Pregnancy Health Questions
If you are pregnant you may naturally have a lot of questions about your health and that of your unborn baby. Before you get pregnant, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy. After you are pregnant, there are guidelines to follow to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Before You Get Pregnant
According to the Centers for Disease Control, if you plan to get pregnant in the near future you should do the following; stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol and stop taking drugs. Begin taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day via a prenatal vitamin. Talk to your doctor about medical conditions you may have (such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and dental problems) and get it under control. Talk to your doctor about any prescription drugs or over-the-counter supplements you take to make sure they are safe for a developing fetus. Avoid toxic substances such as chemicals and cat and rodent feces.
It is important to choose an OB-GYN as soon as you know you are pregnant. Early prenatal care is important, and your doctor will help you with many of your health questions.
Foods to Avoid
During your pregnancy, continue to take a prenatal vitamin and eat healthy meals. Your doctor will give you guidelines on how much weight is safe to gain during pregnancy; usually it is 15 to 40 pounds, depending upon your pre-pregnancy weight. Foods you should avoid during your pregnancy are uncooked beef, poultry, seafood and undercooked eggs. Deli meats, meat spreads, unpasteurized milk and beef jerky may contain the bacteria listeria and should not be eaten during pregnancy because it can increase your chance of miscarriage. Fish that contain mercury (such as canned tuna, shark, sushi and swordfish) should not be eaten during pregnancy, as mercury can harm your baby. Caffeine in soda, coffee and tea should be used in moderation while pregnant. Consume no more than 300 milligrams of caffeine a day. Do not drink any alcohol; it is not safe for you or the baby.
Acne Medicine
Skin changes during your pregnancy are normal. If you were taking an acne medicine before you were pregnant, you should stop taking it and discuss it with your doctor. Accutane has been shown to cause birth defects if taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. Tetracycline can cause discoloration of teeth in the baby and bone deficiencies.
Vaginal Health
Consult your physician if you have vaginal discharge that is not normal. Green, yellow or foul-smelling discharge may indicate an infection. If you are spotting or bleeding during pregnancy, discuss this with your physician. Do not use douches or tampons during your pregnancy.
Body Piercing and Tattoos
It is not advisable to get a body piercing on your belly, nipples or genitalia during pregnancy. The skin in these areas changes and may stretch during pregnancy, and the piercing may not heal. If you already have a piercing that has healed you can continue to wear jewelry as long as it is comfortable. The health risks of getting a piercing of any kind are hepatitis B or C and HIV/AIDS. Getting a tattoo during your pregnancy carries the same health risk as piercing. You may contract hepatitis B or C or HIV/AIDS from unsterilized equipment. There have not been many studies done to understand the health risks of the skin dye used in tattoos on a developing baby. Henna tattoos are a natural safe temporary alternative to a dye tattoo.
Sex During Pregnancy
Having sex is generally safe during pregnancy. If you have a history of miscarriage, vaginal bleeding or discharge or a partner with an STD, your physician may advise you to abstain during pregnancy.
Hot Tubs and Saunas
Saunas and hot tubs at high heat are not recommended during your pregnancy. Both can raise the body temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Raising your body temperature to that level is not safe for you or your baby.
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