- Using medicine and Herbs.More tips on what to do when you are pregnant including exercises.Good food for pregnant.Nutritional fruits you must eat during pregnancy.Seven common miscarriage causes.Miscarriage foods to avoid during pregnancy.Dangers of Abortion.
Using medicine and herbs
You and your baby are connected. The medicines you use, including over-the-counter, herbal, and prescription drugs or supplements, might get into your baby's body, too. Many medicines and herbs are known to cause problems during pregnancy, including birth defects. For some medicines, we don't know that much about how they might affect pregnancy or the developing fetus. This is because medicines are rarely tested on pregnant women for fear of harming the fetus.
Mothers-to-be might wonder if it's safe to use medicines during pregnancy. There is no clear-cut answer to this question. Your doctor can help you make the choice whether to use a medicine. Labels on prescription and over-the-counter drugs have information to help you and your doctor make this choice. In the future, a new prescription drug label will make it easier for women and their doctors to weigh the benefits and risks of using prescription medicines during pregnancy.
Always speak with your doctor before you start or stop any medicine. Not using medicine that you need may be more harmful to you and your baby than using the medicine.
Weighing benefits and risks
When deciding whether to use a medicine in pregnancy, you and your doctor need to talk about the medicine's benefits and the risks.
Benefits – what are the good things the medicine can do for me and my growing baby? Risks – what are the ways the medicine might harm me or my growing baby?
There may be times during pregnancy when using medicine is a choice. For example, if you get a cold, you may decide to "live with" your stuffy nose instead of using the "stuffy nose" medicine you use when you are not pregnant.
Other times during pregnancy, using medicine is not a choice, it is needed. For example, you might need to use medicine to control an existing health problem like asthma, diabetes, depression, or seizures. Or, you might need a medicine for a few days, such as an antibiotic to treat a bladder infection or strep throat. Also, some women have a pregnancy problem that needs medicine treatment. These problems include severe nausea and vomiting, earlier pregnancy losses, or preterm labor.
Using herbal or dietary supplements and other "natural" products
You might think herbs are safe because they are "natural." But, except for some vitamins, little is known about using herbal or dietary supplements while pregnant. Some herbal remedy labels claim they will help with pregnancy. But, most often there are no good studies to show if these claims are true or if the herb can cause harm to you or your baby. Also, some herbs that are safe when used in small amounts as food might be harmful when used in large amounts as medicines. So, talk with your doctor before using any herbal or dietary supplement or natural product. These products may contain things that could harm you or your growing baby.
Travel
Everyday life doesn't stop once you are pregnant. Most healthy pregnant women are able to continue with their usual routine and activity level. That means going to work, running errands, and for some, traveling away from home. To take care of yourself and help keep your baby safe, consider these points before taking a long trip or traveling far from home:
Talk to your doctor before making any travel decisions that will take you far from home. Ask if any health conditions you might have makes travel during pregnancy unsafe. Also consider the destination. Is the food and water safe? Will you need immunizations before you go? Is there good medical care available in the event of an emergency? Will your health insurance cover medical care at your destination?Avoid sitting for long periods during car or air travel. Prolonged sitting can affect blood flow in your legs. Try to limit driving to no more than 5 or 6 hours each day. Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs. Stand up, and move your legs often during air travel. Wearing support pantyhose also can help blood flow. Occasional air travel is safe for most pregnant women, and most airlines will allow women to fly up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. Make sure to wear your seatbelt during the flight, and take steps to ease the discomforts of prolonged travel and sitting. Frequent air travel during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal exposure to cosmic radiation. If you are a pregnant pilot, aircrew member, or other frequent flier, check with your employer about flying restrictions.Bring a copy of your medical record and find out about medical care at your destination so you will be prepared in the event of an emergency.If you suspect a problem with your pregnancy during your trip, don't wait until you come home to see your doctor. Seek medical care right away.
Buckle up!
Wearing a seatbelt during car and air travel is safe while pregnant. The lap strap should go under your belly, across your hips. The shoulder strap should go between your breasts and to the side of your belly. Make sure it fits snugly.
Environmental risks
The environment is everything around us wherever we are — at home, at work, or outdoors. Although you don't need to worry about every little thing you breathe in or eat, it's smart to avoid exposure to substances that might put your pregnancy or unborn baby's health at risk.
During pregnancy, avoid exposure to:
Lead – found in some water and paints, mainly in homes built 40 years ago – the harmful form is found mainly in large, predatory fish. Arsenic – high levels can be found in some well water Pesticides – both household products and agricultural pesticides Solvents – such as degreasers and paint strippers and thinners Cigarette smoke
Keep in mind: We don't know how much exposure can lead to problems, such as miscarriage or birth defects. That is why it's best to avoid or limit your exposure as much as possible. Here are some simple, day-to-day precautions you can take:
Clean in only well-ventilated spaces. Open the windows or turn on a fan.Check product labels for warnings for pregnant women and follow instructions for safe use.Do not clean the inside of an oven while pregnant.Leave the house if paint is being used, and don't return until the fumes are gone.
If you are exposed to chemicals in the workplace, talk to your doctor and your employer about what you can do to lower your exposure. Certain industries, such as dry cleaning, manufacturing, printing, and agriculture, involve use of toxins that could be harmful. If you are concerned about the safety of your drinking water, call your health department or water supplier to ask about the quality of your tap water or how to have your water tested .Don't assume that bottled water is better or safer. Usually, bottle water offers no health benefits over tap water.
Quitting smoking
Smoking cigarettes is very harmful to your health and could also affect the health of your baby. Not only does smoking cause cancer and heart disease in people who smoke, smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight. Low birth weight babies are at higher risk of health problems shortly after birth. Also, some studies have linked low birth weight with a higher risk of health problems later in life, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely than other women to have a miscarriage and to have a baby born with cleft lip or palate, types of birth defects. Also, mothers who smoke during or after pregnancy put their babies at greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Mothers who smoke have many reasons to quit smoking. Take care of your health and your unborn baby's health: Ask your doctor about ways to help you quit during pregnancy. Intensive counseling has been shown to increase a pregnant woman's chances of quitting success. We don't know whether the drugs used to help people quit are safe to use during pregnancy. But we do know that continuing to smoke during pregnancy threatens your and your baby's health. Quitting smoking is hard, but you can do it with help!
Substance abuse
Using alcohol and illegal drugs during pregnancy threatens the health of your unborn baby. So does using legal drugs in an inappropriate way. When you use alcohol or drugs, the chemicals you ingest or breathe into your lungs cross the placenta and enter your baby. This puts your baby at risk for such problems as stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects, behavioral problems, and developmental delays.
Alcohol
When you drink alcohol, so does your baby. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol to eliminate the chance of giving birth to a baby with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD involves a range of harmful effects that can occur when a fetus is exposed to alcohol. The effects can be mild to severe. Children born with a severe form of FASD can have abnormal facial features, severe learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and other problems.
You might think a drink now and then won't hurt your baby. But we don't know how much alcohol it takes to cause harm. We do know that the risk of FASD, and the likely severity, goes up with the amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy. Also, damage from alcohol can occur in the earliest stages of pregnancy — often before a woman knows she is pregnant. For this reason, women who may become pregnant also should not drink.
Illegal drugs
Many women who use illegal drugs also use tobacco and alcohol. So, it's not always easy to tell the effects of one drug from that of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. We do know that using illegal drugs during pregnancy is very dangerous. Babies born to women who use drugs such as cocaine, heroine, and methamphetamine are likely to be born addicted and must go through withdrawal. Mothers who inject drugs are at higher risk of getting HIV, which can be passed to an unborn baby. Some studies suggest that the effects of drug use during pregnancy might not be seen until later in childhood.
Getting help for alcohol or drug use
If you drink alcohol or use drugs and cannot quit, talk to your doctor right away. Treatment programs can help pregnant women with addiction and abuse. To find help near you, go to the Substance abuse treatment facility locator. You can quit using and give your baby a good start to life.
Abusive relationships
It's hard to be excited about the new life growing inside of you if you're afraid of your partner. Abuse from a partner can begin or increase during pregnancy and can harm you and your unborn baby. Women who are abused often don't get the prenatal care their babies need. Abuse from a partner also can lead to preterm birth and low birth weightbabies, stillbirth and newborn death, and homicide. If you are abused, you might turn to alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to help you cope. This can be even more harmful to you and your baby.
You may think that a new baby will change your situation for the better. But the cycle of abuse is complex, and a baby introduces new stress to people and relationships. Now is a good time to think about your safety and the safety and wellbeing of your baby. About 50 percent of men who abuse their wives also abuse their children. Think about the home environment you want for your baby. Studies show that children who witness or experience violence at home may have long-term physical, emotional, and social problems. They are also more likely to experience or commit violence themselves in the future.
Prenatal exams offer a good chance to reach out for help. It's possible to take control and leave an abusive partner. But for your and your baby's safety, talk to your doctor first. Let motherhood prompt you to take action now.
If you're a victim of abuse or violence at the hands of someone you know or love, or you are recovering from an assault by a stranger, you and your baby can get immediate help and support.
MORE TIPS ON WHAT TO DO.
Caffeine
Moderate amounts of caffeine appear to be safe during pregnancy. Moderate means less than 200 mg of caffeine per day, which is the amount in about 12 ounces of coffee. Most caffeinated teas and soft drinks have much less caffeine. Some studies have shown a link between higher amounts of caffeine and miscarriage and preterm birth. But there is no solid proof that caffeine causes these problems. The effects of too much caffeine are unclear. Ask your doctor whether drinking a limited amount of caffeine is okay for you.
Cravings
Many women have strong desires for specific foods during pregnancy. The desire for "pickles and ice cream" and other cravings might be caused by changes in nutritional needs during pregnancy. The fetus needs nourishment. And a woman's body absorbs and processes nutrients differently while pregnant. These changes help ensure normal development of the baby and fill the demands of breastfeeding once the baby is born.
Some women crave nonfood items such as clay, ice, laundry starch, or cornstarch. A desire to eat nonfood items is called pica.Eating nonfood items can be harmful to your pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you have these urges.
Keeping fit
Fitness goes hand in hand with eating right to maintain your physical health and well-being during pregnancy. Pregnant or not, physical fitness helps keep the heart, bones, and mind healthy. Healthy pregnant women should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. It's best to spread your workouts throughout the week. If you regularly engage in vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or high amounts of activity, you can keep up your activity level as long as your health doesn't change and you talk to your doctor about your activity level throughout your pregnancy.
Special benefits of physical activity during pregnancy:
Exercise can ease and prevent aches and pains of pregnancy including constipation, varicose veins, backaches, and exhaustion.Active women seem to be better prepared for labor and delivery and recover more quickly. Exercise may lower the risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.Fit women have an easier time getting back to a healthy weight after delivery.Regular exercise may improve sleep during pregnancy.Staying active can protect your emotional health. Pregnant women who exercise seem to have better self-esteem and a lower risk of depression and anxiety.Results from a recent, large study suggest that women who are physically active during pregnancy may lower their chances of preterm delivery.
Getting started
For most healthy mothers-to-be who do not have any pregnancy-related problems, exercise is a safe and valuable habit. Even so, talk to your doctor before exercising during pregnancy. She or he will be able to suggest a fitness plan that is safe for you. Getting a doctor's advice before starting a fitness routine is important for both inactive women and women who exercised before pregnancy.
If you have one of these conditions, your doctor will advise you not to exercise:
Risk factors for preterm labor Vaginal bleeding Premature rupture of membranes (when your water breaks early, before labor)
Best activity for mothers-to-be
Low-impact activities at a moderate level of effort are comfortable and enjoyable for many pregnant women. Walking, swimming, dancing, cycling, and low-impact aerobics are some examples. These sports also are easy to take up, even if you are new to physical fitness.
Some higher intensity sports are safe for some pregnant women who were already doing them before becoming pregnant. If you jog, play racquet sports, or lift weights, you may continue with your doctor's okay.
Keep these points in mind when choosing a fitness plan:
Avoid activities in which you can get hit in the abdomen like kickboxing, soccer, basketball, or ice hockey.Steer clear of activities in which you can fall like horseback riding, downhill skiing, and gymnastics.Do not scuba dive during pregnancy. Scuba diving can create gas bubbles in your baby's blood that can cause many health problems.
Tips for safe and healthy physical activity
Follow these tips for safe and healthy fitness:
When you exercise, start slowly, progress gradually, and cool down slowly.You should be able to talk while exercising. If not, you may be overdoing it.Take frequent breaks.Don't exercise on your back after the first trimester. This can put too much pressure on an important vein and limit blood flow to the baby.Avoid jerky, bouncing, and high-impact movements. Connective tissues stretch much more easily during pregnancy. So these types of movements put you at risk of joint injury.Be careful not to lose your balance. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts making you more prone to falls. For this reason, activities like jogging, using a bicycle, or playing racquet sports might be riskier as you near the third trimester. Don't exercise at high altitudes (more than 6,000 feet). It can prevent your baby from getting enough oxygen.Make sure you drink lots of fluids before, during, and after exercising.Do not workout in extreme heat or humidity.If you feel uncomfortable, short of breath, or tired, take a break and take it easier when you exercise again.
Stop exercising and call your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following:
Dizziness Headache Chest pain Calf pain or swelling Abdominal pain Blurred vision Fluid leaking from the vagina Vaginal bleeding Less fetal movement Contractions
Work out your pelvic floor (Kegel exercises)
Your pelvic floor muscles support the rectum, vagina, and urethra in the pelvis. Toning these muscles with Kegel exercises will help you push during delivery and recover from birth. It also will help control bladder leakage and lower your chance of getting hemorrhoids.
Pelvic muscles are the same ones used to stop the flow of urine. Still, it can be hard to find the right muscles to squeeze. You can be sure you are exercising the right muscles if when you squeeze them you stop urinating. Or you can put a finger into the vagina and squeeze. If you feel pressure around the finger, you've found the pelvic floor muscles. Try not to tighten your stomach, legs, or other muscles.
Kegel exercises
Tighten the pelvic floor muscles for a count of three, then relax for a count of three. Repeat 10 to 15 times, three times a day.Start Kegel exercises lying down. This is the easiest position. When your muscles get stronger, you can do Kegel exercises sitting or standing as you like.
Oral health
Before you become pregnant, it is best to have dental checkups routinely to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you are pregnant and have not had regular checkups, consider the following:
Have a complete oral exam early in your pregnancy. Because you are pregnant, you might not receive routine x-rays. But if you must have x-rays for a dental problem needing treatment, the health risk to your unborn baby is small.Dental treatment during pregnancy is safe. The best time for treatment is between the 14th and 20th weeks. During the last months of pregnancy, you might be uncomfortable sitting in a dental chair. Do not avoid necessary dental treatments, you may risk your and your baby's health. Use good oral hygiene to control your risk of gum diseases. Pregnant women may have changes in taste and develop red, swollen gums that bleed easily. This condition is called pregnancygingivitis. It can be caused by both poor oral hygiene and higher hormone levels during pregnancy. Until recently, it was thought that having gum disease could raise your risk of having a low birth weight baby.
After you give birth, maintain good oral hygiene to protect your baby's oral health. Bacteria that cause cavities can transfer from you to your child by:
A kiss on the mouth Letting your baby put her fingers in your mouth Tasting food on your baby's spoon Testing the temperature of a baby bottle with your mouth
You also should find a dentist for your child by age 1.
Good foods for the pregnancy
Food safety
Most foods are safe for pregnant women and their babies. But you will need to use caution or avoid eating certain foods. Take these guidelines:
Clean, handle, cook, and chill food properly to prevent foodborne illness, including listeriaand toxoplasmosis.
Wash hands with soap after touching soil or raw meat.Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood from touching other foods or surfaces. Cook meat completely. Wash produce before eating. Wash cooking utensils with hot, soapy water
Avoid eat these foods
Refrigerated smoked seafood like whitefish, salmon, and mackerel Hot dogs or deli meats unless steaming hot refrigerated meat spreads unpasteurized milk or juices Store-made salads, such as chicken, egg, or tuna salad Unpasteurized soft cheeses, such as unpasteurized feta, Brie, queso blanco, queso fresco, and blue cheesesShark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tile fish (also called golden or white snapper); these fish have high levels of mercury. More than six ounces per week of white (albacore) tunaHerbs and plants used as medicines without your doctor's okay. The safety of herbal and plant therapies isn't always known. Some herbs and plants might be harmful during pregnancy, such as bitter melon (karela), noni juice, and unripe papaya.Raw sprouts of any kind (including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean)
Fish facts
Fish and shellfish can be an important part of a healthy diet. They are a great source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. What's more, some researchers believe low fish intake may be linked to depression in women during and after pregnancy. Research also suggests that omega-3 fatty acids consumed by pregnant women may aid in babies' brain and eye development.
Women who are or may become pregnant and nursing mothers need 12 ounces of fish per week to reap the health benefits. Unfortunately, some pregnant and nursing women do not eat any fish because they worry about mercury in seafood. Mercury is a metal that at high levels can harm the brain of your unborn baby, even before it is conceived. Mercury mainly gets into our bodies by eating large, predatory fish. Yet many types of seafood have little or no mercury at all. So the risk of mercury exposure depends on the amount and type of seafood you eat.
Women who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant can safely eat a variety of cooked seafood, but should steer clear of fish with high levels of mercury. Keep in mind that removing all fish from your diet will rob you of important omega-3 fatty acids. To reach 12 ounces while limiting exposure to mercury, follow these tips:
Do not eat these fish that are high in mercury:
Swordfish Tilefish King mackerel Shark eat up to 6 ounces (about 1 serving) per week:
Canned albacore or chunk white tuna (also sold as tuna steaks), which has more mercury than canned light tuna
Eat up to 12 ounces (about 2 servings) per week of cooked fish and shellfish with little or no mercury, such as:
ShrimpCrab, ClamsOysters, Scallops Canned light, tunaSalmon, PollockCatfish CodTilapia
Don't eat uncooked fish or shellfish (such as clams, oysters, scallops), which includes refrigerated uncooked seafood labeled nova-style, lox, kippered, smoked, or jerky.
Check before eating fish caught in local waters. State health departments have guidelines on fish from local waters. If you are unsure about the safety of a fish from local waters, only eat 6 ounces per week and don't eat any other fish that week.Eat a variety of cooked seafood rather than just a few types.
Foods supplemented with DHA/EPA (such as “omega-3 eggs”) and prenatal vitamins supplemented with DHA are other sources of the type of omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood.
Vitamins and minerals
In addition to making healthy food choices, ask your doctor about taking a prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement every day to be sure you are getting enough of the nutrients your baby needs. You also can check the label on the foods you buy to see how much of a certain nutrient the product contains. Women who are pregnant need more of these nutrients than women who are not pregnant:
Nutrients and pregnancy Nutrient :How much pregnant women need each day Folic acid 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) (0.4 to 0.8 mg) in the early stages of pregnancy, which is why all women who are capable of pregnancy should take 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid daily. Pregnant women should continue taking folic acid throughout pregnancy. Iron 27 milligrams (mg), Calcium1,000 milligrams (mg); 1,300 mg if 18 or younger Vitamin A770 micrograms (mcg); 750 mcg if 18 or younger Vitamin B122.6 micrograms (mcg)
Women who are pregnant also need to be sure to get enough vitamin D. The current recommendation for all adults younger than 71, including pregnant and breast feeding women, is 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day. Talk to your doctor about how you can be sure to get enough vitamin D and other important vitamins and nutrients.
Keep in mind that taking too much of a supplement can be harmful. For example, very high levels of vitamin A can cause birth defects. For this reason, your daily prenatal vitamin should contain no more than 5,000 IU (International Units) of vitamin A. Some supplements contain much more. Only take vitamins and mineral supplements that your doctor recommends.
Fluids Also
All of your body's systems need water. When you are pregnant, your body needs even more water to stay hydrated and support the life inside you. Water also helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract or bladder infections. Not getting enough water can lead to premature or early labor.
Your body gets the water it needs through the fluids you drink and the foods you eat. How much fluid you need to drink each day depends on many factors, such as your activity level, the weather, and your size. Your body needs more fluids when it is hot and when you are physically active. It also needs more water if you have a fever or if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
The Institute of Medicine recommends that pregnant women drink about 10 cups of fluids daily. Water, juices, coffee, tea, and soft drinks all count toward your fluid needs. But keep in mind that some beverages are high in sugar and "empty" calories. A good way to tell if your fluid intake is okay is if your urine is pale yellow or colorless and you rarely feel thirsty. Thirst is a sign that your body is on its way to dehydration. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
Alcohol
There is no known safe amount of alcohol a woman can drink while pregnant. When you are pregnant and you drink beer, wine, hard liquor, or other alcoholic beverages, alcohol gets into your blood. The alcohol in your blood gets into your baby's body through theumbilical cord. Alcohol can slow down the baby's growth, affect the baby's brain, and cause birth defects.
Eating healthy foods is more important now than ever! You need more protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid than you did before pregnancy. You also need more calories. But "eating for two" doesn't mean eating twice as much. Rather, it means that the foods you eat are the main source of nutrients for your baby. Sensible, balanced meals combined with regular physical fitness is still the best recipe for good health during your pregnancy.
Weight.
The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on your body mass index external (BMI) before you became pregnant. The Institute of Medicine provides these guidelines:
If you were at a normal weight before pregnancy, you should gain about 25 to 30 pounds.If you were underweight before pregnancy, you should gain between 28 and 40 pounds.If you were overweight before pregnancy, you should gain between 15 and 25 pounds.If you were obese before pregnancy, you should gain between 11 and 20 pounds.
Check with your doctor to find out how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy for you.
You should gain weight gradually during your pregnancy, with most of the weight gained in the last trimester. Generally, doctors suggest women gain weight at the following rate
2 to 4 pounds total during the first trimester3 to 4 pounds per month for the second and third trimesters
Recent research shows that women who gain more than the recommended amount during pregnancy and who fail to lose this weight within six months after giving birth are at much higher risk of being obese nearly 10 years later. Findings from another large study suggest that gaining more weight than the recommended amount during pregnancy may raise your child's odds of being overweight in the future. If you find that you are gaining weight too quickly, try to cut back ont foods with added sugars and solid fats. If you are not gaining enough weight, you can eat a little more from each food group.
Where does the added weight go?
Baby 6 to 8 pounds Placenta 1½ pounds Amniotic fluid 2 pounds Uterus growth 2 pounds Breast growth 2 pounds Your blood and body fluids 8 pounds Your body's protein and fat 7 pounds
Calorie needs
Your calorie needs will depend on your weight gain goals. Most women need 300 calories a day more during at least the last six months of pregnancy than they do pre-pregnancy. Keep in mind that not all calories are equal. Your baby needs healthy foods that are packed with nutrients — not "empty calories" such as those found in soft drinks, candies, and desserts.
Although you want to be careful not to eat more than you need for a healthy pregnancy, make sure not to restrict your diet during pregnancy either. If you don't get the calories you need, your baby might not get the right amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Low-calorie diets can break down a pregnant woman's stored fat. This can cause your body to make substances called ketones. Ketones can be found in the mother's blood and urine and are a sign of starvation. Constant production of ketones can result in a child with mental deficiencies.
6 Nutritious Fruits you must Eat During Pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your baby-to-be depends on you to provide the nutrition they need. For this reason, it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
The benefits of eating fruit during pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, it’s important to eat nutritious food and avoid empty calories. In fact, if you eat mostly junk food during your pregnancy, you may be setting your baby up for a lifetime of bad eating habits. One studyfound that babies of mothers who eat junk food while pregnant are more likely to be addicted to a high-fat, high-sugar diet.
If that’s not enough to steer you into the produce section, consider this. Researchsuggests that unborn babies who do not receive proper nutrition go through permanent changes in their physiology and metabolism in utero. These changes may trigger disease later in life.
Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense. When you add a variety of them to your diet, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll get most of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber you and your baby need. Eating fruits and vegetables also helps prevent constipation, a common symptom during pregnancy.
6 nutritious fruits you should eat during pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, you might be craving sweets. But try not to make a habit of reaching for a piece of cake or a candy bar to satisfy your sweet tooth. Fruit is the perfect solution. It offers the sweetness you crave and the nutrition you need. Enjoy these fruits as part of a healthy pregnancy diet.
1. Berries
Berries are rich in:
carbohydratesvitamin C fiber folate
They also contain phytonutrients like flavonoids and anthocyanins.
Unless you have gestational diabetes, carbohydrates should account for 50 to 60 percent of your pregnancy calories each day. Carbohydrates give you much-needed energy, and pass easily through your placenta to nourish your baby. It’s important to eat mostly nutrient-dense complex carbohydrates like berries instead of processed, simple carbohydrates like doughnuts, cakes, and cookies.
2. Apples
Apples are high in fiber and a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Eating apples during pregnancy may also offer a surprising health benefit for your baby. Astudy published in the journal Thorax found that the children of mothers who ate apples during pregnancy were less likely to have childhood asthma and allergies.
3. Avocados
Avocados have more folate than other fruits. They’re also a great source of:
vitamin Cvitamin Bvitamin Kfibercholinemagnesiumpotassium
Avocados also contain iron. Some women report avocados help relieve nausea, possibly because of the potassium and magnesium in the fruit. Potassium may also help relieve leg cramps, a common pregnancy symptom. Leg cramps are often caused by low potassium and magnesium.
Choline is important for your baby’s brain and nerve development. Choline deficiency may cause neural tube defects and lifetime memory impairment.
4. Lemons
Many women report that sucking on lemons, drinking lemon water, or drinking lemonade helps relieve pregnancy-related nausea. Lemons are also high in vitamin C. They help stimulate the digestive system to relieve constipation. Lemons may erode tooth enamel, so rinse your mouth after eating them.
5. Bananas
Bananas are another good source of potassium. They also contain vitamin B-6, vitamin C, and fiber. About half of all womenexperience constipation during pregnancy. Constipation during pregnancy may be caused by:
uterine pressure on the intestinesworryanxietya low-fiber dietiron in prenatal vitamins
Adding fiber-rich bananas may help. Researchshows that vitamin B-6 may help relieve nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.
2. Mangoes
Mangoes are another great source of vitamin C. One cup gives you 100 percent of your recommended daily allowance (RDA). Mangoes are also high in vitamin A.
Vitamin A deficiency at birth is associated with lower immunity and a higher risk of complications like diarrhea and respiratory infections.
Although rare, it’s possible to get too much vitamin A. Mangoes are a great addition to your pregnancy diet, but eat them in moderation along with a variety of other fruits.
Tags: Beetroots Green leafy vegetables Green peas Pregnancy diet Pregnancy guide Sweet potatoes Tomatoes
Eating right is important during pregnancy. But what you eat plays a major role in your wellbeing and that of fetal growth and development. Vegetables form an important part of one’s daily diet. Though meat, egg and fish are good sources of protein and minerals but the varied benefits that a pregnant woman can gain by consuming fresh vegetables cannot be ignored. Here are some of the vegetables that an expectant mum should gorge on for her baby’s wellbeing and her own health.
Leafy greens:
Even if you despise them know that they are the best pregnancy foods that you can ever have. Choose spinach, fenugreek, mustard greens, collard greens, leafy lettuce and make them a regular in your diet plan. They are a great source of folate and calcium with a whole lot of other important micronutrients like manganese, potassium, fibre, iron and traces of other important vitamins. Need more reasons to add these greens on your plate? The nutrients in these veggies protect your baby from developing congenital defects like spina bifida. Also read the seven essentials every pregnant woman should have.
Broccoli:
Add this veggie to your diet to get its dual benefits – calcium and folate. Want more out of it? There are traces of fibre, antioxidants, iron and other micronutrients that make it almost a super-food for a mum-to-be.
Sweet potatoes:
They are high in their nutritional value. Apart from being a rich source of vitamin A they are also high in potassium and dietary fibre. Potassium prepares the mother well for the lactation phase, while the dietary fibre in the veggie helps fight constipation, a nagging symptom of pregnancy. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamin B-6 which helps in red blood cell formation in the fetus and prevent morning sickness in the mothers.
Bell peppers:
We all know that fruits especially citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C. But veggies aren’t much far behind. Did you know bell peppers are a rich source of vitamin C which helps in repair and growth of the tissues in the body? Well there is more surprise for you — one whole red bell pepper has 209 mg of vitamin C which is three times the vitamin C found in an orange. Eat them and add them in abundance in your stir fried veggies, they will help up your intake of vitamin C and subsequently help in iron absorption too. Also read food that you should avoid during pregnancy
Tomatoes:
They are an all time favorite among the other veggies. You can use them as salads, add to stir fries or just have them raw. They are high in vitamin C and iron content and also have antioxidants that can protect against cell damage during pregnancy.
Green peas:
It’s difficult to incorporate protein from a vegetable source. But green peas just present you with it in large amounts. Apart from proteins they are also rich in vitamin K that helps to maintain the health of the bones. Adequate protein helps to fight pregnancy-fatigue and the fiber content helps to deal with constipation too.
Beetroots:
This vegetable has the capacity to purify blood during pregnancy and protect the developing baby from any sort of birth defects. Rich in folic acid, vitamin C and iron content, beetroot helps in removing the toxics from the body and in proper functioning of the liver. That means a better functioning digestive system and a healthy pregnancy for you.
Seven Most Common Miscarriage Causes
Early pregnancy loss is so common that many obstetricians consider these miscarriages a normal part of reproduction. That doesn’t make the loss any easier.
If you have had a miscarriage, chances are you want to know what caused it, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again. For starters, relax. “Since you got pregnant once, the odds are 80 percent that you will go on to have a healthy baby, and as many healthy babies after that as you want. Why it Happens and How Best to Reduce Your Risks. Next, accept that you may never know why you miscarried. The majority of the time miscarriage is a random, isolated event and we can’t pinpoint a cause. Women who go on to have two or three miscarriages (called recurrent miscarriage) may ultimately learn they have a medical problem that is causing their pregnancies to end spontaneously, but even with recurrent miscarriage, half the time there is no known cause.
Here's a look at the most common causes of both single and recurrent miscarriage.
Miscarriage Cause: Chromosomal Abnormalities
why it leads to miscarriage
“Mismatched chromosomes account for at least 60 percent of miscarriages,” says Bryan Cowan, MD, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, and a spokesperson for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chromosomes are the tiny structures in each cell that carry our genes; we each have 23 pairs of them, one set from our mother and one set from our father. Sometimes, when the egg and sperm meet, one or the other is faulty and then the chromosomes can’t line up properly. In that case, the resulting embryo has a chromosomal abnormality and the pregnancy usually results in a miscarriage. Couples who experience two or more miscarriages in a row sometimes learn, through medical testing, that they have chromosomal anomalies that don’t affect them, but do prevent a pregnancy from taking hold.
what you can do
If you have one miscarriage, be patient. The odds are strongly in your favor that you will get pregnant again and deliver a healthy baby. If you miscarry again, however, consider preserving the tissue you pass (if possible, save it in a sterile saline contact-lens solution) and take it to your physician to be sent to a lab for chromosomal testing. "If it’s chromosomally normal, we can immediately start looking for other issues that may be responsible for the miscarriages and may be treatable,” says Jonathan Scher, MD a fertility specialist in Manhattan and co-author of Preventing Miscarriage.
Miscarriage Cause: Uterine Abnormalities and Incompetent Cervixes
why it leads to miscarriage
If you have a uterus that is “abnormally” shaped or divided--called uterine septum--miscarriage occurs because the embryo either can’t implant or once it does implant, can’t get the nourishment it needs to survive. “Uterine anomalies account for about 10 percent of miscarriages,” says Dr. Cowan. A weakened or incompetent cervix is another problem that can lead to miscarriage, because toward the end of the first trimester the fetus has grown large enough that the cervix starts to bulge. If the cervix is weakened, it can’t hold the fetus in.
what you can do
Your physician may not discover this problem until you have had recurrent miscarriages, or until your pregnancy is well under way. The good news is that, “Uterine septum can be corrected with surgery,” says Dr. Cowan. And if you have an incompetent cervix, your physician will put a stitch in the cervix to keep it closed, a procedure called a cerclage. You may also require bed rest or hospitalization for part of your pregnancy.
Miscarriage Cause: Immunologic Disorders
why it leads to miscarriage
“When you consider that a woman’s body views sperm as a foreign object, it’s a wonder that pregnancy happens at all,” says Dr. Scher. “But most of the time, a fertilized egg sends a message to the mother that says ‘don’t treat me like a germ,’ and pregnancy proceeds without incident.” In some cases, though, the embryo isn’t accepted by the woman’s body. “Antiphospholipid antibodies—antibodies that attack one’s own tissue, including embryos—account for many miscarriages that physicians used to think were unexplainable,” Dr. Scher says.
what you can do
There hasn’t been much research done in this area yet, says Dr. Scher. While the treatments are still considered experimental, he has had success treating women with aspirin, heparin (a blood thinner) and certain steroids.
Miscarriage Cause: Untreated Illnesses Such as Thyroid Problems (Both Hyper- and Hypo-Thyroidism) and Uncontrolled Diabetes
why it leads to miscarriage
Thyroid conditions and uncontrolled diabetes are both associated with “unfavorable” uterine environments. “The effects of these conditions make it difficult for the embryo to survive,” explains Dr. Scher.
what you can do
Make the lifestyle changes your doctor recommends, and follow any recommended treatment regiments to get your diabetes under control. Thyroid conditions can usually be corrected with medication.
Miscarriage Cause: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
why it leads to miscarriage
“This is now an emerging cause of recurrent miscarriage,” says Dr. Scher. Women with PCOShave too-high levels of the male hormone testosterone which, among other things, causes irregular ovulation and menstruation. “Even in women who don’t have diabetes, PCOS causes insulin resistance, which prevents the endometrial lining from maturing properly,” explains Dr. Scher. He estimates that between 5 and 10 percent of reproductive-age women have PCOS.
what you can do
Treatment with oral antidiabetic drugs, such as metformin (Glucophage), has been successful in reducing miscarriage in women with PCOS.
Miscarriage Cause: Bacterial Infections
why they cause miscarriage
Many micro-organisms live harmlessly—even helpfully—in the male and female reproductive tracts. But certain bacteria can cause problems, including an increased risk of miscarriage. Two in particular—mycoplasma hominis andureaplasma urealyticum—live in the genital tracts of healthy men and women, but can raise the risk of miscarriage. In women, infection with these bacteria can inflame the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), making it impossible for an embryo to develop. “There are no symptoms, however, so the only way you know if you or your partner is carrying the organism is to be tested,” says Dr. Scher.
Miscarriage Cause: Lifestyle (Cigarettes, Alcohol, Drugs, Environmental Toxins)
why they lead to miscarriage
“Nicotine crosses the placenta and interferes with blood supply and fetal growth,” says Dr. Scher. Smokers have twice the rate of miscarriage as nonsmokers. Drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day is also associated with miscarriage, he says, and it goes without saying—but he says it anyway—that using recreational drugs when you’re attempting to get pregnant (or during pregnancy) is foolish. Finally, women who work in certain environments—including farms, operating rooms, dental offices and hospital laboratories—have a higher rate of miscarriage for unknown reasons.
what you can do
“Give up all deleterious habits before you try to become pregnant,” says Dr. Lerner, “and you increase your odds of enjoying a successful pregnancy.” If you’re worried that your workplace may not be healthy for you, tell your doctor about your concerns, and check with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency atwww.epa.gov.
Signs of a Miscarriage
In early pregnancy, spotting is normal, but if you experience menstrual-like cramps or severe abdominal pain and bleeding, you may be experiencing a miscarriage and should call your health care provider. She may decide to do an exam to check your cervix; if it’s dilated, a miscarriage is likely. If you have had an early miscarriage, chances are you won’t require any medical treatment, but in some cases you’ll need a procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove the embryonic tissue.
10. Miscarriage Foods To Avoid During Early Pregnancy
What to eat during pregnancy? What food can cause miscarriage? Do you worry about these questions? It is common to feel worried when you are pregnant. It is more so if you are expecting for the first time.
Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman’s life. It is also filled with questions. There are many worries that come to your mind. One of this is food. What is safe to eat during pregnancy? What food should be avoided?
Let’s have a look at 10 foods to avoid during early pregnancy. These can cause miscarriage.
1.Unpasteurized Milk
Unpasteurized raw milk contains listeria bacteria. This is one of the most common causes of miscarriage. It is a major miscarriage causing factor in early pregnancy. Listeria bacteria is very dangerous. It can cross the placenta and infect your fetus. Unpasteurized can cause severe infections to the fetus. It can even cause blood poisoning.
These infections can cause miscarriage. It can fatally harm your fetus. It is best to avoid unpasteurized milk during early pregnancy. In fact, it is better not to consume it during the entire pregnancy.
2.Coffee and Tea
Consuming tea and coffee during pregnancy is bad. They can lead to increased risk of miscarriage. Coffee and tea are stimulants. These can lead to complications during childbirth. They are also linked to deformities in infants.
Tea contains high amounts of fluoride. Fluoride prevents iron absorption. This causes anemia in pregnant women. Anemia during early pregnancy can cause miscarriage. Tea and coffee both contain caffeine. This component is responsible for increased heart rate. This causes pressure on the cardiovascular system. Caffeine also has a diuretic effect. This leads to increased stress on the urinary system during early pregnancy.
3.Alcohol
Regular consumption of alcohol can lead to miscarriage. Regular drinking during pregnancy is a leading cause of early miscarriage. During pregnancy the alcohol in your bloodstream passes to your fetus. This causes your fetus to have the same blood alcohol level as you. This is highly dangerous.
Babies do not have the ability to process alcohol like adults. It is very detrimental to the growth of the fetus. Doctors are divided on the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Some say occasional drinking is ok. Others are strictly against the idea. It is best to avoid alcohol during pregnancy.
4.Fish/Seafood with Mercury
Fish is good for you. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. However, fish with high levels of mercury isn’t. Fish and seafood high in mercury are very bad in pregnancy. They are the worst foods to cause miscarriage. You should strictly avoid these during pregnancy.
Some of the fish to be avoided are shark and swordfish. You should also avoid crab. King mackarel and tile fish should also be kept out. Canned, chunk light tuna is low in mercury content. However, pregnant women should limit consumption.
Certain types of fish used in Sushi should also be avoided. These are known to contain high mercury levels. Consult your doctor before eating.
5.Pineapple
It is one of the most dangerous foods. It is a known cause of early miscarriage. Pregnant women should avoid pineapple juice in early pregnancy. It is known to cause miscarriage especially in the first three months of pregnancy.
Pineapple contains bromelain. This substance causes softening of the uterine and contractions. It creates a substance that is responsible for causing miscarriage. Pregnant women should avoid pineapple. Especially during the first three months of the pregnancy.
6.Peaches
This is a tasty fruit. But should be strictly avoided during pregnancy. Consuming too much peaches during pregnancy is dangerous. It can increase the risk of bleeding. This is because it is a “hot” food. This is why it increases the chances of bleeding in pregnant women.
Bleeding may lead to risk of miscarriage. The fuzz or hairs on the shell may also cause irritation. It can lead to itching in the throat. You may also experience a burning sensation. It is best avoided by pregnant women.
7.Soft Cheese
Soft cheese varieties include Brie, feta, Gorgonzola, Camembert, and Roquefort. These should be avoided during pregnancy. Soft cheese may contain the listeria bacteria. We have discussed the harmful effects of this earlier.
Contracting bacterial infection through listeria can be fatal for the fetus. It can cause miscarriage. It can even lead to still birth and premature delivery. Best to avoid these types of cheeses.
8.Raw Eggs
Eggs are well known for their health benefits. They are one of the best sources of essential nutrients during pregnancy. It is needed for having a healthy pregnancy. However, raw or under cooked eggs can be equally bad for your pregnancy.
Raw or under cooked eggs can have salmonella. It is a type of bacteria that can cause severe illnesses. These include:
9.Liver
Liver has many health benefits. However, during pregnancy, it is very harmful. It is a common cause for miscarriage during early pregnancy. Liver contains Vitamin A. This can affect the development of your fetus. High levels of Vitamin A in your body can lead to miscarriage. It can also damage the cell development of thet fetus.
Elevated levels of vitamin A can also cause spina bifida in babies. It is also responsible for urinary tract malformations and hydrocephalus.
10.Aloe Vera
In recent times aloe Vera has gained great prominence. This is due to its numerous benefits for skin and health. It is often used as a natural remedy to take care of everyday problems. However, it is very badT during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should avoid consuming aloe Vera. Do not eat dishes made with aloe Vera. Drinks with aloe Vera is also to be avoided. This is because aloe Vera can cause pelvic hemorrhage. This can lead to a miscarriage.
Conclusion:
Eating balanced meals is the key to a healthy pregnancy. Moderation is the path to follow with all foods. Anything in excess is to be avoided during this time. Raw, uncooked, and under cooked foods are a strict no-no.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. Do not self-administer medicines and vitamins. Excess of vitamins and minerals is very bad for pregnancy. Consult your doctor instead of self-diagnosing symptoms. Be careful and maintain moderation.
DON'T DO ABORTION
Risks
Abortions are generally very safe and most women won't experience any problems.
But like any medical treatment, there is a small risk that something could go wrong. The risk of complications increases the later in pregnancy an abortion is carried out.
Possible complications
The main risks associated with an abortion are:
infection of the womb – occurs in up to 1 in every 10 abortions; it can usually be treated with antibiotics some of the pregnancy remaining in the womb – occurs in up to 1 in every 20 abortions; further treatment may be required if this happens continuation of the pregnancy – occurs in less than 1 in every 100 abortions; further treatment will be needed if this happens excessive bleeding – occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 abortions; severe cases may require a blood transfusion damage of the entrance to the womb (cervix) – occurs in up to 1 in every 100 surgical abortions damage to the womb – occurs in 1 in every 250 to 1,000 surgical abortions and less than 1 in 1,000 medical abortions carried out at 12 to 24 weeks
Women who have an abortion are no more likely to experience mental health problems than those who continue with their pregnancy.
There is also no link between having an abortion and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Take care of every pregnant,remember every child is a God's plan to exist.
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