Essential Tips for Expecting Parents
Being pregnant can be a confusing and challenging experience not only for new parents, but even for parents who have already had kids before. Just as each human being is completely unique, each pregnancy is unique as well. However, there are some things that are critical for every parent to know in order to protect the future well-being of their child.
Every couple who is trying to conceive should know about teratogens. A teratogen is any agent that can cause negative side effects on an unborn child (Santrock, 2010). There are many teratogens that a pregnant woman could come in contact with every day. Some of these teratogens include prescription and non-prescription drugs such as antibiotics, antidepressants, hormones, Accutane, diet pills, and aspirin. Teratogens also include what are known as psychoactive drugs which are drugs that act on a person’s nervous system to alter their mood, consciousness, or perceptions (Santrock, 2010). Psychoactive drugs include caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and many other drugs. If a pregnant women consumes too much caffeine through coffee, tea, pop, or chocolate she has an increased risk for miscarriage. Heavy drinking by women causes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) which is a cluster of problems that appear in children whose mothers drank during pregnancy. FASD abnormalities include facial deformities, defective limbs, abnormal hearts, learning problems, lower intelligence, and mental retardation (Golden, 2005). Nicotine smoking by pregnant women leads to many problems such as preterm births, low birth weights, fetal and neonatal
deaths, respiratory problems, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and ADHD
(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) (Oxorn, 1980). Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Cocaine, and Heroin also cause a multitude of problems such as low birth weight, impaired development, behavioral issues,lower intelligence, depressive symptoms, and even could cause the child to be more likely to use these drugs in the future (Santrock, 2010). In general, it is recommended that women altogether avoid contact with these teratogens, or attempt to minimize it as much as possible. One thing to note is that these drugs have the strongest
effect on the fetus during organogenesis. This is when the babies’ organs are being formed and usually occurs between 3 to 10 weeks or about 20 to 55 days after conception (Santrock, 2010). However, by the time most women find out that they are pregnant, they are already halfway or even farther through organogenesis. Therefore, any couple who is trying to conceive should make sure to avoid these teratogens as much as possible.
Mothers who have certain diseases should also be aware of the effect that they could have on their unborn children. Women with syphilis can cause problems for their children at birth in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal track (Santrock, 2010). In most states, it is required that pregnant women be given a blood test in order to test for this disease. Genital herpes is another maternal disease that can be transmitted to a baby during birth. A woman who has an active case of genital herpes should consider having a cesarean section in order to not infect their child during birth. One of the most potentially
harmful diseases that a mother can transmit to her child is AIDS. AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is cause by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and weakens the body’s immune system. It can be transmitted through the placenta, during birth through maternal fluids, and through breast-feeding after birth. While not every child who is born to a mother with AIDS will contract the disease, it is still preferred that women who believe that they may have HIV or AIDS speak with their doctors about possible options.
During pregnancy it is important that women receive proper nutrition in order to ensure healthy growth of their baby. Women who receive either not enough or too much nutrition are at risk for having children with deformities and have an increased risk for miscarriages and stillbirths (Santrock, 2010). One main aspect of a woman’s nutrition that she should make sure to receive is folic acid. Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin that is shown to lower the risk of preterm births. A lack of folic acid on the other hand is shown to cause neural
tube defects in the fetus (Santrock, 2010). Any woman who considers have children should start taking folic acid as soon as she becomes able to bear children. Folic acid is also found in orange juice and spinach. It is commonly heard that pregnant women should not eat fish while they are pregnant. The reason for this is due to high levels of mercury in certain fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and some species of large tune. Exposure to high
levels of mercury in these fish can cause miscarriages, preterm births, and lower intelligence. It is recommended that both children and women of childbearing age should not eat any of these fish that can have high levels of mercury but should eat 12 ounces a week of fish that have lower mercury content such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock, and catfish (Santrock, 2010).
Most couples do not realize that harm that a pregnant woman’s emotional state could have on the developing child. Woman who experience intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, and stress continuously throughout a pregnancy, put the fetus at risk. This is because the hormones that are released by the woman also come in contact with the fetus. High levels of these hormones can lead to preterm births, children with emotional or cognitive problems, ADHD, and language delay. Generally, woman should be kept relaxed and calm during their pregnancy as much as possible.
The mother’s age is another thing that a couple should evaluate before they decide to have a child. Older mothers around 35 years and above have an increased risk of having children born with Down syndrome (Santrock, 2010). It is best that older women talk to their doctors if they are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant in order to determine their risks for both them and their baby. There is also a risk concerning pregnancy in younger mothers. The mortality rate of children born to adolescent mothers is almost double the rate for infants born to mothers in their twenties. This is expected because of the immaturity of the mother’s reproductive system, poor nutrition, lack of prenatal care, and low socioeconomic status (Santrock, 2010). If you are a teenage girl and you are pregnant, it is recommended that you visit your doctor and follow the other tips in this article in order to have a healthy pregnancy.
One question that many women ask when they are pregnant is if it is okay to exercise. In most cases, it is perfectly healthy and even beneficial to exercise during pregnancy. If you start an exercising program before you become pregnant it can help reduce the chance of miscarriage, lower labor complications, and reduce back pain (Kime, 1992). Also, swimming can help relieve cramps and aches that are common during the last trimester. However, exercise that is too strenuous can cause bleeding or even preterm labor. Walking, swimming, and stretching are the most recommended exercises for pregnant women (Kime, 1992).
Every woman should also talk to their doctor about prenatal care. Women who do not receive some type of prenatal care are more likely to have preterm deliveries and have children with lower birth weight (Santrock, 2010). There are many different types of prenatal care. In most cases, women have regular doctor visit that allows the doctor to monitor the progress of the pregnancy and the health of the baby. However, there are more complex types of prenatal care. Centering-Pregnancy is a group-centered setting that attempts to empower women
to make their pregnancy a positive experience. Nurse Family Partnership is an extensive program of home visits that begins during pregnancy and continues until the child reaches 2 years of age. These visits focus on the health of the mother and the baby, parenting, and improvement of the mother’s life (Santrock, 2010).
It may seem overwhelming to think about all the things that are dangerous for an unborn fetus. However, having a safe and healthy pregnancy becomes easier once parents are informed about how to avoid these risks. If you are an expecting couple and you have further questions or are experiencing pregnancy difficulties it is recommended that you contact your doctor for answers.
Works Cited
Fried, P. A., & Oxorn, H. (1980). Smoking for two: cigarettes and pregnancy. New
York: Free Press;.
Golden, J. L. (2005). Message in a bottle: the making of fetal alcohol syndrome. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.
Kime, R. E. (1992). Pregnancy, childbirth,& parenting. Guilford, CT: Dushkin Pub. Group.
Santrock, J. W. (2010). A topical approach to life-span development (5th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Every couple who is trying to conceive should know about teratogens. A teratogen is any agent that can cause negative side effects on an unborn child (Santrock, 2010). There are many teratogens that a pregnant woman could come in contact with every day. Some of these teratogens include prescription and non-prescription drugs such as antibiotics, antidepressants, hormones, Accutane, diet pills, and aspirin. Teratogens also include what are known as psychoactive drugs which are drugs that act on a person’s nervous system to alter their mood, consciousness, or perceptions (Santrock, 2010). Psychoactive drugs include caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and many other drugs. If a pregnant women consumes too much caffeine through coffee, tea, pop, or chocolate she has an increased risk for miscarriage. Heavy drinking by women causes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) which is a cluster of problems that appear in children whose mothers drank during pregnancy. FASD abnormalities include facial deformities, defective limbs, abnormal hearts, learning problems, lower intelligence, and mental retardation (Golden, 2005). Nicotine smoking by pregnant women leads to many problems such as preterm births, low birth weights, fetal and neonatal
deaths, respiratory problems, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and ADHD
(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) (Oxorn, 1980). Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Cocaine, and Heroin also cause a multitude of problems such as low birth weight, impaired development, behavioral issues,lower intelligence, depressive symptoms, and even could cause the child to be more likely to use these drugs in the future (Santrock, 2010). In general, it is recommended that women altogether avoid contact with these teratogens, or attempt to minimize it as much as possible. One thing to note is that these drugs have the strongest
effect on the fetus during organogenesis. This is when the babies’ organs are being formed and usually occurs between 3 to 10 weeks or about 20 to 55 days after conception (Santrock, 2010). However, by the time most women find out that they are pregnant, they are already halfway or even farther through organogenesis. Therefore, any couple who is trying to conceive should make sure to avoid these teratogens as much as possible.
Mothers who have certain diseases should also be aware of the effect that they could have on their unborn children. Women with syphilis can cause problems for their children at birth in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal track (Santrock, 2010). In most states, it is required that pregnant women be given a blood test in order to test for this disease. Genital herpes is another maternal disease that can be transmitted to a baby during birth. A woman who has an active case of genital herpes should consider having a cesarean section in order to not infect their child during birth. One of the most potentially
harmful diseases that a mother can transmit to her child is AIDS. AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is cause by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and weakens the body’s immune system. It can be transmitted through the placenta, during birth through maternal fluids, and through breast-feeding after birth. While not every child who is born to a mother with AIDS will contract the disease, it is still preferred that women who believe that they may have HIV or AIDS speak with their doctors about possible options.
During pregnancy it is important that women receive proper nutrition in order to ensure healthy growth of their baby. Women who receive either not enough or too much nutrition are at risk for having children with deformities and have an increased risk for miscarriages and stillbirths (Santrock, 2010). One main aspect of a woman’s nutrition that she should make sure to receive is folic acid. Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin that is shown to lower the risk of preterm births. A lack of folic acid on the other hand is shown to cause neural
tube defects in the fetus (Santrock, 2010). Any woman who considers have children should start taking folic acid as soon as she becomes able to bear children. Folic acid is also found in orange juice and spinach. It is commonly heard that pregnant women should not eat fish while they are pregnant. The reason for this is due to high levels of mercury in certain fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and some species of large tune. Exposure to high
levels of mercury in these fish can cause miscarriages, preterm births, and lower intelligence. It is recommended that both children and women of childbearing age should not eat any of these fish that can have high levels of mercury but should eat 12 ounces a week of fish that have lower mercury content such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock, and catfish (Santrock, 2010).
Most couples do not realize that harm that a pregnant woman’s emotional state could have on the developing child. Woman who experience intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, and stress continuously throughout a pregnancy, put the fetus at risk. This is because the hormones that are released by the woman also come in contact with the fetus. High levels of these hormones can lead to preterm births, children with emotional or cognitive problems, ADHD, and language delay. Generally, woman should be kept relaxed and calm during their pregnancy as much as possible.
The mother’s age is another thing that a couple should evaluate before they decide to have a child. Older mothers around 35 years and above have an increased risk of having children born with Down syndrome (Santrock, 2010). It is best that older women talk to their doctors if they are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant in order to determine their risks for both them and their baby. There is also a risk concerning pregnancy in younger mothers. The mortality rate of children born to adolescent mothers is almost double the rate for infants born to mothers in their twenties. This is expected because of the immaturity of the mother’s reproductive system, poor nutrition, lack of prenatal care, and low socioeconomic status (Santrock, 2010). If you are a teenage girl and you are pregnant, it is recommended that you visit your doctor and follow the other tips in this article in order to have a healthy pregnancy.
One question that many women ask when they are pregnant is if it is okay to exercise. In most cases, it is perfectly healthy and even beneficial to exercise during pregnancy. If you start an exercising program before you become pregnant it can help reduce the chance of miscarriage, lower labor complications, and reduce back pain (Kime, 1992). Also, swimming can help relieve cramps and aches that are common during the last trimester. However, exercise that is too strenuous can cause bleeding or even preterm labor. Walking, swimming, and stretching are the most recommended exercises for pregnant women (Kime, 1992).
Every woman should also talk to their doctor about prenatal care. Women who do not receive some type of prenatal care are more likely to have preterm deliveries and have children with lower birth weight (Santrock, 2010). There are many different types of prenatal care. In most cases, women have regular doctor visit that allows the doctor to monitor the progress of the pregnancy and the health of the baby. However, there are more complex types of prenatal care. Centering-Pregnancy is a group-centered setting that attempts to empower women
to make their pregnancy a positive experience. Nurse Family Partnership is an extensive program of home visits that begins during pregnancy and continues until the child reaches 2 years of age. These visits focus on the health of the mother and the baby, parenting, and improvement of the mother’s life (Santrock, 2010).
It may seem overwhelming to think about all the things that are dangerous for an unborn fetus. However, having a safe and healthy pregnancy becomes easier once parents are informed about how to avoid these risks. If you are an expecting couple and you have further questions or are experiencing pregnancy difficulties it is recommended that you contact your doctor for answers.
Works Cited
Fried, P. A., & Oxorn, H. (1980). Smoking for two: cigarettes and pregnancy. New
York: Free Press;.
Golden, J. L. (2005). Message in a bottle: the making of fetal alcohol syndrome. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.
Kime, R. E. (1992). Pregnancy, childbirth,& parenting. Guilford, CT: Dushkin Pub. Group.
Santrock, J. W. (2010). A topical approach to life-span development (5th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.