Home : health : Tips To Ensure A Healthy Pregnancy

Tips to ensure a healthy pregnancy

Tips to ensure a healthy pregnancy

A very important part of family and pregnancy planning is prenatal care. This stage during your pregnancy is the time when you must take special care of yourself so you and the baby remain healthy. This includes regular visits to your doctor. The doctor will perform physical exams and will also prescribe certain tests to monitor the baby’s health regularly.

Medical care during pregnancy

It is of utmost importance to visit your doctor regularly during pregnancy. This will ensure that you will always be aware of the baby’s progress as well as your health. You will also have the chance to ask the doctor regarding any doubts you may have. The doctor can educate you better about pregnancy, which is the first step towards taking care of your health. During your first visit to the doctor, a physical test will be done to determine if there are any risk factors that may affect your pregnancy. The doctor will also give you an idea about the delivery date.

They will ask you about your medical history and any medicine that you may be taking. The medical history of your family members will also be checked. This is because your family and pregnancy are related. Your family’s medical history or a particular illness within your family can affect the newborn too. During the first physical exam, the doctor will check your weight and blood pressure, lungs, heart, and breasts. They will also conduct pelvic exams. Certain medical tests will be performed too. These include complete blood count (CBC), RPR, rubella, HBsAg, urinalysis, and HIV screening. These tests will determine if you have any medical conditions like anemia, syphilis, hepatitis B, bladder infections, kidney disease, or anything else. Treatment steps will be taken based on the test results.

What you can do at home

To ensure a healthy family and pregnancy, only medical care is not enough. You will have to make some lifestyle changes at home as well. The fetus can be affected by your habits like drinking, smoking, or substance abuse. Hence, you will need to stop these the moment you become pregnant. Certain medicines can be harmful to the baby. Your doctor will tell you which ones you should stop taking. Another thing that you must do is to adapt to a healthy diet. Both your baby and you will require all the nutrients to remain healthy and develop properly.

You must also regularly exercise to ensure that your baby and you are in the best of health. There are certain physical activities that are more effective during pregnancy. However, it is vital that you don’t go overboard with these exercises. Following the instructions of your doctor is very important.

Lastly, any vitamins in high doses and specific herbal supplements can be harmful to the fetus. Make sure to avoid them completely, along with medicines with harmful side-effects, cleaning agents, and pesticides. Only by following these instructions carefully and listening to your doctor, you can make sure that your baby’s health is not compromised.

Featured Articles

4 constipation mistakes that can be avoided
health

4 constipation mistakes that can be avoided

Constipation occurs when a person has not passed regular stools or experiences painful passing of hard stools. One might also experience abdominal discomfort and bloating, two of the primary symptoms of constipation. There are multiple factors, from underlying health complications and side effects of prescriptions to changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle choices that impact the frequency and regularity of bowel movements. It is important to address and avoid these mistakes that can worsen constipation. Using excess laxatives Doctors suggest the use of laxatives for constipation relief as a temporary measure. One should never take laxatives in extremely high amounts. Such frequent use for bowel movements makes the body become overdependent on the prescription. There may come a time when the digestive tract will be rendered inactive and cannot promote bowels. Excessive laxative use can also make the stools watery and can cause diarrhea as a result. Eating too much fiber too quickly Fiber is good for digestion but it’s necessary to slowly increase its intake. It’s also crucial to understand the difference between soluble and insoluble fibers. Insoluble fibers found in whole grains and even some vegetables may worsen the symptoms of constipation like bloating and flatulence. Nutritionists suggest increasing soluble fiber intake gradually, allowing the body to get used to it.
4 most common allergies
health

4 most common allergies

A lot of people in our country struggle with allergies and hypersensitivities. It means their bodies react negatively when they come into contact with an allergen like specific foods or dust. The condition can have mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling that one can control easily or severe reactions like shock and fatal respiratory issues that need a visit to the doc. Learning about common allergies is the first step to managing them. Common allergies in the country Preventing allergies is always better than going through the hassle of treatment. People with this condition should do their best to recognize and avoid their allergy triggers. Here are some of the most common allergies to know about: Cow’s milk It is perhaps the most common and dangerous allergy that little kids and babies develop. Cow milk leads to allergic reactions in two to three percent of babies and toddlers in the nation. But one does not have to worry much because 90% of these little ones outgrow the issue by the time they turn three years old. When down with a cow milk allergy, the child may battle rashes, swelling, hives, and vomiting. In rare cases, it may even lead to a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
6 common mistakes to avoid during period
health

6 common mistakes to avoid during period

Menstruation is a regular cycle of the reproductive system that is regulated by hormones. During menstruation, women shed the lining of the uterus mixed with blood and it is a cycle that repeats every month till menopause. During this cycle, many women experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen caused by menstrual cramps. So, it is imperative to pay attention to one’s daily routine and habits, and particularly avoid making these common mistakes during period. Having excessive tea or coffee Doctors suggest drinking coffee or tea to alleviate pain and menstrual cramp discomfort. However, consuming too much caffeine during period can trigger problems like high blood pressure and increased metabolic rate and may even induce stress. Caffeine is also a diuretic, meaning it will cause dehydration. So, it is necessary to have tea or coffee in moderation. Delaying changing menstrual products Changing sanitary pads or tampons regularly is the best way to maintain good hygiene and prevent bacterial infections from flaring up during menstruation. So, never delay changing menstrual products if the flow is too heavy or it has been more than four hours since the last use. Not drinking enough water Drinking water can naturally help alleviate cramps and better manage period pain.
3 questions to ask an oncologist
health

3 questions to ask an oncologist

According to statistical data, nearly 40% of women and men will be diagnosed with cancer at some point. Such statistical evidence indicates that cancer treatment is the need of the hour in the country. Today, several interventions have been developed to help patients overcome cancer. Timely diagnosis can facilitate better treatment response, aiding in recovery. Here are some important questions that patients may find embarrassing but must ask their oncologists to have a better understanding of the condition: What stage of cancer do I have? One of the most crucial questions to ask an oncologist upon cancer diagnosis is what stage of cancer is one in. Most cancers have four stages. The first stage is the most preliminary one, wherein cancer has not begun spreading to other areas of the body. In the second stage, cancer has grown but has not begun spreading to other areas. The third stage involves the spread of cancer to other tissues and lymph nodes, while the fourth stage is where cancer spreads to other body organs. It is imperative to ask the oncologist the stage of cancer one has and the extent to which it has spread in the body. Such information can help patients understand the course and intensity of treatment that may be required.
6 unusual questions to ask a gynecologist

6 unusual questions to ask a gynecologist

Despite modern times, some women still feel embarrassed to ask questions about their reproductive health to the gynecologist for fear of being judged. But to achieve optimal vaginal health, being honest with one’s gynecologist is essential. By clearly discussing one’s issues, individuals can better understand their body and allow the doctor to give the proper treatment or advice if needed. Here are some common but potentially awkward questions worth asking to encourage this vital conversation. Why is intercourse painful? Some women may experience painful sex and deduce that that’s how it is, but the act is supposed to be pleasurable. There may be several reasons why one experiences pain, from lack of lubrication and arousal to low libido or discomfort due to a cyst. So, discussing one’s concerns openly is best to find a suitable solution. How can I feel more comfortable stripping down for my visit? Visiting a gynecologist may require one to strip down, which can be awkward, especially for the first time. Most doctors are mindful of the problem and may have initial conversations to ease the patient. But one can always ask for ways to find more comfort. Should I wait for my period to end before booking an appointment?
Read More

Top Articles

5 early warning signs of poor blood circulation
health

5 early warning signs of poor blood circulation

Blood circulation is a vital process that ensures the continuous flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It keeps all bodily organs functioning, ensuring optimum health. However, certain health conditions, including peripheral artery diseases and high blood pressure, can disrupt circulation. In such cases, the essential nutrients may not reach some body parts. It is when people experience certain warning signs that indicate that their blood circulation needs a boost. Varicose veins These develop when additional pressure builds up on the blood vessels, obstructing normal blood circulation. Varicose veins may also occur due to damage to blood vessels, disrupting blood circulation in the veins. As a result, the veins appear twisted or engorged, usually in the lower extremities, such as the lower area of the leg. Blood clots These can occur anywhere in the body, blocking blood flow, either completely or partially. Although it can develop in any body part, the clots forming in the legs or arms are generally responsible for causing blood circulation issues. Sometimes, a blood clot in the abdomen can also indicate poor blood circulation. Muscle cramps When the body cannot get sufficient oxygenated blood due to poor circulation, it can cause cramps, especially in the legs.
6 early signs of poor lung health
health

6 early signs of poor lung health

We might not heed a cough that won’t go away or wheezing while breathing, assuming it might be because of air quality or changing weather. However, mild but chronic symptoms like these must be noted down. People often think that trouble with breathing is normal as they get older, but these might be signs of severe lung disease. With this in mind, here are six warning signs of poor lung health that should not be ignored. Chronic cough A cough that won’t go away and has been around for eight weeks or longer is considered chronic. The constant symptom indicates something might be wrong with the individual’s respiratory system. If one experiences this, they should visit a healthcare expert for an opinion immediately. Excessive mucus production The mucus lines the surfaces of organs like the lungs and serves as a lubricant to keep tissues from drying out and as a line of defense. But if someone develops excessive mucus in their throat or chest that won’t go away, it could be a sign of lung disease. Wheezing Noisy or strained breathing is a potential sign that something might be obstructing the airwaves in the lungs or forcing them to narrow.
5 warning signs of eczema to watch out for
health

5 warning signs of eczema to watch out for

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin disorder in which the skin feels extremely itchy, is flaky, and can appear reddish and inflamed. While the skin condition usually develops and is common in young children, it can occur at any age. It is also observed eczema patients are at high risk of having asthma, hay fever, and some food allergies. Keep reading to learn more about the early warning signs of this disease. Reddish and itchy skin Eczema usually starts with this symptom, which can be noticed on the feet, hands, and face. The skin may also become scaly, rough, and dry in certain areas. It needs to be properly diagnosed by a healthcare professional for initiating proper topical treatment. Blisters In some cases of eczema, one of the symptoms includes developing blisters. These are small and often have fluid filled in them. They can also be extremely itchy and, when scratched, may break and ooze on the skin. In addition, it can lead to further skin irritation in the area. Cracked skin This skin condition develops thick skin, which gets inflamed or swollen and can lead to cracks. It can get extremely uncomfortable, especially around the areas where the skin is thin and folded.
6 foods to avoid before taking a flight
travel

6 foods to avoid before taking a flight

Preparing for a flight is not only about what you pack into your bags but also what goes inside your stomach. Luxurious seating and business-class hospitality cannot compensate for a poorly planned meal before a flight. Changes in air pressure and density on board a flight cause a shift in meal requirements before and during one’s air journey. This article provides a list of foods that one should avoid before boarding a flight: Apples The proverb “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” cannot be more accurate, considering the abundance of antioxidants and vitamin C in apples. However, the fruit is extremely high in fiber content, which may cause problems with digestion and lead to bloating. Such issues can have a more severe impact while one is on board a flight. Hence, it is best to opt for fruits like oranges, berries, and papayas, which are easier to digest, before flight journeys. Cruciferous vegetables Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are high in vital nutrients; however, they can be heavy on the stomach and trigger digestion issues. They are also rich in a sugar called raffinose, which often causes bloating. It helps to avoid cruciferous vegetables before a flight, swapping them with lighter foods like white rice, fermented foods, and instant oats.
5 common skin care myths debunked
health

5 common skin care myths debunked

With heaps of information floating around promising to uncover all secrets about skincare and beauty regimes, it can be daunting to find well-grounded sources. Many urban legends and myths are also passed down through generations, and these seem to do more harm than good. To help you make the right decisions for your skin’s health and overall glow, here are some popular myths you must know about and the science behind them! Myth: The order of application of skincare products doesn’t matter! There is a correct way of applying your skincare products, which helps ensure that it is absorbed properly and works effectively. Work with your dermatologist’s recommendation if you are confused about the right order of application, or go from the lightest to the heaviest density of product formulation. The general order is to start with a cleanser, followed by toner or mist, and then serums, moisturizers, facial oils, and sunscreen. Myth: You only need to wear sunscreen on sunny days The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through the clouds and many types of glass, which can cause permanent damage to your skin. It is vital to wear sunscreen every day and reapply it every couple of hours, regardless of your exposure to the sun.
5 surprising facts of long-haul flights
travel

5 surprising facts of long-haul flights

While long-haul flights may be taxing, typically from one part of the world to another, luxury aircraft entails world-class facilities to ensure comfortable, hassle-free flight journeys for passengers. Such flights have collectively increased accessibility to cities and towns across the globe, allowing individuals to reach distant lands in relatively short periods. Today, several passengers board long-haul flights for commercial purposes and leisure. So, let’s take a look at some surprising facts about these flights: Almost every aircraft has some minor defect The sensors in a plane provide information to the team on the ground about any defects or problems in the aircraft. It has been observed that there are some minor defects in almost every aircraft, such as the jamming of a window. In case of significant issues, the team posted on the ground can directly contact the pilots. Flight attendants have a secret chamber Unbeknown to most long-haul flights, almost all have a secret room dedicated to flight attendants. This room helps flight attendants rest and avoid unruly passengers. They can access the cockpit and comprise bunks. Some of them entail business-class seats and a washroom. You may be traveling with a rhino No, it is not just a dog or cat taken on a flight.