Most pregnant women are concerned with how to ensure they have a healthy pregnancy and birth. While some things are beyond the control of the mother-to-be or her doctor, many aspects of prenatal health can be controlled or influenced.
Importance
Taking care of her health while pregnant and doing things to promote healthy development of her growing baby can help the new infant not only have a healthy start at birth but can contribute to better health for years to come. Unhealthy behaviors during pregnancy can potentially contribute to diseases in the offspring, including diabetes, asthma and heart disease.
Nutrition and Prenatal Vitamins
Proper nutrition in the mother-to-be is necessary for good health and development of the fetus. Folate, also known as folic acid, is one of the most important nutrients a pregnant woman needs since adequate intake of folate can prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid is normally included in prenatal vitamin supplements, along with an array of other nutrients that help ensure the health of the developing baby, including calcium and vitamin D. Aside from prenatal supplements, a pregnant woman should try to eat a variety of healthful foods, especially fruits and vegetables, during the course of her pregnancy.
Lifestyle
Smoking and drinking alcohol can have detrimental effects on the health of the unborn baby. Other things that may affect development include exposure to pollutants, chemicals or radiation, some medications and uncontrolled health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure. Exposure to anything that could be of concern should be discussed with a doctor before and during pregnancy.
Prenatal Care
Women who receive regular prenatal care are less likely to have problems such as preterm labor or unexpected emergencies during delivery. Prenatal care generally includes monthly checkups in early pregnancy and biweekly to weekly checkups during the last two months. During routine prenatal care, prenatal urine and blood tests will be given to look for health problems in the mother that might affect the baby, such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Problems discovered are generally manageable if caught early.
Mental Health
Mothers-to-be frequently go through a wide range of emotions during pregnancy, not only because of all of the emotional changes occurring but also because of hormonal changes. For pregnant women who are feeling overwhelmed, a visit to a counselor or therapist may help. Couples facing a high-risk pregnancy or discovery of a problem in the unborn child may opt for genetic counseling to help them better understand the risks and prepare early so that their child can be properly cared for immediately after birth.
Birth Choices
The healthiest birth is one that takes into account the mother's wishes, since undue stress during labor and delivery can affect both mom and baby's health. Some low-risk pregnant women prefer to give birth at home using natural methods of pain relief and avoiding medication or other medical intervention that they believe may affect the baby's health. Other women may feel more comfortable in a hospital setting with a doctor managing the process and a full range of options for pain relief available to them.
