Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman. If you are pregnant or preparing to get pregnant, it is essential to take special care of yourself so you and your baby will be healthy. Taking care before pregnancy and during pregnancy can improve the chances of a smooth pregnancy and having a healthy baby. Try to visit a pregnancy Care clinic in Dubai.
Pre-pregnancy care (Preconception care) is the care taken before getting pregnant.
It focuses on improving the mother’s health before getting pregnant to increase the chances of having a healthy baby (fetus). The purpose of preconception care is to assess any potential risks to you and your baby and to treat any medical conditions you may have before conceiving.
Men also have equal importance in preconception care, as they make up half of the genetic material required to develop the baby. Men also require preconception care to improve sperm health that increases the chance of conception and a healthy baby. Taking a healthy diet and supplements, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are recommended for men as part of pre-pregnancy care.
Check the Early Pregnancy Complications.
Pregnancy care (antenatal care) is the care that a woman gets during pregnancy. Pregnancy care should be initiated as soon as possible after pregnancy is suspected. Pregnancy care is important for keeping both the mother and baby (fetus) healthy. Lack of antenatal care increases the chance of low-birth-weight babies and stillbirth.
Make an appointment with your doctor or normally visit the doctor, if in Dubai visit Dr. Elsa’s women's pregnancy centre in Dubai when you are planning for pregnancy. During your appointment, your doctor performs a physical examination and asks you about your medical history (conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, and heart diseases, etc., and medications), reproductive history, vaccination status, diet, lifestyle, and other habits. Getting the right advice and following the instructions of your doctor helps you to get ready for a healthy conception and baby.
You should discuss with your doctor all your concerns regarding pregnancy and other health-related issues. Your doctor may order certain blood tests (full blood parameters, iron, and ferritin levels), and urine tests (for sugar, protein, infection) to check your health condition.
Discuss with your doctor any medical conditions that run in your family, especially genetic problems, in order to take precautions and reduce the risk of genetic defects. If you are a suitable candidate your doctor may recommend you for genetic counseling.
During pregnancy your doctor examines you for the presence of diabetes (gestational diabetes), blood pressure (pre-eclampsia), seizures (eclampsia), and asymptomatic bacteriuria, etc. Your doctor may also check the fetus by an ultrasound examination to assess the gestational age and any fetal abnormalities and may advise you to take the following measures:
· Maintain healthy and hygienic habits.
· Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich, well-balanced diet.
· Drink plenty of water
· Take nutritional supplements
o Folic acid is a universal supplement of the vitamin B group required for the healthy growth and development of a baby in the initial weeks of life. Taking folic acid reduces birth defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida. 400-800 micrograms per day of folic acid are recommended at least one month before pregnancy and for the first three months after getting pregnant.
o Supplementation of vitamin D (10 micrograms per day) is recommended in pregnant women.
o Other vitamins/mineral supplements containing sufficient amounts of iron, zinc, and calcium are advised.
· Take vaccinations for rubella (German measles), varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis B at least three months before pregnancy.
· Maintain a healthy weight
o Being overweight or obese increases the risk of medical complications such as elevated blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
o Being underweight decreases the chances of becoming pregnant, having a low-birth-weight baby, and problems during labour.
o Regular exercise helps you to maintain an ideal weight and is beneficial to you and your baby’s health.
· Optimising medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy.
· Inform your doctor regarding your present or past medical conditions.
· Avoid caffeine, smoking, drinking alcohol, use of habit-forming drugs, certain medications, exposure to gases, chemicals, heavy metals, and radiations (X-ray).
· Keep your home and workplace environment safe and comfortable.
· Wear comfortable clothing.
· Improve your mental and emotional health by avoiding stress and practicing relaxation techniques.
