Let’s be real—every pregnant woman has her worries, whether it’s about what she eats, what she does, or even what she breathes. It’s all about wanting the best for that little one on the way! As a genetic counselor, I chat with soon-to-be moms all the time, helping them navigate the do’s and don’ts for a healthy pregnancy.
Just the other day, I was enjoying lunch with my friend, Sarah, who’s expecting twins. Yep, twins! As a first-time mom, she had tons of questions. “Is it true that if I eat lots of dark leafy greens and whole grains, my babies will be safe from spina bifida? I’ve heard folic acid is crucial. Is that right?” she asked. “Absolutely!” I replied. “Making sure you get enough folic acid early in your pregnancy—at least 400 mcg daily—can reduce the risk of spinal cord defects by as much as 70%. Crazy, right?” The surprised look on her face was priceless. “70%? Wow, I had no idea!” she exclaimed. “I’ve been taking my prenatal vitamins religiously. What else can I do?”
1. Prioritize Folic Acid
Let’s break it down for all the parents-to-be out there. Did you know that one of the most preventable causes of developmental issues in babies is alcohol consumption during pregnancy? “It’s shocking, but simply avoiding alcohol can completely eliminate this risk. Many people don’t realize how serious it is,” I explained. “And the stats are pretty alarming—about 1 in 100 babies in the U.S. are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.” Sarah smiled, relieved that she hadn’t had any drinks in months.
2. Avoid Alcohol
Then she asked, “Is there anything else I should avoid to help my babies?” “Well, how far along are you?” I checked. “I’m about eight and a half weeks,” she replied. “Perfect! You should also be cautious about hyperthermia, which is when your body temperature goes over 102°F. This can lead to issues like spina bifida, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy. So, steer clear of hot tubs and make sure to monitor your temperature if you’re feeling ill,” I advised.
3. Monitor Body Temperature
As we wrapped up lunch, Sarah shared, “This is all such valuable info. I’m so glad I have you to turn to for guidance!” It’s moments like these that remind me how important it is for women to have access to reliable information during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you ever have questions about what you’re eating, drinking, or any medications you’re taking while pregnant, don’t hesitate to seek resources. For example, our blog on baby development month by month can provide you with more insights. And if you’re considering home insemination, check out the amazing folks over at Make a Mom, who have great kits to support your journey. Plus, Parents.com offers excellent resources about what to expect with your first insemination.
Summary
In summary, maintaining a healthy pregnancy involves being mindful of nutrition like folic acid intake, avoiding alcohol, and monitoring body temperature to prevent birth defects. Surrounding yourself with reliable resources and support will make this journey a lot smoother!