Pre-Pregnancy
As soon as a woman finds out that she is pregnant, she should contact her health care provider and begin prenatal care. What is prenatal care? Prenatal care refers to the regular nursing and health care that you receive while you are pregnant. More importantly, there are a few steps that should be taken even before pregnancy. First, a supplement of 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid should be taken daily for at least three months before the pregnancy. Folic acid helps to reduce the risk of some birth defects of the brain and spine.
Secondly, STOP SMOKING AND DRINKING ALCOHOL! If this is difficult, there is nothing wrong with asking for help from friends, family, or even your doctor. Medical conditions such as, asthma, diabetes, depression, obesity, and high blood pressure need to be under control. It is also important that vaccinations are up to date. More importantly, any over-the-counter medications that are being used need to be discussed with your doctor. This also includes dietary and herbal supplements. Some medications can be harmful to the baby, while stopping others may also have the same effect. Lastly, stay away from any toxic substances or material at home and at work. Stay away from chemicals, and as weird as it sounds, stay away from cat and rodent feces.
During Pregnancy
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According to developmental psychologist John Santrock, "Information about teratogens and other prenatal hazards is one of the many benefits that expectant mothers gain from prenatal care" (Santrock, 81; 2010). Prenatal care is not limited to just hospital visits and healthy eating. Expectant mothers can take classes about care of the newborn baby and even breathing properly while giving birth. CenteringPregnancy is a rapidly expanding prenatal care program in the United States that is relationship-centered. Through this program, women are given the tools and skills to experience a positive pregnancy. Prenatal care programs like CenteringPregnancy are almost crucial to producing a healthy baby now in the United States. Many infants born in the United States end up with health related issues due to their mother's unhealthy habits or even the mother not receiving enough time for maternity leave from work. Obesity is one of the major issues in the United States that leads to many birth defects. A large percentage of women with obesity also have diabetes and this can ultimately be transferred to the fetus during the pregnancy. Another bonus for pregnant women that do not enjoy visiting the doctor's office; CenteringPregancy does not take place in exam rooms. It is pretty much just like any other social club, just everyone is pregnant.