Safe Delivery and Healthy Newborn

As an expectant mother, you know your life is about to change forever.  Having a child will bring joys you never imagined.  Being a mother also brings with it a great deal of responsibility.  Responsible behavior must begin during pregnancy to help ensure a healthy arrival of your new son or daughter. 

What Not to Do When Pregnant

It is true that there is a great deal of caution to be taken when pregnant.  Some of your “bad habits” or favorite foods and beverages should not be consumed when you are expecting a child.

• Cigarette Smoking:

Smoking can be harmful to your unborn child’s health and development in the womb.  Children born to mothers who smoked while pregnant often are a low birth weight with other potential health problems.  Babies who were exposed to cigarette smoke before birth have increased risks for allergies, asthma and related health conditions.  You should quit smoking before becoming pregnant.  Try to limit your time around other smokers as well since studies are showing health risks associated with second hand smoke as well. 

• Alcohol Consumption

Do not drink alcohol of any type when you are pregnant.  Drinking alcohol can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other health risks and birth defects.  Even small amounts of alcohol while pregnant pose a risk to the baby.  Your child could have low birth weight and developmental problems (including cognitive) as a result of drinking alcohol before they are born.

• Limit Caffeine

Every effort should be made to cut caffeine out of your diet when pregnant.  Caffeine has been shown to be potentially dangerous to a developing fetus.  Caffeine can increase the babies heart rate in a way that is potentially harmful.  More recent scientific studies have even show that there could be a link between excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy and miscarriages.  If you must drink caffeine, you should have no more than the equivalent of two cups of coffee per day.  (Again no caffeine is the best option of all)

• Limit Seafood

It is best not to eat a great deal of seafood when pregnant.  You should avoid fish products with high mercury levels as they can pose a risk to your child.  Your physician can help you make healthful choices if you will be eating any seafood.

• Avoid Highly Processed Food

Try not to eat highly processed foods while pregnant.  They are not healthy for the baby.  Do not eat hotdogs, deli meats and cheeses and other foods that will have many chemicals added for processing.  Eat as many healthful and natural food products as possible.

Reduce Stress

Although it is not possible for anyone to remove stress completely from their day to day living, you should try to reduce your stress levels while pregnant.  Think of some ways that you can feel less stressed.  Ask friends and family for help as needed.

What You Should Do When Pregnant

• Get Some Extra Rest
  

Pregnancy is hard on even the healthiest body.  Try to get some additional rest in when you are able.  It is ok to ask your spouse and other family members for some help especially at the beginning and end of pregnancy when you are likely to feel the most tired.

• Attend all Prenatal Appointments

Make certain to attend all prenatal appointments.  These appointments will benefit you and the baby.  Adhere to any medical advice given by your medical team.  They are there to help you  have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

• Eat a Healthy Diet
  

You will gain weight when you are pregnant.  However, some women pack on more pounds than necessary because they overeat.  Your OB can help you to understand how to make healthy eating choices when pregnant.  Remember to take your prenatal vitamins as prescribed as well!

• Stay Active

You won’t be running a marathon while pregnant, but that does not mean you need to be a coach potato.  Talk to you OB GYN about how you can include some exercise safely into your routine while pregnant.

Have a Safe Pregnancy and A Happy Delivery!