A Healthy Pregnancy

Problems in Prenatal Development Prenatal development refers to the process in which a baby develops from a single cell after conception into an embryo and later a fetus. The average length of time for prenatal development to complete is 38 weeks from the date of conception. During this time, a single-celled zygote develops in a series of stages into a full-term baby. The three primary stages of prenatal development are the germinal stage, the embryonic stage, and the fetal

Miscarriage and Stillbirth A woman who has ever experienced miscarriage has a higher risk of miscarriage than the other women do. Next, age has an important role in a woman pregnancy. the older woman is, the higher the risk of pregnancy is. An over-35-year-old pregnant woman has possibility of conceiving a baby with chromosomal abnormality more than a young one..

Ectopic Pregnancy Sometimes the fertilized egg never reaches the uterus.

Birth Defects What are Birth Defects ? Birth defects are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that cause physical or mental disability. Some may be fatal. Researchers have identified thousands of different birth defects. Currently, birth defects are the leading cause of death for infants during the first year of life. How are Birth Defects Caused ? Birth defects have a variety of causes, such as: Genetic problems caused when one or more genes doesn't work properly or part of a gene is missing Problems with chromosomes, such as having an extra chromosome or missing part of a chromosome Environmental factors that a woman is exposed to during pregnancy, such as rubella or German measles while pregnant, or using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy.

Daily Activities During Pregnancy In general, a normal pregnancy requires few restrictions on activities. Most pregnant women can continue working throughout their pregnancy Discrimination risks. Although most pregnant women need not restrict their activities, their daily routines do deserve thought and planning. Pregnancy is a time to pay special attention to healthful habits.

Nutrition During Pregnancy Good nutrition is an important part of prenatal care and a key to a healthy pregnancy. If a pregnant woman does not get enough nourishment, her baby has an increased risk of long-term health problems. By eating right, a pregnant woman nourishes the fetus and keeps her own body strong and healthy. Grain products such as breads, cereals,rice,and pasta. Those made from whole grains are preferable because they contain more of the grains natural nutrients. Dry beans and peas. Other starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and corn All of these foods also provide fiber, which is plant material that the body does not digest.

Avoiding Prenatal Health Risks Health risks during pregnancy can come from many sources. They include exposure to tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, certain medications, X-rays, chemical hazards, and infections. All of these are potentially harmful to the fetus. Smoking cigarettes or using other forms of tobacco is dangerous because it is limits the amount of oxygen the fetus receives. Premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications are linked to maternal smoking and secondhand smoke.