Pregnancy is a delicate phase when even a minor mistake can pose maternal and fetal risks. Recent CDC statistics indicate a sharp rise in maternal death rates in 2021, with 1,205 American women dying of maternal causes. The numbers are disconcerting, considering there were far fewer maternal deaths in 2018 (658), 2019 (754), and 2020 (861).
The rise in maternal deaths was due to the pandemic, but it surely rings warning bells. Fetal complications are an even bigger concern, as surveys show that birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies in the US. That makes up about 3% of all babies. Fortunately, many maternal deaths and fetal complications are preventable. If women are a little more careful, they can make a difference in the outcomes of their pregnancies.
The best thing you can do as an expectant mother is to be regular with your checkups and pay attention to your gynecologist’s advice. Additionally, sticking with common sense rules can protect your baby from unwanted risks and harm. While you may get tons of advice from books, blogs, and other moms, some valuable tips may slip through the cracks.
Let us share a few gynecologist-recommended fetal health secrets every pregnant woman should know.
Take Your Daily Dose of Folic Acid
When it comes to pregnancy nutrition, you need more than a balanced diet to support a healthy fetus. Folic acid is perhaps the most important nutrient as it can lower the risk of spina bifida in the unborn baby. You must take your daily dose during pregnancy, but your gynecologist would expect you to start taking it a month before conception. It can give you a head start with a healthy pregnancy.
Fortunately, there are plenty of food sources of folate you can integrate into your diet. These include leafy greens, asparagus, legumes, eggs, beef, and citrus fruits. You can take a supplement to make up for the dietary deficiency of folate. Remember to check the supplement label to ensure it has the recommended daily value.
Ditch the Unnecessary Painkillers
Pregnancy and pain are synonymous, as at least one-third of women deal with lower back aches due to the changes in the body. You may want to pop a pill to relieve the pain, but it can affect your baby in several ways. Your gynecologist wants you to know the implications, even if they may recommend a painkiller after a careful comparison of risks and benefits.
Consider the example of Tylenol, a common over-the-counter painkiller that was once considered safe for pregnant women. Recent research counters the belief by establishing a link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and the risk of autism in newborns. The law permits a parent to file a Tylenol lawsuit for autism against the manufacturer for not warning pregnant women about the risk it poses.
The TorHoerman Law team states that victims can claim damages between $50,000 and $500,000 to cover the cost of treatment, pain and suffering, and financial damages. The settlement amount depends on factors such as the severity of diagnoses, quality of evidence, and damages claimed.
Get Necessary Prenatal Testing
Prenatal testing is another thing your gynecologist wants you to be aware of. It can help you identify the risks of birth defects for the unborn baby. Factors such as age, abnormalities in your ultrasound, a genetic or chromosomal disorder in the family, and a history of a birth defect in a sibling compound the risk and necessitate prenatal testing.
Although genetic testing cannot change the outcomes of the pregnancy, it enables you to make informed decisions. For instance, you may decide to terminate the pregnancy or prepare yourself to raise a special child if your test shows a genetic abnormality.
Manage Your Diet
Did you know that over 50% of American women are already overweight or obese when entering pregnancy? Following the advice of “eating for two” can lead to excess weight gain, which is the last thing your gynecologist wants to deal with. Gaining too much weight elevates the risk for complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, and C-section delivery.
An extra 300 calories is all you need in the second trimester, and the requirement goes up to an extra 500 calories in the third trimester. Besides counting your calories, you must avoid unhealthy foods such as sugar, colas, fats, and processed junk. The right diet can be great for fetal health.
Summing Up
Your gynecologist will have valuable tips and recommendations during every prenatal checkup. Be ready to embrace them and enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Beyond the tried and tested pieces of advice, follow these easy secrets to maximizing fetal health. They can make your pregnancy a breeze.
