Pregnancy

Preparing for Baby Before Conception

During pregnancy a woman's body goes through many changes. She will experience physical changes, alterations in hormones and moods, and start the process to a new life after the baby arrives. Keeping mom-to-be healthy is key to her own well-being but also her growing child.

Even before you conceive there are things that you can be doing to better prepare you and your body to create a healthy environment for baby. Talk with your doctor about your plans to conceive, depending on many factors, such as; age, weight, etc., your doctor will discuss your options to begin to prepare for pregnancy. If you partake in alcohol, nicotine products, and other drugs; it is suggested to avoid these substances; as many women do not know they are pregnant in those first few weeks. These substances may cause adverse harm to your child. If you have an issue with drugs or alcohol, seek help and talk to your doctor. Additionally, limiting your caffeine intake and managing a healthy weight are other healthy ways to prepare for baby.

If you are having difficulty conceiving, and/or have experienced loss, know that you are not alone. About 15-20% of women experience a miscarriage, and 12% of the US population experiences some form of infertility. It is important to talk to your doctor about your options, and seek support from others (counselors and/or support groups).

Staying Healthy While Pregnant

Once pregnant, keeping yourself healthy is the best bet for your baby's development. It is not just taking your vitamins; your health is also dependent on your emotional well-being, safety, nutrition and having support from those around you.

Nutrition

It is recommended that pregnant women intake 1,800 calories in the first trimester, 2,200 in their second trimester and 2,400 in the third (depending on weight of woman, and advice from doctor). A healthy balanced diet is also important to ensure that you are gaining enough vitamins and minerals to help support the baby and yourself. It is suggested that pregnant women eat 6-8 ounces of grains, 2-3cups of vegetables. 2 cups of fruits, 5-6 ounces of protein, 3 cups of dairy and drink at least 80 ounces of water per day. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, illicit substances and prescriptions/medications not recommended for pregnant women, is also important to your child's well-being. Check with your doctor if you have questions about what medications you can take while pregnant. Additionally, taking a prenatal vitamin will allow for you to intake nutrients that may not be found in your typical diet. Prenatal vitamins often include folic acid, a vitamin key to creating red blood cells and preventing neural tube defects. Some doctors will also prescribe prenatal vitamins that contain DHA, a component to promote healthy fetal development.

Emotional Health

Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your child. Even unborn babies can feel the stress that their mother's experience. Depending on the severity and duration of the stress; the effects may be correlated to a child's behavior and health later in life. Finding ways to manage stress is imperative to the health of your pregnancy. Many moms-to-be seek out positive stress-relieving activities such as exercise, journaling, meditation, attending support groups, seeing a counselor, and many more. Additionally, talking with trusted individuals such as your doctor, and/or friends and family, allows for you to build a network of support around you. Local mom groups and online forums can provide you with help and advice in a safe way. If you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of depression, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.