LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

1. Check your blood sugar levels.
   Mismanagement of sugar levels for diabetic mothers increases the risk of birth defects as well as other problems in their pregnancy. More than that, the complications are directed not just at the baby but also at the mother. To avoid these dangers, conduct a proper healthcare routine before and during pregnancy.
2. Do your best to attain and maintain a healthy weight.
   Women who are having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher than that are considered obese and they are at greater danger for grave difficulties and birth defects throughout their pregnancy. If a woman is obese and plans to conceive a child, she must have a discussion with her doctor about habits and procedures she can undertake to arrive at a healthy weight before getting pregnant. Pregnancy aside, being healthy is not a reason for women not to achieve an ideal weight taking into consideration the health and mood boosts in can give.

SEEK ADVICE FROM YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

1. Talk to your trusted healthcare provider concerning any medications.
   There are certain medications that are taken during pregnancy which can result to severe birth defects. It is not easy to agree on the safety of taking medications among pregnant women not with standing limited safety data.

   Even though some medications are considered necessary in order to treat serious conditions, it is better to seek advice from your doctor before taking action. If a woman is pregnant or planning to be one, whether she discontinues or continues taking medications (including but not limited to prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and dietary or herbal products) lies on her doctor’s decision.

2. Talk to a healthcare provider pertaining to vaccinations.
   Pregnant women are more susceptible to grave illnesses from the flu. Flu could lead to hospitalization or worse, death, in comparison to women who are not expecting. Not only that, they also have an increased likelihood of having grave problems in their pregnancy like premature birth.

   To cure flu, get a flu shot. Pregnant women are safe in taking this shot and studies show that a flu shot given during pregnancy has been revealed to protect both the mother and her baby (just about 6 months after delivery) from the flu.

   That said, some vaccinations like the flu vaccine and the Tdap vaccine (adult tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine) are specifically recommended during pregnancy. These vaccines defend pregnant women against infections that can cause birth defects and other problems. Appropriate vaccinations at the given time help a pregnant women and her child to stay healthy even until delivery. For more information about recommended vaccinations during pregnancy, ask your healthcare provider.

Those are just some of the ways in order to help keep yourself and the baby safe and healthy. Do you have any more tips?

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