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Have a Healthy Pregnancy!
New research shows how to have a healthy baby. There are certain things that could possibly cause harm to you or your baby as it is growing inside of you.
THINK AHEAD for a healthy baby:
T – Take 400 micrograms of B vitamin folic acid every day before and during early pregnancy to reduce the risks of spine and brain defects.
H – Have a medical check up before conceiving. Your doctor can check your health and help you make lifestyle changes if needed. Don’t forget your dental health. Treat all cavities and gum disease before you get pregnant.
I – If you haven’t already, get vaccinated before pregnancy for diseases like chickenpox and rubella Theycan cause defects during pregnancy.
N – Now is the time to be at your best weight. Obesity during pregnancy can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes. That can put you and your baby’s health at high risk. Being underweight can lead to a low-birth weight baby.
K – Know your family history. If you have had problem pregnancies or birth defects in your family, tell your doctor. If there is a genetic disorder, speak with a genetic counselor.
A – Adopt a healthy life. Get plenty of exercise.. Get help with depression and stress. Don’t smoke, drink or use drugs. Check with your doctor whether the prescription or over-the-counter drugs you use are safe to take while pregnant.
H – Have medical problems like diabetes, epilepsy and high blood pressure treated before you get pregnant. These problems can possibly affect your pregnancy.
E – Eat a good diet. Healthy eating before and during pregnancy will make sure that you and your baby get the nutrients needed.
A – Avoid exposure to toxic substances and chemicals. This includes exposure at home or at work by either you or your partner. Toxic substances and chemicals can make it more difficult to get pregnant and can harm the fetus.
D – Don’t eat rare meat or touch cat litter. They can cause an infection called toxoplasmosis, which can seriously harm a developing fetus. Avoid them before you get pregnant.
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