If you are pregnant, you have to pay close attention to many things to avoid congenital disabilities. Being a mother you have to make sure your child is healthy and happy. Nowadays, so many cases have increased with congenital disabilities, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Many of you would be unaware of causes that are not good, so here in this blog, we will ensure your baby’s safety by following the simple and easiest ways. Have a look
Consume Multivitamins
People who are trying to conceive or have already conceived shouldn’t stop taking folic acid. Take at least 400 mg of folic acid in the first weeks of pregnancy which is helpful to prevent the complicated congenital disabilities of the brain and spine. If you are not taking these vitamins, then start taking these. Include such foods in a diet containing folate, the natural source of folic acid, such as lentils, green leafy veggies, black beans, and orange juice. Never ever compromise on your health.
Eat Nutritional Diet
Eating well is essential because this is the best way to ensure the baby’s health. Take foods rich in vitamins such as folic acid and calcium that are required for the body. Make sure you are taking fruits and veggies in your diet throughout the pregnancy and include lean proteins. You would feel much more confident about the health of the baby.
Stop Taking Alcohol And Drugs
Alcohol and other drug addiction cause premature birth and may cause miscarriages as well. You are strongly advised to stop taking alcohol during pregnancy because it won’t protect your baby and will trigger so many health complications. Alcohol is strictly prohibited during pregnancy, and you would get so much misinformation over the internet about the safety of alcohol in pregnancy. Alcohol can cause developmental disabilities. If an alcohol addict is trying to conceive and is unable to conceive yet, she needs consultation from a rehab center because pregnancy won’t be possible without rehab treatment. People living in Rhode Island would have great opportunities for rehab facilitations. Rehab in RI has a vast range of treatments, and they will treat you for a few months, and later on, you can easily go for conception.
Avoid Unnecessary Medications
If you are trying to solve chronic complications in pregnancy, we don’t recommend using unnecessary medications. Conclusion: there are so many medicines that cause gestation issues and have definitely caused birth defects so rather than going for these medications, try to use natural herbs as medications. When it comes to the negative effects of medications, the main side effect would be on the fetus. Only take medicine when it’s needed to avoid taking unnecessary medications. Discuss this thing with your doctor so they would suggest you the best possible solution.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
During pregnancy, the average weight gain is 25 to 35 lbs, so make sure you maintain a healthy weight that would be easier to reduce. Women who are obese before and during pregnancy would have babies with any congenital disability, including the spinal cord and brain. Unhealthy weight triggers many complications, and women who want to reduce the risk of weight-related congenital disabilities should consult with a nutritionist. They would recommend a healthy diet plan that helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Get To Know About Family History
If a family has a history of congenital disabilities, anything could happen, so pregnancy can be a risk. Determining the risk of passing certain issues to children is common in genetic history. Go for risk evaluation such as heart disorders and Down syndrome are the common birth defects with genetic components. Couples should contact the genetic counselor for this.
Age Factor
Women over 35 would have increased chances for birth defects which are connected to genetic mutations. They would have damaged or extra genes which cause Down syndrome. Extra testing is required for women over 35, and it includes cell-free fetal DNA screening to see if your baby is at risk or not. Screening test results are accurate to show certain congenital disabilities.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration would cause congenital disabilities and affect the baby development of the baby’s lungs and digestive system. The mother should stay hydrated to ensure an adequate amount of amniotic fluid. Take 2-3 liters of water daily on average and if you don’t like the plain water taste, go for detox and add cucumber, oranges, mint, lemon, and whatever you like.
What To Eat For A Healthy pregnancy?
Fruits And Veggies
Fruits and veggies are healthy for both mother and baby. Eating a variety of fruits and veggies provide vitamins and minerals to the body.
Dairy And Calcium-Rich Foods
Mother and baby need calcium for strong bones and teeth. Calcium helps the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems to function normally. Dairy products are the richest source of calcium, such as fruit juices and cereals are fortified with calcium.
Lean Protein
Protein is essential for the baby’s growth, and during the second and third trimesters, you have to take lean meat, including poultry, fish, and eggs, which are good protein sources. There are so many options included, such as beans, tofu, dairy products and peanut butter.
Iron-rich Foods
Iron helps to make haemoglobin in the body that helps to deliver oxygen to tissues. The mother’s body needs an additional form of iron to have enough oxygen for herself and the child. Take good iron sources, including lean red meat, poultry and fish.
These are the few easiest ways recommended by us to prevent congenital disabilities. Get the help of a doctor in case of any complications. Take out some time for a walk and exercise to maintain healthy body weight. Schedule an appointment with your doctor every month for a routine checkup. Never compromise your health. Whatever is recommended should add to the diet routine for a healthy lifestyle for both baby and mother.