PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY

One of the most important factors in your baby’s health is the mother’s lifestyle. By the time a woman sees a doctor, they are 2-3 months along. The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are extremely important because this is when the baby forms its major organ systems. Getting in shape for pregnancy means physical and mental preparation. Pregnancy is a condition not an illness. Health at the beginning of pregnancy and during pregnancy can have a major effect on the mother and developing baby.

 When/why to see doctor…  Tests before pregnancy… *General exam *Pap smear *Breast exam *Lab tests – blood type *May have medical conditions *May need to change medications *Make lifestyle changes

Medical Problems Before a woman becomes pregnant she should examine: 1.Her lifestyle 2.Diet 3.Physical activity 4.Chronic medical problems  Anemia  Asthma  Bladder/Kidney problems  Cancer  Diabetes  Epilepsy/Seizures  Heart disease  Hypertension  Migraine headaches  Thyroid problems – Hyperthyroidism - Hypothyroidism

Genetic Counseling Infor mation session between the mother, her partner and a genetic counselor or group of counselors. Information you share with or receive from a genetic counselor is confidential. Considerations for genetic counseling:  At least 35 at time of delivery  Delivered a child with a birth defect  You are your partner have a birth defect  You/partner have a family history of birth defects  You/partner related by blood  Have had 3 or more miscarriages  You/partner are African American  Male is at least 40 years of age Primary goal of genetic counseling –early detection – prevention of problems

 Pregnancy after 30

Older women considering pregnancy have tow major concerns: 1.How will this pregnancy affect me 2.How will this pregnancy affect the baby Pregnancy women older than 30 may be more likely to face increased risks: 1.Down syndrome 2.High blood pressure 3.Pre-eclampsia 4.Cesarean delivery 5.Multiple births 6.Placental abruption 7.Bleeding and other complications 8.Premature babies 9.Pelvic pressure or pelvic pain

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Safest approach to drug or alcohol use during pregnancy is NO USE AT ALL. Use of drugs/alcohol during pregnancy may affect a childs: I.Q. Attention Spam Learning ability Tobacco- 1.Affects fetal development 2.Smokers tend to have babies that are smaller in weight 3.IUGR – intrauterine growth retardation ALCOHOL THERE IS NO SAFE AMOUNT TO USE- FAS- fetal alcohol syndrome FAE- fetal alcohol exposure