YOUR HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY

Getting pregnant in the right context is always an exciting experience; the right context being when you are ready emotionally, physically, financially and socially. By this time the thought of bringing on Earth a new life is both amazing and scary because this is not just playing house anymore, it is the real thing. So this week we thought we would give our fellow True African Women all over the world a few tips on how to keep healthy before and during pregnancy so as to ensure that your baby is as healthy as healthy gets.

BEFORE THE PREGNANCY

In many cases, people do not usually plan to get pregnant, especially if is the first time. People usually get caught up in the excitement of the moment and before they know it, they are moms to be. If they are fortunate, the guy responsible takes responsibility, but in most cases, this is how single parenthood happens.

In a perfect world, raising a child would be as easy as 1 2 3, but the world is not perfect, hence there is nothing easy about raising a child. They can be little angels, but on many occasions, they are little terrors. So to make sure you do not end up at the psych ward, you need to make sure you are ready to have a child, and plan for one.

One year before, get a physical exam. Talk with your regular doctor to find out how your health may affect your ability to conceive and carry a baby to term. Make sure that, in your physical exam, you address your blood pressure readings and your blood sugar levels.

Healthy pregnancy begins before you become pregnant. It actually begins long before you even think about motherhood. Take a moment to learn what you can do now to make sure any future pregnancies are planned and healthy.

DURING THE PREGNANCY

It is always important to be actively concerned about your health, but even more so when you are pregnant. It is imperative because your baby depends on you to create the best environment for its every development. Therefore, you should:

·         Eat well-balanced meals each day.

·         Drink plenty of fluids -- at least eight to 10 glasses a day -- avoiding caffeine and artificial colouring.

·         Not drink alcohol.

·         Not smoke or allow yourself to be exposed to second-hand smoke.

·         Exercise – Exercise can ease and prevent aches and pains of pregnancy including                           constipation, varicose veins, backaches, and exhaustion.

            Active women seem to be better prepared for labour and delivery and recover        more quickly.

·         Get adequate sleep -- at least eight hours a night. If you're suffering from sleep disturbances, take naps during the day and see your physician for advice.

·         Wear comfortable, non-restricting shoes and put your feet up several times a day to prevent fatigue and swelling of the feet, legs, and ankles.

·         Not take over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies without first consulting your obstetrician or midwife.

·         Not partake in anything that can raise your body temperature too high (hot tubs, saunas or steam rooms). These have been implicated as possibly increasing the risk for birth defects.

·         Avoid exposure to Pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and other toxic chemicals. These can harm the unborn baby to various extents depending on the toxicity and duration of exposure. They can also cause delays in development especially if the foetus is exposed to them in the first trimester.  

·         It is also advisable for pregnant women to avoid exposure to x-rays and other types of radiation. Although the risk is not much x-rays can be more harmful during early pregnancy. Therefore inform your doctor or dentist about your pregnancy so that x-ray can be postponed if possible. Studies have shown that even low levels of exposure to strong electromagnetic fields can cause some cell damage. Therefore pregnant women must avoid electric blankets as well as standing too close to the TV or in front of the microwave for long durations.

After all has been said and done, it is important for you to have a good relationship with your obstetrician and ensure that you ask for his/her advice on everything you do during this period.