Prenatal Care Recommendations
Consequences of Harmful Substances
Organogenesis is the most sensitive stage of development of the embryo, during weeks 3-9. Developmental deviations are more likely to occur if the mother is consuming teratogenic substances. Teratogens are agents that can potentially cause a birth defect or negatively alter cognitive or behavioral outcomes such as, Prescription or Nonprescription Drugs--Caffeine--Alcohol--Nicotine--Cocaine--Methamphetamine--Marijuana--Heroin.
Diet, Nutrition, and Exercise for the Mother
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that pregnant women consume a minimum of 400 micrograms of folic acid per day. Examples of food that are high in folic acid include orange juice and spinach. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube effects in offspring, such as spina bifida. Other important vitamins and minerals that are important for pregnant woman are Calcium, Iron, and Vitamin D.
Eat up to 12 ounces of fish a week, but make sure to be cautious of high levels of mercury or pollution in the meat. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend not eating these types of fish while carrying a baby: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tile-fish. The types of fish that are recommended are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock, and catfish.
Do not overeat, it can program the developing fetus to have an increased appetite and become overweight when they mature.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends pregnant women to exercise at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. The ideal workout gets your heart pumping, keeps you limber, manages weight gain, and prepares your muscles without causing undue physical stress for you or the baby.
Caloric Intake
First Trimester-does not usually need an increase in calories
Second Trimester-Increase to 350 calories more a day
Third Trimester-500 calories
Organogenesis is the most sensitive stage of development of the embryo, during weeks 3-9. Developmental deviations are more likely to occur if the mother is consuming teratogenic substances. Teratogens are agents that can potentially cause a birth defect or negatively alter cognitive or behavioral outcomes such as, Prescription or Nonprescription Drugs--Caffeine--Alcohol--Nicotine--Cocaine--Methamphetamine--Marijuana--Heroin.
Diet, Nutrition, and Exercise for the Mother
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that pregnant women consume a minimum of 400 micrograms of folic acid per day. Examples of food that are high in folic acid include orange juice and spinach. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube effects in offspring, such as spina bifida. Other important vitamins and minerals that are important for pregnant woman are Calcium, Iron, and Vitamin D.
Eat up to 12 ounces of fish a week, but make sure to be cautious of high levels of mercury or pollution in the meat. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend not eating these types of fish while carrying a baby: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tile-fish. The types of fish that are recommended are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock, and catfish.
Do not overeat, it can program the developing fetus to have an increased appetite and become overweight when they mature.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends pregnant women to exercise at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. The ideal workout gets your heart pumping, keeps you limber, manages weight gain, and prepares your muscles without causing undue physical stress for you or the baby.
Caloric Intake
First Trimester-does not usually need an increase in calories
Second Trimester-Increase to 350 calories more a day
Third Trimester-500 calories
Stress
A pregnant mother's emotions may affect her fetus. Pregnant woman with high levels of stress are at an increased risk for having a child with emotional problems, cognitive problems, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and language delay. Negative emotional stress can lead to a higher rate of premature birth and low birth weight.
In other words: Keep your stress down by participating in activities that decrease emotional stress for a healthier baby!
Remember- a mother's habits will affect her offspring for the rest of their life! Make the most educated decisions today, so that your child will have the best chance possible of a healthy birth.
A pregnant mother's emotions may affect her fetus. Pregnant woman with high levels of stress are at an increased risk for having a child with emotional problems, cognitive problems, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and language delay. Negative emotional stress can lead to a higher rate of premature birth and low birth weight.
In other words: Keep your stress down by participating in activities that decrease emotional stress for a healthier baby!
Remember- a mother's habits will affect her offspring for the rest of their life! Make the most educated decisions today, so that your child will have the best chance possible of a healthy birth.