon but preventable.
A special possible problem is pregnancy-induced hypertension, which can lead to a serious condition called preeclampsia or toxemia of pregnancy, a condition of weight gain, high blood pressure, and kidney stress, which shows up as protein in the urine.
Areas that need to be checked include:
- The blood count
- Blood grouping and Rhesus antibodies (Rh factor)
- Immunity against infections that may affect the baby (e.g. rubella, varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B and C, HIV)
- Number of babies (one or more)
- Size and state of your pelvis
- Blood pressure
- Urine (for evidence of diabetes or pre-eclampsia)
CERVIX(PAP TEST)
- Progress of the baby (e.g. size of the uterus, heartbeat)
- Mother’s progress, including emotional state
- Blood sugar (for possible diabetes)
- Vitamin D
- The risk for Down syndrome through first-trimester combined screening test.
WHEN SHOULD YOU BE CHECKED?
The recommended routine is as early as possible and then every 4 to 6 weeks until 28 weeks of pregnancy, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, and then weekly until the baby arrives (usually 40 weeks).
One should have An ultrasound usually at about 18 weeks.
WHAT COMMON THINGS CAN CAUSE PROBLEM IN THE BABY?
- Infections such as rubella, varicella, and genital herpes
- Diabetes (can develop in pregnancy)
- High blood pressure
- Smoking—retards fetus growth and should be stopped (if impossible, limit to 3 to 6 cigarettes per day)
- Alcohol—causes abnormalities, including mental retardation.
- ‘not drinking alcohol is the safest option for the developing fetus’
- Other social drugs
- Aspirin and various other drugs (check with your doctor)
WHAT IS USUALLY PRESCRIBED?
Folic acid is now recommended for 4 weeks and preferably 12 weeks before getting pregnant
And then for the first three months after you get pregnant.
No iron tablets are needed if you have a healthy diet and do not have severe morning sickness.
WHAT IMPORTANT AREAS YOU SHOULD ATTEND?
NUTRITION
A healthy diet is very important and should contain at least the following daily allowances:
1. Eat most:
• fruit and vegetables (at least 4 serves)
• cereals and bread (4 to 6 serves).
2. Eat moderately:
• dairy products—3 cups (600 mL) of milk or equivalent in yogurt or cheese
• lean meat, poultry or fish—1 or 2 serves (at least 2 serves of red meat per week).
3. Eat least:
- sugar and refined carbohydrates (e.g. sweets, cakes, biscuits, soft drinks)
- polyunsaturated margarine, butter, oil and cream.
- Bran with cereal helps prevent constipation in pregnancy.
- Drink ample fluids (e.g. 2 litres of water a day).
- Talk to your doctor about Listeria infection, which is contracted from fresh and unprocessed foods such as soft cheeses, pâté, and unpasteurized milk
ANTENATAL CLASSES
- Trained therapists will advise on antenatal exercises, back care, postural advice, relaxation skills, pain relief in labor, general exercises, and beneficial activities such as swimming.
- Breastfeeding and nursing mothers Breastfeeding is highly recommended.
- Contact a local nursing mothers’ group for support and guidance if you need help.
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAVEL
Check with your doctor. Avoid standing in trains. Avoid international air travel after 28 weeks.
NORMAL ACTIVITIES
You should continue your normal activities. Housework and other activities should be performed to just short of feeling tired. However, get sufficient rest and sleep.
WHEN YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL?
Contact your doctor or seek medical help:
- If contractions, unusual pain, or bleeding occur before the baby is due
- when the baby is less active than usual
- If membranes rupture and a large amount of fluid comes out
- When you are getting regular contractions 5 to 10 minutes apart. Help is only a telephone call away