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| Pre-pregnancy care | |
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Children's health starts not just before birth, but before conception. The mother's health is important to the baby she is carrying, and she can take steps to reduce the risk to her baby. Infections such as rubella (german measles) can be catastrophic in early pregnancy, and so it is important to check that she is immune to rubella. If not, a single injection gives immunity - but pregnancy must be avoided for 3 months. Taking a supplement of folic acid before conception - and during the first 3 months of pregnancy - reduces the chance of having a baby with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida or the more serious anencephaly. Smoking during pregnancy affects the blood supply to the placenta, or afterbirth, which feeds the baby in the womb. It also can have an adverse effect on the baby just after birth, especially if the baby is not breathing well on his or her own, and needs resuscitation. A child is more likely to suffer asthma or diabetes as a direct result of its mother smoking during pregnancy. Children of parents who smoke are more likely to die of cot death, and also to suffer coughs and colds more than children of parents who don't smoke - and when they get these infections, they last longer. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can also have an adverse effect on the baby. Small amounts are probably alright, although many women choose to stop drinking alcohol for the duration of their pregnancy. Beware also of taking other tablets or medicines during pregnancy. Aspirin and related anti-inflammatory drugs can cause problems around the time of delivery, and other drugs can cause potential harm during your pregnancy. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you think you might be pregnant whenever any treatment is advised or prescribed for you. |
