How to Protect a Fetus As it Develops
Having a baby can be one of the pure joys in life, but sometimes concerns over the baby's well-being worry a soon-to-be mom. Being pregnant should be a joyful time in a woman's life. With a little preparation and planning, you can easily learn about ways to keep your unborn baby safe and healthy as it develops. A fetus' good health largely depends on the mother's habits and behaviors.
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Visit your OB-GYN or midwife regularly. Pregnant women need initial testing to make sure all body systems are working properly. Health professionals will check for blood pressure, blood count, sexual diseases and any pre-existing conditions. They will also take a medical history and rule out possible genetic problems. Schedule regular baby-well appointments so your doctor can keep an eye on fetal development.
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Stay away from drugs and alcohol. Drinking alcohol and taking drugs can harm an unborn baby in a host of ways. It can cause brain damage, organ malfunction, fetal alcohol syndrome and other long-term problems. It can also cause the child to suffer repercussions for the rest of his or her life, and possibly even result in miscarriage and birth defects.
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Eat healthy. It is important to make sure you eat three meals and two snacks a day. Choose food wisely and brush up on prenatal nutrition to ensure you are choosing the right combination of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Stay away from certain foods that can harm a growing fetus, such as raw or undercooked meats, eggs and seafood, seafood high in mercury (swordfish, shark, king mackerel), unpasteurized foods (brie, feta, blue cheese), and unpasteurized juices. Also avoid caffeinated beverages.
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Get enough rest. Pregnancy can be very taxing on the body. You may suffer initially from morning sickness and headaches caused by hormones. Later on, you may have backaches from the extra weight and leg swelling. When you feel tired, you must rest.
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Stop smoking. Smoking is a very harmful habit, and pregnancy may be just the motivator you need to kick it. Tobacco and other toxins are transferred to the baby when you smoke or inhale second-hand smoke. Smoking has also been known to cause placenta problems. Babies can be born prematurely and suffer from low birth weight and lung dysfunction.
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Take your prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are an essential part of a healthy pregnancy. They provide the necessary amount of folic acid for a growing fetus. Lack of folic acid may cause brain and spinal defects.
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Exercise. A moderate amount of exercise each day can help a mother stay in good shape, which will benefit a growing fetus. Take a daily walk or a light jog for 30 minutes each day. Pace yourself, you should be able to maintain a conversation while exercising. If you can't, slow down. Make sure you ask your doctor before doing anything strenuous.
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Avoid certain medications. Sometimes when pregnant it is necessary to take antibiotics and other medications. Always consult your doctor first. Some medications are safe for your baby, some are not. Avoid tetracyclines, which can damage a pregnant woman's liver, discolor a developing baby's teeth and cause various birth defects. Stay away from aspirin--especially after 32 weeks. Taking aspirin could affect the baby's blood flow and cause potentially fatal problems for the baby.
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