HealthyLife Articles

Tag: baby

  • Due Date

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of pregnant women smiling.

    Although we think of pregnancy as lasting 9 months, in reality most pregnancies last nearly 10 months. Research shows that babies are born healthier if they have at least 39 weeks to grow in the womb.

    The NIH in Health offers these wise choices for a healthy pregnancy:

    *  See your doctor for regular care while you are pregnant.

    *  Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take. Some may not be safe during pregnancy.

    *  Follow a healthy diet.

    *  Take folic acid-at least 400 micrograms each day. This B vitamin can help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Make sure you take folic acid for at least one month before you get pregnant, too.

    *  Stay active. Ask your doctor which physical activity is safe for you.

    *  Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking (and being around anyone smoking).

    *  Control any existing conditions such as diabetes.

    *  If you have no medical reasons to deliver early, wait until at least 39 weeks for delivery. A woman’s body will go into labor when the baby is ready to enter the world.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Thinking About Getting Pregnant?

    WELL-BEING

    Image of couple looking at the results of a pregnancy test.

    A healthy pregnancy starts with these steps, according to the CDC:

    *  Take a vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) folic acid every day. Read the label.

    *  Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and street drugs.

    *  Keep hands clean by washing them often with soap and water to prevent infections.

    *  See a health care professional regularly. Talk about any medical problems (such as obesity, diabetes, seizures) and medicine use (both prescription and over-the-counter).

    *  Ask about avoiding any substances at work or at home that might be harmful to a developing baby.

    *  Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

    *  Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk and foods made from it.

    *  Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.

    *  While pregnant, get early prenatal care and go to every appointment.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine