Dos and Don’ts in Pregnancy – Before, During and After

Dos and Dont’s in Pregnancy – Before, During and After

PLEASE DO NOT PANIC

Procreation is nature’s law and it applies to all species. The majority of pregnancies are LOW RISK. Some complications do occur and we are here to take care. Early identification and treatment is very crucial in saving both mother’s and baby’s lives. Please be AWARE of the warning signs and symptoms of complications.

PREGNANCY

It is a LIFE TIME EXPERIENCE and signifies the normal functioning of the reproductive system. We exhibit more personal, social and emotional attachment as it involves two LIVES and many times precious. The growing fetus demands and extracts extra work from the mother. All pregnancies can be classified as Low risk and High risk. Majority of them are low risk. The expected outcome of all pregnancies is Healthy and Happy Mother – Healthy and Happy Baby – Healthy and Happy Family – Healthy and Happy Society.

PRE-PREGNANCY

Dos

• Plan your pregnancy
• Age is the most important factor determining the success of every pregnancy and treatment for fertility
• Visit your doctor for pre-pregnancy counselling
• Medical disorders like Diabetes, Hypertension, asthma, epilepsy must be under good control
• FOLIC ACID and B12 Supplements -3 months prior to conceptionto prevent neural tube defects

Don’ts

• Avoid unplanned pregnancies- no surprises
• NO MEDICAL OR SURGICAL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCIES FOR SOCIAL REASONS
• UMPTEEN CHOICE OF CONTRACEPTIVE methods are available

No self-medication for carrying out miscarriages as it can be very dangerous and lead to lethal consequences.

DURING PREGNANCY

EXERCISE

• GET ON WITH NORMAL WORK, EXERCISE
• NO COMPLETE BED REST

RAINBOW OF FOODS

• ENJOY YOUR DIET DURING PREGNANCY
• Take FOLIC ACID and B12
• Take IRON and Calcium supplements
• Take ADEQUATE Balanced nutritious diet
• Follow SENSIBLE EATING-EVERYTHING IN MODERATION
• No eating for two
• Eat for your appetite
• Drink PLENTY OF FLUIDs
• AVOID REFINED CARBOHYDRATES

I TRIMESTER

• Nausea and vomiting- peaks at 7-11 weeks, settles by 12 weeks
• Eat small, frequent meals at regular intervals
• Can try home remedies
• If severe or dehydrated- seek medical help
• Early pregnancy scan at 8 weeks
• To confirm that pregnancy is inside the uterus and is viable
• Report if any pain, spotting or bleeding
• Make sure you get adequate sleep
• Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening problem- early identification and treatment is of paramount importance
• 1 out 6 pregnancies end in first-trimester miscarriage
• Subsequent pregnancies can be very successful
• More than 2 Early pregnancy losses need complete evaluation and treatment
• LISTEN TO GOOD MUSIC -the best healer

FIRST TRIMESTER SCREENING

Mandatory screening test for DOWNS SYNDROME, involving Scan and blood test.

Please undergo COUNSELING REGARDING the test and THE IMPLICATIONS OF A POSITIVE SCREEN

II TRIMESTER

• KEEP yourself active
• Target or anomaly scan at 19-20 weeks
• Periodic blood tests to identify Diabetes, Anaemia, Preeclampsia
• BABY movements can be felt
• Monthly obstetrician visit and Dentist visit around 20 weeks
• Driving car is safe- seat belt beneath the bump.

III TRIMESTER

• Frequent doctor visits.
• BP and weight measurements in each visit
• Scan for baby’s growth
• Plan place of delivery
• Familiarise with the process of labour and delivery
• Discuss pain relief strategies (e.g.,epidural)

AFTER DELIVERY

• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
• Plenty of liquids
• Normal diet
• More calorie requirement in lactation
• Breast MILK is the best food for the baby
• EXCLUSIVE Breast-feeding for six months
• Can be given upto 2 years
• Learn the art of Lactation-latching, avoiding breast engorgement, nipple cracks
• Resume normal activity as soon as possible
• Continue iron and calcium for six months
• Avoid lifting heavy weights for two months if cesarean delivery
• CONTRACEPTION
• Menstrual cycles can be irregular during feeding
• Some may not get periods during lactation
• Regular Paediatric visits and gyn visits
• Pregnancy can be the FORERUNNER of long-term medical problems-WATCH OUT!!!
• Regular monitoring of BP, Sugars
• Vaccination, milestones assessments, growth charts should be monitored for the baby

Most of the pregnancies are low risk, but challenges can occur at any time, please seek medical help as soon as possible. Never self-medicate or neglect any symptoms or signs however trivial they are.

BE READY TO CARRY THE BUNDLE OF JOY HOME.

KEEP CALM AND ENJOY YOUR PREGNANCY