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Is there a baby in your future?
We plan for most things in life, work, school, retirement? What about your baby? Parenting begins long before your baby is conceived and since 50% of all pregnancies are unplanned, baby’s development is often well under way before mom even realizes she is pregnant.
If you feel you are ready to start a family there are many things that both men and women can do to improve the health of their future children.
Tips to help you prepare include:
Discussing parenthood with your partner!
- Are you both ready to be parents?
- Do you know how much a child will change your life?
- What do you know about raising a child and what costs will be involved?
Do I/we lead a healthy lifestyle?
- Do I eat healthy meals and snacks?
- Do I have a smoke free home? Are you prepared to make one?
- Do I lead an active lifestyle?
- Do I avoid alcoholic drinks?
- Do I use recreational drugs?
- Have I talked to my health professional about any prescription or over the counter drugs?
- Have I thought about the biological, physical and chemical hazards that surround me or my partner every day. ie at home or work?
Consider both of your family and medical histories!
- Do I know my own and my partners health history?
- Have I had a checkup recently?
- Are your immunizations up to date?
- Have I been tested for sexually transmitted diseases?
Support of Friends and Family!
- Do I feel safe physically and emotionally?
- Do I have people to share my feelings with?
Start taking Folic Acid daily before you get pregnant!
Folic acid or folate, a B vitamin, taken daily before getting pregnant and in early pregnancy can reduce the risk of certain birth defects of the brain and spine; the problems are known as neural tube defects. If you are planning a pregnancy and have never had a child with a neural tube defect:
- Eat a healthy diet that includes food rich in folic acid (green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, orange juice and whole grain and enriched breads and cereals).
- Take a supplement containing 0.4 mg of folic acid daily
- Look for flour, pasta and other enriched grain products that have had folic acid added.
Is it the real thing: Pregnancy Confirmation!
- When you think you may be pregnant, (if you have a missed period or are experiencing pregnancy symptoms) have a pregnancy test and see your doctor as early as possible.
- Call and book into prenatal classes as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed. Early prenatal classes are for those before 16 weeks of pregnancy.
For more information or resources on planning for pregnancy please call the Reproductive Health Program at 474-1400 or check out the Best Start website at www.healthbeforepregnancy.ca .
19 Mar 2008 09:35:14 -0500
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