Health and well-being

Preparing for a healthy baby

If you are planning for a baby there a number of steps you can take before, during and after pregnancy to ensure the health of your precious gift. PSM takes a closer look at these.

About three months before you try to fall pregnant:

Stop taking the Pill – use another method of contraception.

Make sure that you have had all the necessary vaccinations – particularly against rubella.

Start with a balanced intake of multi-vitamins which should contain 0.4mg folic acid.

When you consult your clinic or doctor, mention that you are planning a pregnancy, particularly if you are on medication for a chronic disease. Seek genetic counselling if:

• You are in your late 30s.

• You have had two or more miscarriages.

• You have given birth to a child with a congenital or hereditary disorder.

There is any history of a hereditary/genetic disease in your or your partner's family.

When you are trying to fall pregnant:

Since the confirmation of pregnancy is usually obtained only after you are already two or more weeks pregnant, you should avoid the following risk factors now:

• Alcohol.

• Smoking.

• Unprescribed medicine.

• Contact with anyone suffering from an infectious disease.

Abdominal X-rays.

Regular contact with anaesthetic gases. Excessive heat, e.g. saunas and very hot baths. Uninspected, undercooked meat. Exposure to cat litter.

When you are pregnant:

Visit your antenatal clinic or doctor regularly. If there is any one with a birth defect, or mental, visual or hearing impairment in your or your partner's family, ask your medical professional to refer you to your nearest genetic counselling clinic.

Get sufficient rest and light exercise.

Follow a balanced, vitamin-rich diet.

Obtain information on breastfeeding.

Contact your clinic or doctor immediately if you experience bleeding from the vagina, severe and persistent nausea, vomiting or headaches, swelling of the feet or legs, excessive or sudden weight gain, abdominal pains, a marked decrease in urine or a sudden, strong flow of water from the vagina.

Ask your clinic sister or doctor to inform you about screening tests on pregnant women and a sonar examination to detect certain abnormalities in the unborn baby.

After the birth of your baby:

Visit your clinic or doctor about six weeks after the birth of the baby for a thorough post-natal examination.

Take your baby to the baby clinic regularly for a general examination and the necessary vaccinations.

Consult your family-planning clinic or doctor with regard to an appropriate contraceptive.

Ask your clinic sister or doctor about laboratory screening tests that can be done on your newborn baby.