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Now that you’re pregnant, you need to begin thinking about ways to optimize your pregnancy and delivery. There are many precautions that pregnant women should take in order to prevent birth defects. Some of these precautions include avoiding smoke and alcohol, avoiding various foods and taking small, but effective prenatal vitamins.
Common sense tells us to stay away from alcoholic drinks and cigarettes when pregnant. Alcohol and smoke can prevent or inhibit the growth of cells, which are rapidly developing in your baby. If you want your baby to be healthy and developmentally sound, then stay away from these vices. An important thing to remember, too, is that while you may not be smoking, you need to be sure people around you aren’t either. Just like innocent bystanders can get cancer from second-hand smoke, your baby, too, can be affected if you’re ingesting smoke. Stay out of establishments that allow smoke, and avoid areas, even on the street, where people are smoking. Clean air is healthy air, and that’s what developing babies need.
There are many foods that one should avoid when pregnant, including foods that are undercooked, certain fish, and certain dietary supplements. While various supplements and vitamins can be dangerous to your baby, there are, however, supplements that are safe, including small sized prenatal vitamins. Undercooked food can contain foodborne illnesses, which can make both mom and baby very sick. It’s best to avoid anything that could possibly make you or your baby sick since pregnancy and the first few years of your baby’s life are its most important developmental times.
While fish contains protein, it, along with other raw foods, may contain high levels of mercury. Mercury, although it is a natural substance, can act affect the brain and nervous system once it enters the body. If a woman ingests too much mercury, the neurological and physical development of her child could be threatened.
Because there are many foods that pregnant women must cut out of their diets, you may be wondering where you get those extra vitamins and nutrients. The answer is with small prenatal vitamins. Most prenatal supplements contain nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, iron and zinc, which are all essential to the health of you and your baby. If you’re wondering how to swallow a prenatal pill, or if you have difficult swallowing pills, consult a doctor as they can direct you to retailers who sell easy-to-swallow supplements.
With this knowledge you can prevent birth defects and keep you and your baby healthy by staying away from smoke and alcohol, eating healthy and taking a daily prenatal vitamin.