EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Health: Birth to 5
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Tips for a healthy pregnancy and delivery Preparing for a new baby can be an exciting job, maybe even a little daunting. From the big items like a crib or car seat right down to the tiny gadgets like baby nail clippers and electrical outlet protectors, the list of special supplies you need can seem overwhelming. Here’s one thing you might not think of when planning for your new arrival, but it’s probably the most important of all: mother-to-be’s health, and the warning signs of possible premature delivery. Sound alarmist? That’s not the intent. Simply, the more we know about premature birth and what we can do about it, the healthier our babies can be. In California, one in eight babies is born prematurely, which is any time before the complete 37th week of the pregnancy. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than a half-million infants were born in the United States preterm in 2004 – the highest number reported since national tracking began in 1981. In the case of multiple births – twins, triplets or higher – there is an even greater risk that the infants will be born preemies. Compared with single births (one baby), multiple births in California were about six times as likely to be preterm in 2002, according to perinatal statistics provided by the March of Dimes. Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman. In fact, according to the March of Dimes, half of all preterm deliveries occur in women with no known risks. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent your baby from being born too early. Here are tips for all expectant mothers on ways to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery: • As soon as you think you are pregnant, see your doctor or healthcare provider to start prenatal care and regular checkups • Eat healthy foods • Exercise often, with your doctor’s approval • Take prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, to prevent birth defects • Get plenty of rest • Drink plenty of water • Lower the stress in your life • See your dentist. Postponing cavity fillings until at least after the first trimester is recommended • Stay away from cigarette smoke, alcohol and other drugs • Contact your doctor immediately if you notice significant changes in your pregnancy The March of Dimes has issued some warning signs of preterm delivery. If you recognize any of these signs, or have a feeling that something is not right, talk to your doctor immediately. • Contractions (your abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often • Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding) • Pelvic pressure – the feeling that your baby is pushing down • Low, dull backache • Cramps that feel like your period • Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea Advanced medical technology and care available to preemies has helped more and more of the smallest infants survive and thrive. Even with significant breakthroughs in prenatal and infant care, prematurity is still the leading cause of death in the first month of life and one of the leading causes of physical and learning disabilities among children. So when you’re making that list of things to get ready for your baby, make sure “mom’s health and prenatal care” are at the top of the list. |
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