Pregnancy can be an incredible journey, both emotionally and physically. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, it’s essential to prepare your body beforehand.
Prepregnancy counselling assists women in recognizing and mitigating risks that could interfere with their ability to conceive, as well as offering advice on diet, exercise, medications and other health-related matters. It may also assist them in managing stress.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an integral part of a pregnant woman’s pregnancy care plan. They protect both mother and child from preventable diseases like measles, rubella, and chickenpox.
However, vaccines made with live viruses such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) or human papillomavirus (HPV) should not be given during pregnancy. This is because a weak live virus could cross the placenta and infect the fetus.
According to the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS), several viral, bacterial inactivated and toxoid vaccines are safe for administration during pregnancy. Obstetrician-gynecologists and other obstetric care providers should assess their pregnant patients’ vaccination status and, when possible, administer necessary vaccinations such as COVID-19 to women of childbearing age.
Blood Tests
Pregnancy presents women and their unborn babies with several health challenges. Blood tests are part of routine prenatal care that doctors can use to monitor a mother’s wellbeing during this time.
A blood test can detect pregnancy-related issues like gestational diabetes, anemia and infections such as syphilis, hepatitis B or C or HIV. It also helps detect thyroid disorders, hemoglobinopathies and other blood-related diseases which could impact the fetus.
Preconception counselling in Noida can help reduce the risks of complications during pregnancy and guarantee a healthy outcome for both mother and baby. This includes taking folic acid supplements, maintaining an ideal body weight, screening for infectious diseases, receiving essential immunizations, and reviewing medications to see if they could have teratogenic effects on a fetus.
Diet
Diet is an integral part of pregnancy, helping you keep both you and your baby healthy. A balanced diet provides essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients while giving you energy throughout the duration of the pregnancy.
A calorie-conscious diet that incorporates fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as lean meats and nuts is the key to a healthier you. While it’s wise to limit alcohol, sugary drinks and high-sugar desserts, don’t feel afraid to treat yourself occasionally. Just remember to balance those cravings with more fruit & veggies, brisk walks/bike rides or games of catch with the kids!
Exercise
Exercise helps women improve their posture, reduce backaches and fatigue, build stamina for childbirth, and protect against gestational diabetes – a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Furthermore, regular exercise improves moods and energy levels.
Pregnant women should opt for exercises that reduce stress and boost endurance, such as walking, swimming, tai chi or yoga.
Prenatal counseling can assist expecting mothers in prepping their bodies for childbirth and reducing risks that might interfere with fertility. Counseling also offers a supportive space to deal with emotions and worries about becoming parents, helping overcome emotional obstacles, healing from past trauma or abuse, making informed decisions during childbirth, and preparing for healthy babies after delivery.
Stress Management
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but long-term or severe stress can have detrimental effects on you and your baby. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, seek professional assistance from your healthcare provider for support.
Women who experience stress during their pregnancy have an increased likelihood of having either a premature birth (born before 37 weeks) or low-birthweight infants (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces).
There are ways to manage stress during and after pregnancy. Try relaxing techniques like yoga, meditation and breathing exercises for a stress-free pregnancy.
