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| Necessary steps to having a healthy baby
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Despite the fact that pregnancy is a natural process of reproduction, laid down by nature,
in today's world planning and preparation for conception are of particular relevance.
Fertility - the ability to conceive a child - is an unstable indicator. Exposure to unfavorable
environmental factors, sedentary lifestyle, snacking in public places with food of dubious quality,
bad habits have a combined negative impact on the reproductive function of women, as well as
on the health of the baby. MedAboutMe tells about what steps to take in preparation for
pregnancy, so that the baby is born healthy.
Pregnancy: is it that easy?
Doctors obstetricians and gynecologists advise to start preparing for pregnancy at least three
calendar months before the expected conception. This recommendation is suitable for those
couples who already lead a healthy lifestyle for some time, do not have bad habits and chronic
diseases. Three months are aimed at identifying hidden risk factors for the development of
complications during pregnancy, as well as to conduct a standard examination. Passing
laboratory tests of blood and urine, performing ultrasound scanning - the most basic set of
studies that every woman needs to pass.
Reaching the age of thirty-five years is a borderline for obstetrician-gynecologists in the aspect
of planning a pregnancy in the event that the couple does not have a common child. Most often
by this age, a person has accumulated comorbidities that can have an impact on conception,
carrying the fetus and giving birth to a healthy child. That is why, in order to minimize the risks
of complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes, the basic screening examination is
supplemented by other studies, including analysis of hormonal profile and ECG.
Necessary steps to have a healthy baby
Recommendations of obstetricians and gynecologists are based on a synthesis of theoretical
knowledge and practice, experience in pregnancy management. They have undergone some
changes over time. MedAboutMe shares the most recent, relevant preventive measures in
preparation for pregnancy.
1-Vaccination
Three months before the expected conception, you should take tests to detect antibodies to
infectious agents, viruses that pose the greatest threat to the intrauterine development of the
child. The absence of protective cells (antibodies) is an indication for vaccination for the
corresponding infections. Non-compliance with this advice may lead to spontaneous abortion,
fetal malformations, and disability of the child if a dangerous infectious or viral agent enters the
woman's body during pregnancy.
2-Abandonment of bad habits
To the most common bad habits, which are the "scourge" of modern society, include the use of
alcohol and smoking tobacco products. In addition to the negative impact on the body of the
future mother, their side effect is also on the fetus. Alcohol abuse during pregnancy causes a
negative impact on the nervous system of the child. Alcohol use and tobacco smoking lead to
the development of intrauterine hypoxia of the fetus. Insufficient oxygen supply is caused by
spasm of blood supplying vessels, as well as the ingress of harmful, toxic substances.
3- Hygienic measures
Observance of hygienic norms allows you to minimize the risks of getting sick with ARVI,
influenza when visiting public places, and toxoplasmosis when in contact with animals (cats).
Regular hand washing with soapy solutions, washing the mucous membranes of the nasal
passages, eyes and mouth area should become a systematic useful habit in the life of every
person, especially if pregnancy is planned.
4- Correction of diet
Unbalanced nutrition can lead to the development of chronic diseases, metabolic disorders.
Correction of the diet experts advise to make at the stage of planning pregnancy to form taste
and psychological habits. Reorganization of the body takes time - from three weeks to two to
three months. The advantage of a timely transition to a balanced diet is that the future mother
will be sure that the child will receive a sufficient amount of nutrients, vitamins and trace
elements after conception.
5-Pregnancy planning: specialist advice
Planning a pregnancy is an important, responsible step in the life of a couple.
When contacting a doctor in a medical institution, the specialist prescribes a plan of examination,
as well as a list of useful recommendations. Pregnancy planning begins with the appointment
of the following medications.
6- Folic acid
Deficiency of folic acid in the conditions of life in the modern world is inevitable. It should be
remembered that it plays one of the most important, fundamental roles in the development of the
child, preventing the development of neural tube defects.
7- Vitamin complex
Vitamins are necessary for intrauterine growth and development of the fetus. First of all, the
child needs vitamin E (tocopherol), which is a natural antioxidant.
8- Iron preparations
Iron deficiency in the body, anemia is found in almost every third to fourth inhabitant of the
planet. Adjustment at the stage of preparation for pregnancy will reduce the risk of intrauterine
fetal hypoxia, because the increased need for the chemical element - iron - during pregnancy can
exacerbate anemia.
Following useful recommendations will minimize the risk of complications during pregnancy,
and increase the chances of having a healthy baby before term.
