{"id":2498,"date":"2023-04-06T07:29:34","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T07:29:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/?p=2498"},"modified":"2023-04-06T07:29:35","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T07:29:35","slug":"how-do-you-prepare-yourself-for-a-healthy-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/?p=2498","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Prepare Yourself for a Healthy Pregnancy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/image-23.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load wp-image-2499\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"970\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/image-23.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/image-23.png 970w, https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/image-23-300x125.png 300w, https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/image-23-770x321.png 770w, https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/image-23-293x122.png 293w, https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/image-23-390x163.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/live-healthy\/840\/healthy-start-for-your-pregnancy\">P\u200bregnancy<\/a>\u200b&nbsp;is an exciting and rewarding experience for any woman. Pre-\u200bpregnancy preparation is essential in the journey of pregnancy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being well prepared would optimise your chance of a smooth pregnancy and&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/live-healthy\/941\/pregnancy-is-my-baby-developing-normally\">healthy baby<\/a>\u200b. It prepares you both physically and emotionally.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200bNow that you have decided to embark on the journey of motherhood, let us see how you can prepare yourself for a healthy pregnancy.&nbsp;\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ideally, you should start at least\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/live-healthy\/908\/pregnancy-pre-pregnancy-vaccination\">three months before you conceive<\/a>\u200b, but it is never too late either.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start Young&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prime of your fertility is when you are 20\u201324 years old, with a sharp decline from 35 years old onwards. On average, there is a drop of 3% in fertility with each increasing year of the woman\u2019s age (Figure 1.1).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The chance of genetic abnormalities like&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/live-healthy\/945\/pregnancy-down-syndrome-tests\">Down Syndrome<\/a>\u200b as well as&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/live-healthy\/989\/pregnancy-complications\">complications\u200b in pregnancy<\/a>\u200b&nbsp;like miscarriages, high blood press\u200bure and&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/programmes\/87\/diabetes-mellitus\">dia\u200b\u200b\u200bbetes<\/a>\u200b, increases as you grow older, particularly beyond 35 years of age. So, start young if you are able to!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20370%20247'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/sites\/assets\/Assets\/Categories\/Pregnancy%20-%20KKH%20Book\/KKH%20-%20Ch%201%20-%20Figure%201.1.JPG\" alt=\"\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/sites\/assets\/Assets\/Categories\/Pregnancy%20-%20KKH%20Book\/KKH%20-%20Ch%201%20-%20Figure%201.1.JPG\" alt=\"\"><\/noscript>\u00a0\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pre-pregnancy Supplementation&nbsp;\u200b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to take a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/programmes\/55\/my-healthy-plate\">diet balanced in calories, carbohydrates, proteins and fibres<\/a>\u200b.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Folic acid is a type of vitamin B that is needed for the formation of blood cells and the development of baby\u2019s nervous system. It has been shown to reduce the chance of a baby having neural tube defects (spinal cord and brain abnormalities) (Figure 1.2). A simple way is to take a folic acid supplement of at least 400mcg once a day from&nbsp;three months before conception till&nbsp;the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid capsules are sold at your local pharmacy.&nbsp;\u200bSome women may require higher doses of folic acid of up to 5mg a day (e.g. women with diabetes, BMI 30 or more, or if they are on certain anti-seizure medications etc). Do speak to your doctor for more advice on the appropriate dosage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pre-conception Check-up&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit a&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/live-healthy\/926\/pregnancy-before-the-first-antenatal-visit-choosing-your-doctor\">g\u200bynaecolo\u200bgist<\/a>\u200b&nbsp;to discuss:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>your&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/live-healthy\/923\/pregnancy-i-cant-get-pregnant-is-there-anything-wrong\">chance of conception<\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>previous medical problems that may affect your pregnancy,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/live-healthy\/943\/pregnancy-genetic-disorder-is-my-baby-at-risk\">family history of genetic problems<\/a>\u200b&nbsp;and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/live-healthy\/908\/pregnancy-pre-pregnancy-vaccination\">immunisation history<\/a>\u200b.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your&nbsp;check-up may include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a PAP Smear&nbsp;test\/Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>thalassemia(genetic blood disorder) test&nbsp;and\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Screening for immunity to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/a-z\/diseases-and-conditions\/80\/rubella\">rubella<\/a>\u200b (German measles) screening.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A pelvic ultrasound scan may&nbsp;also be performed to check for ovarian cysts or fibroids in the womb.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Optimise Your Medical Conditions&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medical conditions such as \u200bdiabetes \u200bmellit\u200bus, \u200bhypertension or thyroid disease can affect pregnancy outcomes especially if they are not well controlled.&nbsp;If you have a pre-existing medical condition, do visit your obstetrician or your usual doctor to ensure that these are well-controlled prior to conception, as this will improve the chances of having a smooth and healthy pregnancy.&nbsp;Other&nbsp;pre-existing medical conditions that could affect or be affected by pregnancy include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u200bAuto-immune diseases such as syste\u200b\u200bmic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Epilepsy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Asthma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anemia such as i\u200bron-deficiency anemia or thalassemia\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kidney disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heart disease\u200b\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (blood clots in legs or lungs)\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/a-z\/diseases-and-conditions\/101\/topics_depression\">Depression<\/a>\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200bIt is possible to have a successful pregnancy even if you have one of the above&nbsp;chronic condit\u200bions\u200b, but it may be considered a high risk pregnancy and and some additional precautions may have to be taken.&nbsp;If you are on chronic medication for these conditions, your gynaecologist will want to review them for safety in the pre-pregnancy and pregnancy period. For example, if you have pre-existing diabetes on oral medications, you may&nbsp;need to switch&nbsp;to insulin injections once your pregnancy is confirmed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoid High-risk Activities&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.healthhub.sg\/live-healthy\/854\/your-baby-smokes-when-you-smoke\">advisable to stop smoking<\/a>\u200b. Substance abuse and smoking are associated with an increased risk of&nbsp;miscarriages, slowing of baby\u2019s growth in the womb, pre-mature delivery and bleeding in the placenta. Avoid excessive alcohol and binge drinking as well. This can lead to congenital malformations and mental impairment of your baby.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Question<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some problems that older mothers may face during pregnancy?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200bIt is important to reiterate that most pregnancies in older mothers have a good outcome. Traditionally, an older mother is defined as any expectant mother who is 35 years old or more at the time of pregnancy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is an increased incidence of chromosomal problems&nbsp;with advancing maternal age&nbsp;as the quality of the egg may deteriorate. In particular, there is an increased risk of Down\u2019s Syndrome compared to a younger age group. There is also an increased risk of twin pregnancy (see Chapter 22). In addition, older mothers have an increased risk of miscarriages.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, there is an increased tendency to medical conditions complicating pregnancy&nbsp;such as pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes. It is important for any mother with advanced maternal age to see an obstetrician early so that proper follow-up and tests can be performed.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acknowledgement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200b\u200bSource: Dr TAN Thiam Chye, Dr TAN Kim Teng, Dr TAN Heng Hao, Dr TEE Chee Seng John,&nbsp;<em>Th<\/em><em>e New Art and Science of Pregnancy and Childbirth<\/em>, World Scientific 2008.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>P\u200bregnancy\u200b&nbsp;is an exciting and rewarding experience for any woman. Pre-\u200bpregnancy preparation is essential in the journey of pregnancy.&nbsp; Being well prepared would optimise your chance of a smooth pregnancy and&nbsp;healthy baby\u200b. It prepares you both physically and emotionally.&nbsp; \u200bNow that you have decided to embark on the journey of motherhood, let us see how you can prepare yourself for a healthy pregnancy.&nbsp;\u200b\u200b\u200b Ideally, you should start at least\u00a0three months before you conceive\u200b, but it is never too late either.\u00a0 Start [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-preventative-care"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2498","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2498"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2498\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2500,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2498\/revisions\/2500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2498"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2498"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthnews.zone\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2498"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}