Pregnancy is the stage where a woman bears a child in her womb and has to take care of not only herself but also the baby within her. A woman’s body can be very delicate during this stage and thus the people around her needs to know what she needs and have to avoid. Some, because of their lifestyle, those who are down because of poverty, sometimes forgets the things they need to do during those nine months. Here’s a list of easy activities that doesn’t need too much money but definitely important for pregnant woman.
- Medical Check Ups
It is the most important for a pregnant woman to have her monthly check ups with an OB gynecologist. If not, “barangay” or city health centers offer free consultations. The gynecologist or the midwife/doctor will check you and your baby if you are in good conditions.
- Daily Vitamins
After a check up, the midwife will give the mother free vitamins for the baby’s development and also for herself as her body undergoes changes for the child’s growth. During pregnancy, women should always take in mind that she needs to be healthy in order for her child to be healthy as well. The right vitamins and supplements will always do the trick.
- Vaccines
While pregnant, women shouldn’t take any sort of medicine unless prescribed by a doctor. Some of the drugs can affect the child’s development mentally and physically. But there are vaccines such as Tetanus Toxoid as a preparation for giving birth. Infection might affect the mother or the child (like the Tetanus infection) during birth so just before that due date, the mother must have her complete shots of T. T. to protect herself and the baby. In case of wounds or any other complication, anti-tetanus serum e.g. Elisa Kits, etc. should also be given for faster protection. It also measures the mother’s protective status and thus, determines the proper treatment.
- Exercise
It is always good for the body; exercise helps your immune system to get stronger and a lot fitter, adjusting to the change due to pregnancy. It also prevents a lot of swelling at some parts of the body.
- Diet
Food is one of the most important factors when a woman’s pregnant. This is where she gets most of the nutrients and vitamins for her and her baby. Also, a balanced diet affects the nutrients that help the baby’s formation and development.
- Stress/Depression
These are the factors that a pregnant woman must avoid. Depression and stress affects the child’s mental development and might result into a complication after birth. It can also cause low blood pressure and might turn the mother unhealthy. As far as possible, a mother should be healthy not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.
Pregnancy can be risky but easy to handle with proper intelligence and information. Women should take care of themselves while pregnant for their child’s development, it is important that a child should be born healthy and perfectly well. Though always at home, there should always be enough caution and preparation even inside the house. Parents should always be prepared for anything and keep things in handy. Just like first aid kits (also like Elisa Test Kit ), emergency hotlines, and anything that could be used in times of unexpected events. “Prevention is better than cure” is always a sensible quote to keep in mind.
By: Lacey Cormier
Posts Tagged ‘Gynecologist’
Health Tips During Pregnancy
December 26th, 2009Endometriosis – More Than Bad Cramps?
November 1st, 2009
Approximately one in 10 women suffers from endometriosis and may not know it. Some associated it with PMS, but more often than not it is a condition that wrecks havoc each month on thousands of women. Endometriosis occurs when the uterine tissue migrates to other parts of the abdomen. When left untreated it causes pain and in some cases infertility. Some women have symptoms for two to five years before finding out they have the disease.
The pain of endometriosis does interfere with your life. Symptoms of endometriosis are: pelvic pain during/after sex or going to the bathroom, breakthrough or heavy bleeding, back pain, severe pelvic and/or intestinal pain before or during your cycle, painful cramps and infertility. Studies show that women who have endometriosis often skip school, work, and social events due to the pain. This health problem could also interfere with your spouse, friends, children, and co-workers if not treated.
Scientists have several theories as to the cause of endometriosis. We know it does run in families. You are six times more likely to suffer from endometriosis if your mother or sister has it. This theory suggests that endometriosis is caused by genes.
Another theory is that during a woman’s monthly cycle, small endometrial tissue backs up into the abdomen through the fallopian tubes. This transplanted tissue then grows outside the uterus. Many researchers think a faulty immune system plays a part in endometriosis. In women with the disease, the immune system fails to find and destroy endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus. Plus, a recent study shows that immune system disorders (health problems in which the body attacks itself) are more common in women with endometriosis. More research in this area may help doctors better understand and treat endometriosis.
The first step to find out if you have endometriosis is see your gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist. If endometriosis is causing you fertility problems, laparoscopy/surgery can boost your chances of getting pregnant. Your doctor may run a few imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to see if you have larger than normal “growths”. These growths are normally benign or not cancerous and are normally seen in women with endometriosis.
Unfortunately there is no cure for endometriosis. Many treatments and medicine can control the symptoms relieve the pain. Traditionally, women have taken hormone medications or undergone surgery to ease the pain. A few breakthroughs are producing new remedies, and could possibly be a sign of relief for those who suffer. Doctors are starting to prescribe letrozole (Femara is the brandname), a medication that is typically used to prevent breast cancer to recurrence. Endometriosis cells rely on estrogen to grow as breast cancer, and letrozole works by blocking production of this hormone. Also scientists are studying immune cells in mice that encourage the growth of endometrial tissue and blood vessels so that somewhere in the future they can use the immune-system cells to develop a treatment.
You can find out more about endometriosis by contacting the National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662 or the following organizations:
Endometriosis Association
Phone Number(s): (414) 355-2200
Internet Address: http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
Endometriosis Research Center
Phone Number(s): (800) 239-7280
Internet Address: http://www.endocenter.org/
By: Trish Kellogg