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What can I do to help ensure a healthy pregnancy?
A healthy pregnancy begins with a healthy, happy,
knowledgeable woman who will be able to provide her baby with an optimal
uterine environment.
This can be achieved prior to becoming pregnant with annual physical and gynecological check-ups, a well-balanced daily diet, prenatal vitamin supplementation at least 3 to 6 months before conception, participation in a regular exercise program, and avoidance of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.
It is also important to take advantage of all prenatal educational opportunities available such as books, videos, and pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy childbirth education courses. These educational tools will enhance your knowledge of the physical and emotional changes which accompany the childbearing cycle of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the short- and long-term postpartum time period. This way, you and your partner can better prepare for and better participate in this major life event.
After becoming pregnant, it is extremely important to begin your prenatal care as soon as possible. This will provide early baseline information on the growth and development of your baby as well as the appropriate healthy progression of your pregnancy.
Throughout your pregnancy, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn obstetrical terminology and language by reading and attending childbirth classes to prepare you to more fully participate in your obstetrical care as well as your labor, delivery, and postpartum experiences.
Developing a Birth Plan with your partner for your baby's birth (which specifies your needs and desires for birth such as using a Jacuzzi in labor, walking, squatting, massage and music for relaxation, breastfeeding immediately after delivery, etc.) can help to allay your fears and get you mentally and emotionally ready for birth.
Your physical and emotional well being throughout
your entire prenatal period should be your daily goal. This will ensure
a healthy, happy pregnancy
