Precautions to Keep in Mind During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a critical time when it comes to looking after your health to ensure proper fetal development and safe delivery. The habits that you, the mother-to-be, has throughout your pregnancy directly impacts those outcomes. From the foods you eat to the activities you pursue, there are certain behaviors to avoid for a healthy pregnancy.

Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

When you're pregnant, your body is going through continuous change and requires a well-balanced diet to support your baby's health and development. While many moms-to-be may find themselves craving certain foods during pregnancy, not everything is safe to eat for your growing baby.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, you should avoid the following foods as they can cause complications with your pregnancy and your little one’s fetal development:

• Raw eggs
• Deli meats
• Fish with high levels of mercury such as king mackerel and shark
• Raw shellfish
• Smoked meats
• Soft cheeses such as brie and feta
• Unpasteurized milk
• Alcohol
• Excessive amounts of caffeine

There may be additional dietary precautions you should take while pregnant, so be sure to check with your doctor.

End Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

When you're pregnant, it is essential that you look after your body for the health of you and your baby. While this may mean adopting new, healthy habits, it also means letting go of harmful ones that may have been part of your routine before becoming pregnant.

It is recommended that you kick the following habits as soon as you find out that you are pregnant:

• Smoking and using tobacco products
• Not getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night
• Leading an inactive lifestyle
• Eating an unhealthy diet
• Taking on a lot of stress

Sleep Safety Tips for Newborns

According to the CDC, sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is one of the leading causes of death for babies less than one year old. There isn't much information about what specifically causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other forms of SUID. But, as the name suggests, these deaths often occur during sleep.

Fortunately, parents can help to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths by using the following tips:

• Place your baby on his or her back for bedtime and naps.

• Always lay your baby on a firm, flat sleep surface.

• Keep your baby’s crib free of soft items such as blankets, pillows and stuffed animals.

• Keep your baby’s crib or bassinet in the same room where you sleep until the baby reaches six months of age.

Maternity Services in Northeast Ohio

At Southwest General Health Center, we are prepared to work closely with you to have the most optimal birthing experience possible. Helping patients welcome new members to their families is one of the most joyous services we provide, and our compassionate staff is honored to play a role in this tremendous journey.

To learn more about our services for expectant mothers or to schedule an appointment, visit our website.