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 ‘Pregnant Woman’
Health Tips During Pregnancy
December 26th, 2009The Truth About Losing Your Mucous Plug
December 7th, 2009
Throughout your pregnancy you will notice an increase in vaginal discharge, known as leukorrhea. It tends to increase as the pregnancy progresses, which causes many expectant mothers to wear panty liners especially towards the end of the pregnancy. This is very common and is not something to be concerned about. Typically the discharge is creamy, white or beige, and is globby/ boogery like you would have come out of your nose. If the discharge is brown, red, pink or watery, you would want to consult your OB right away. Brown discharge usually is nothing, because it is considered old blood, which means you are not currently bleeding. If it is red or pink it may mean there is a problem and your doctor will want to see you right away. Clear watery discharge may be amniotic fluid, and that is something you will most definitely need to be seen for as well. Two things to keep in mind while you are pregnant, is that you should never ever wear a tampon or douche as a result of the discharge. These are 2 very big no-no’s, as they can cause major problems such as infection and preterm labor.
What does the mucous plug do?
The mucous plug is simply a collection of cervical mucous that blocks the opening of the cervix. It is the baby’s barrier from harmful bacteria and infection.
How do you know if you lost it?
Many women during the 8th or 9th month of pregnancy tend to lose parts of their mucous plug at a time. Although some women do lose theirs all at once, some don’t ever notice it at all! For the latter half that may be because they lost theirs while going to the bathroom, particularly a bowel movement. In that case they would not have even known it came out. But most women will notice during the end of their pregnancies several large deposits of thick cervical mucous. It is thicker and in a larger quantity than what a pregnant woman normally has.
I think I lost it! Does that mean I will go into labor tonight?
Losing your plug is a good indication that labor is near…near…but maybe not immediate. Typically women will go into labor several hours to several weeks after the loss of their mucous plug. Many doctors will tell you not to worry if you do notice yours has come out. It is more an indication that you have begun dilating then a sign that you are about to go into labor. If you notice “bloody show”, which is a pink or red tinged glob of cervical mucous, and you are 36 weeks pregnant, or less, you will want to contact your doctor. You may be about to go into pre-term labor. The bloody show is a better indication that labor is close, because it means that your entire plug has come out and your cervix is spreading and opening.
By: Jenna Garvin