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B. Special needs and concerns of mother
1) Emotional: Mood swings, postpartum depression,
support systems
2) Nutrition: Adequate amounts of many nutrients
from the food pyramid are necessary to provide the building blocks for
the new baby and to keep mom healthy (See Tables
3-1, 3-2, 3-3)
3) Dental Care: Get checkups to ensure good
dental health and no infection
4) Avoid the following situations:
(a) Drugs: Prescription, over-the-counter (unless
approved by OB care provider), and street drugs should be avoided. All
drugs pass to the fetus, and, although they may be safe for adults, their
effect on the fetus is harmful or unknown.
(b) Alcohol: No safe intake level is known, so abstaining
from alcohol is encouraged. Alcohol has been proven to have effects on
the baby.
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(c) Tobacco: Decreases oxygen to mom and
baby and can decrease growth of baby. Ask OB provider about cessation classes.
(d) Radiation: Always tell radiologist you are pregnant.
X-rays that are not immediately necessary can be postponed.
5) Safer sex: Use of condoms during pregnancy
to prevent infection is imperative. You can continue with normal sexual
activity unless uncomfortable, painful, or OB care provider recommends
against it.
6) Exercise: Maintain level of exercise accomplished
in prepregnant state unless told by OB care provider that complications
of pregnancy or medical problems limit activity; passive muscle tightening
and relaxation, including Kegel
exercises, should be performed. |
