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Preconception
care: Pregnancy preparedness makes sense, because many pregnancies are
unexpected. Important genetic developments in the embryo occur before a woman
realizes that she is pregnant; therefore maintaining a healthy lifestyle before
pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications later on in the pregnancy.
·
Preconception
visit - Diet, life style, medical history and medication (to be treated
before pregnant), use of birth control,
genetic disease in family, past pregnancies, Contraception history.
·
Vitamin
folic acid and iron supplement. 400 micrograms folic acid supplement every day.
Should be started 3 months before getting pregnant to prevent neural tube
defects.
·
Taking
balanced diet. Diet rich in green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, fish oil,
citrus fruits.
·
Achieving
healthy body weight, Immunization, Exercise, Stress management (rest, positive
thinking, relaxation), Avoid smoking, recreational drug, excess intake of
caffeine. Avoid contact with toxic substances.
Aspects of prepregnancy care
·
Exercise
& Relaxation
·
Diet
·
Avoid
exposure to pollutants
·
Avoid
exposure to infections
·
Avoid
Hazards
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Condition Condition
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Problem in pregnancy
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Preconception advice
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Obesity
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Neural tube defects, Diabetes,
Cesarean section, High blood pressure
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Reduce the weight
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Smoking
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Low birth weight, Preterm birth
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Stop smoking
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Diabetes
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Miscarriage, Macrosomia, Birth
defects
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Control blood sugar
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Folic acid deficiency
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Neural tube defects
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Folic acid supplementation
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Alcohol
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Fetal alcohol syndrome Other
syndrome
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Stop taking alcohol
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Epilepsy
|
Some epilepsy medication can cause
fetal abnormality
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Medication adjustment
|
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Hypertension
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Increased risk of preeclampsia
Kidney problems
Fetal growth retardation
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Control blood pressure
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Sexuallv transmitted infections
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Mental retardation
Blindness
Fetal death & disability
transmission to baby
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Early diagnosis and treatment
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Hypothyroidism
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Affects the neurological
development
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Adjust the thyroid medication
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Dental caries
Gingivitis
Oral health
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Preterm delivery
Preterm labour
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Oral hygiene
Regular dental visits
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Birth education
Teach about signs of pregnancy: Headache, Fatigue, Breast swelling
and tenderness, Food aversions, Sensitivity to smells, Frequent urination,
Nausea and vomiting, Shortness of breath and Physical changes.
Weight gain during pregnancy, Nutrition, Exercise.
Stages of prenatal development
Preparation for labor (The relaxation and coping skills,
Breathing technique, Effleurage), signs of labour.
Types of delivery, Birth process (stages of labour).
Newborn care - Breast feeding, Immunization.
Signs and symptoms of complication.
Benefits of preconception care
Increased fertility
Healthy conception, pregnancy and birth
Reduced risk of miscarriage, premature birth or abnormality
Less complications
Improve the success rate of IVF
Increased chance of natural birth
Reduced risk of post-natal depression
Successful and long term breast-feeding
Preparing for parenthood
Accept the pregnancy
Accept the baby
Nesting -preparing the nursery, shop for baby furniture,
clothes, and choosing name. Supportive to the women and listen to her
concern
Sibling preparation
Parenthood Preparation
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Physical Preparation
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Psychological Preparation
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Financial preparation
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Age — more than 18 years for girls
& 21 years in boys. Diet- should not be anemic or malnourished.
No hazards exposure
Free of infection - rubella
Avoidance of contraceptive pills-
discontinue the use before 6 months.
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Mentally couple should prepare to
have baby
Loved secured
Away from violence
Satisfactory relationship
Mature enough by brain
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The couple should prepare
themselves to meet the increasing need of finances for the care required
during pregnancy, delivery and the entry of newcomer (newborn)
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