by Vaishali Pransi

Created on: May 27, 2010   Last Updated: May 28, 2010

New era women often avoid getting pregnant thinking that they are not ready financially, socially, physically and psychologically. There are always more complications and risk associated with pregnancy after 40.

The first step towards improving maternal health is to make people aware by doing promotions through newspaper, television and radio.

Explain it clearly that what they should not do and what they should do to not only save their pregnancy but to have a overall healthy pregnancy. Try to plan everything. Considering your mental state, age and other health aspects. It is advisable to plan out your pregnancy.

Planning your pregnancy will increase your chances to have

·  Early conception

·  a healthy baby

·  less complications

·  pleasant birthing experience

·  avoid future health problems for your child

Now the next question is what to plan and how to plan. In short what all includes in planning a pregnancy.

Pre –pregnancy precautions:

Avoid smoking and alcohol: If you are planning to get pregnant, the first step is to avoid smoking and alcohol, make your partner to do the same. Smoking is hazardous we all know, it is worse for a pregnant woman. 

Babies born from smoking mothers tend to have various breathing disorders and reduced body weight as compared to others. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of miscarriage.

Maintain your weight: If you are planning to have a baby, experts suggest having a healthy weight. Women with healthy weight improve chances of getting pregnant as compared with obese or underweight women. Obesity leads to greater risk of suffering from insulin resistance.

Test for German measles, chicken pox and hepatitis B: Consult your health provider about vaccinations for all these diseases. This can be diagnosed by taking a blood test. This will help your health provider to know about your immune systemand suggest things to you accordingly.

Folic acid supplements: While planning a pregnancy, you should take enough of folic acid supplement as it helps to synthesize DNA, repair DNA and methyl ate DNA. It also helps in preventing birth defects (neutral tube, brain and spine).

Food and diet: Adopting a healthy life style and eating habits will help you to have an easier journey of pregnancy and further to deliver a healthy baby. Include adequate amount of fruits, veggies, water and folic acid in your daily

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