Having a new child can be a dream come true for any new parent. After all, this is probably a moment that you’ve been dreaming about for quite some time. And this is truly a milestone that will change your life forever.
Having a child does, however, come with a note of caution. And this is simply because there are many dangers in the world that your child will be completely vulnerable to without you to guide them. But your child is most vulnerable in infancy and during birth.
Giving birth to a child is often looked upon as both a scary and an exciting experience. But no matter how you feel about giving birth, taking a few precautions before the hour your little bundle of joy arrives will give you much greater peace of mind.
If you’re expecting a child and you want to ensure their safety, the following will offer a few things for you to consider.
Meeting Your OB Doctor
Like any expecting parent, you’re going to be making many visits to your obstetrician (OB doctor). But before you select a doctor you need to ensure that they conduct a pregnancy scan for monitoring and that you’re comfortable with the person that will be delivering your child into the world.
Good OB doctors should have a reputation that precedes them. And before you choose who will be delivering your child, you should do your research to ensure that your doctor meets your standards and that you’re comfortable with their demeanor.
Unfortunately, according to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, life-threatening complications can occur during birth that can result in birth injury and death. And this is true for both the mother and the child. As such, you should ask around and verify that your doctor has never had any issues with delivery and that they have adequate malpractice insurance that covers them during the projected time of your child’s birth.
Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy
As an expecting mother, your health and nutrition become more important than they have ever been. And this is because now, you’re taking care of two bodies, not just one. In fact, some studies have shown that autism can be linked to a Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy.
Most doctors will recommend that you begin by eating a balanced diet and take prenatal vitamins under certain circumstances. In addition to ensuring that you’re receiving adequate nutrition, the following is also recommended in most cases:
- If you smoke, it’s time to stop smoking
- Don’t drink alcohol
- Get plenty of daily exercise
- Get plenty of Calcium, Vitamin D, and Folic Acid
- Discuss any medications you’re taking with your doctor
- Alert your doctor of any pre-existing conditions
In addition to the aforementioned, working is also a key element to factor in when preparing your body for pregnancy. For example, if you work a job that is considered labor-intensive, you may need to adjust your hours, or work less. Depending on your employer’s policy on employee pregnancy, you may have a few options to discuss.
Further, ensuring that you don’t overexert yourself when you get closer to your due date is also something to think about. Many women work right up until the day they deliver. However, if your body is giving your warning signs, heed them and slow down.
Foods to Avoid
During pregnancy, you may experience morning sickness or develop cravings for foods that you’ve never desired before. But this is just your body’s way of telling you what nutrients you need. However, there are also a few foods that you should avoid as well during pregnancy.
Additionally, it’s not uncommon to develop food allergies during pregnancy as well. For example, if the father of the child is lactose intolerant, or allergic to seafood, you may find your body responding the same way due to the passing of his genetic material to your fetus. Though this type of condition is rare, and often temporary.
Many doctors recommend to avoid the following foods:
- Foods high in Mercury (usually fish)
- Undercooked meats or fish
- Raw eggs
- Raw sprouts
- Unwashed produce
- Processed meats
- Caffeine
The foods we eat on a daily basis often contain toxins that typically pass through the body without incident. However, when you have a fetus growing inside you, even the smallest amount of toxins can cause serious complications during pregnancy.
Taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance during pregnancy. And the more precautions you take and the more aware you are of the risks and how to avoid them, the better off you and your child will be when you are finally able to bring them into the world.