Mama
Mia!!!. so you are planning to have a baby. Like they say,
there is no instinct like that of the heart and if your
heart says that you are ready for motherhood, then believe me
you are....
Motherhood is one of the most precious moment in any
woman's life. Having a baby opens up a whole new exciting
world which can only be experienced. No words can describe the
thrill and excitement of having a baby. A number of questions
though have to be dealt with, to guarantee a normal, healthy
baby.
Ideally, it would be better if both you and your
partner plan for pregnancy at least three months before you
conceive. Keeping fit and eating well are essential for the
proper development of the baby in the womb. But before you
start planning consider these points: |
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Your age
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The ideal age to plan for pregnancy is in your twenties. If
you are over 35 years old, risks of a difficult pregnancy do
increase as you are more likely to have Down's syndrome
baby. Though they could be reduced if you are fit and
healthy. Similarly, if you are under 18, you run a greater
risk of having a still or low -birth weight baby.
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Your Weight
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Ideally, your weight should complement your height at least
six months before conceiving. If you are not suffering from
any serious weight problem, avoid dieting during pregnancy, as
you may deprive your body of vital nutrients.
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Contraceptive
Used |
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If you use a pill
it is best to stop taking it well before you want to conceive,
to allow your body time to return to its normal cycle. Wait
until you have had three menstrual periods before trying to
become pregnant (you can use a sheath or a cap during this time),
otherwise it becomes difficult to predict the expected date
of delivery.
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Your
Workplace |
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If you or your partner
has a job that involves working with chemicals, lead anaesthetics
or x-rays, this may affect your chances of conceiving or involve
a risk to your baby. Start planning to move to a safer job
to avoid the risk as much as possible. Once you get
pregnant, you need to take further steps to protect your
self.
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Your
long-Standing Medical Condition |
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If you have a medical disorder, such as diabetes or
epilepsy, you need to consult your doctor before you get
pregnant. The reason being the drugs you are on might affect
the baby, or they might make it difficult for you to conceive.
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Family
History of Inherited Disease |
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Medical conditions such as haemophilia and cystic
fibrosis, are inherited. Hence if either you or your partner
has a close relative affected with the disease, then there is
chance that it might be passed on to your baby. So, do consult
a genetic counsellor to assess the risk.
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Your Eating
Habits
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To increase your chances of conceiving and of having a
healthy baby, you need to follow a nutritious diet pattern.
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Your Smoking
and Drinking Habits
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Tobacco and alcohol can effect fertility
in men as well as in women and can cause harm to the
baby in the womb too. Hence it would be better if you
discontinue smoking and drinking, the moment you decide to
have a baby..
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Exercises
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For remaining healthy and fit throughout your pregnancy it
is advised to follow an exercise regime, such as walking or
swimming for at least 20 minutes each day.
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HIV Status |
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It would be safer if you would check your blood for HIV status
as the HIV virus can cross the placental barrier and can
infect the baby.
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History of
Miscarriages |
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Any past family or personal history of miscarriage calls
for special attention during your pregnancy, as you become
more susceptible to it.
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