What every pregnant woman should know

What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know

The prenatal period commences a new life that grows and develops inside a woman 's body . A pregnant woman therefore carries with her the great responsibility of caring for herself and the life growing inside her The period however is a process that brings about changes in a woman 's body , lifestyle and with it comes the necessity to know and understand the basic things a pregnant woman should know to bring about the best for her and her child

This attempts to discuss the things

that every pregnant woman should know so as to give her the best possible time of pregnancy , allow her to protect and nourish her unborn child and to familiarize her to the challenges of childbirth and motherhood . Hence the question : what should every pregnant woman need to know

Every pregnant woman should know that her health is very important during pregnancy . From the beginning of the second trimester until delivery , the body of a pregnant woman needs an additional 300 calories each day to support the growth and development of the baby (Foster 2006 . She also needs to nourish herself as pregnant women generally need extra iron and other vitamins and minerals in their diets . Iron deficiency among pregnant women may cause anemia and fainting . She should therefore eat well balanced and nutritious foods to support herself and that of the growing baby whose nutritional intake during this stage is wholly dependent upon her . It is a must for a pregnant woman to know her nutritional needs at this time to prevent pregnancy malnutrition , birth complications or birth defects . Pregnant women for example are generally advised to take supplements of folic acid to prevent spina bifida and other spinal problems

Every pregnant woman should know that some changes in lifestyle are a necessity at this stage . A woman 's lifestyle needs to be changed especially when it poses a risk to her and her baby . A woman who smokes has to stop smoking or face the possibility of having a child with deformities . The National Cancer Institute (2004 ) reported that prenatal tobacco exposure has been a significant risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS , and stillbirth . Gordis (1994 , made mention that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS ) characterized by growth and mental deficiency , a face with short palpebral fissures (eye openings , a thin upper lip , and an elongated flattened midface and philtrum (the groove in the middle of the upper lip , and other anomalies of the skeleton and heart has also been identified in the children of chronically alcoholic women . Smoking , intake of recreational drugs and alcohol are not advised this time as this kind of lifestyle among pregnant women may endanger their unborn children

What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know page 2

Every pregnant woman should know the possible hazards and dangers in their environment . Musser (1994 ) points out that of all birth defects 10 percent are caused by known environmental factors . Environmental hazards have increased the incidence of miscarriages , stillbirth , and deformities in infants . Inhalation of the paint vapor for example can cause damage in the mental development of the baby Practicing caution and thorough examination of a pregnant woman 's workplace and environment may therefore protect the health and development of the baby

Every pregnant woman should know how to practice discipline during pregnancy . It is not advisable for pregnant women to eat anything and everything she wishes such that this may result to being overweight . The risks of diabetes and hypertension , and an increase in the common discomforts of pregnancy have been implicated in women who start pregnancy at ten percent or more over ideal body weight (Peg 2006

Every pregnant woman should know her medical history to know if she is protected against or at risk of diseases that pose risk to the unborn child . She should ask her health care provider if she needs certain vaccinations like a rubella vaccination . Rubella exposure during pregnancy has resulted in serious birth defects (Musser 1994 . She should investigate her health and genetic history , as well as her spouse 's so that she will be informed beforehand of the possibility of having birth abnormalities , genetic illnesses that can be passed to the baby or even chances of conceiving twins

Every pregnant woman should know about the processes and course of childbirth . She should know what types of birthing options are available and suitable for her . She should also be informed of labor pains and challenges so as to prepare herself physically , mentally and emotionally . This will also encourage her to think beforehand what relief and options to take . She should also know what to expect in a normal delivery and one that requires medical intervention such that certain changes may necessitate having an entirely different birth than what was initially been planned and wanted . A pregnant woman should know what decision to take in case birthing plans fail . This also includes knowing about the special procedures and devices to alleviate the pain or hasten labor . Signing up for childbirth preparation courses and touring the birthing hospital or facility before the day approaches are good ideas

Every pregnant woman should know about the changes in her body and that of her unborn baby . Although it may not be necessary to undergo ultrasound tests , sufficient knowledge on what is normal ' at this stage may prevent possible complications . Hence a pregnant woman in her 1st trimester may be aware that any excessive bleeding at this stage may cause fetal death

What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know page 3

The most important thing every pregnant woman should know is the basics of childcare . While nurturing the unborn child is important , rearing the child after birth is as important as well and the best time to prepare for this challenging time is during pregnancy . A pregnant woman should know beforehand the best possible nutrition she can give her newborn This includes considering whether to give breast milk or formulas . Even during pregnancy , she can already

prepare and familiarize herself with correct manner of breastfeeding if she opts to give breast milk so as to minimize the discomfort on her part when it would be time for her to provide milk for her newborn baby

References

Gordis , Enoch MD (1994 , July 1 . Fetal Alcohol Syndrome . Retrieved May 22 , 2006 from HYPERLINK "http /www .highbeam .com /library /docfree .asp ?DOCID 1G1 num 9 ct rlInfo Round20 3AMode20d 3ASR 3AResult ao FreePremium FREE http /www .highbeam .com /library /docfree .asp ?DOCID 1G1 num 9 ctr lInfo Round20 3AMode20d 3ASR 3AResult ao FreePremium FREE

Musser , Vicki (1994 March 1 ) More tips for a healthy pregnancy Retrieved May 21 , 2006 from HYPERLINK "http /www .highbeam .com /library /docfree .asp ?DOCID 1G1 num 15 c trlInfo Round20 3AMode20d 3ASR 3AResult ao FreePremium FREE http /www .highbeam .com /library /docfree .asp ?DOCID 1G1 num 15 ct rlInfo Round20 3AMode20d 3ASR 3AResult ao FreePremium FREE

Ohio State University . Nutritional Needs of Pregnancy . Retrieved May 22 2006 from

HYPERLINK "http /ohioline .osu .edu /mob-fact /0001 .html http /ohioline .osu .edu /mob-fact /0001 .html

Plumbo Peg . Overweight : Dangerous to your pregnancy ? Retrieved May 21 2006 from

HYPERLINK "http /parenting .ivillage .com /pregnancy /pcomplications /0 ,3ph1 ,00 .html http /parenting .ivillage .com /pregnancy /pcomplications /0 ,3ph1 ,00 .html HYPERLINK "http /www .smokefree .gov /Docs2 /SmokingandCancer_Q A .pdf http /www .smokefree .gov /Docs2 /SmokingandCancer_Q A .pdf ...