MODULE 1

A Healthy Beginning

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Risk and recommandations associated with the usage of medicine

RISKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USAGE OF MEDICINE
Name of medecine	Risks for the foetus	Recommendations
Antacids (ex: Tums, Rolaids, Maalox)
	Probably without risk if used occasionally.	Consult your health care provider before taking these medications.
Antimistamines (medication for colds and allergies)
	We don't have much knowledge about the risks associated with using these medications during pregnancy.	Consult your health care provider before taking these medications.
Laxatives
	Products rich in fibre. (ex.:. Metamucil) are not dangerous.	Consult your health care provider before taking these medications.
Medication against vomiting (ex: Gravol, Diclectin)
	These medications do not present all the same risks for the foetus.	USE ONLY with your health care provider's permission.
Pain relief medicine
Over the counter medication with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) ex: Aspirin, Bufferin, Anacin or anti-inflammatory pills (ex: Advil, Motrin). Over the counter medication with acetaminophen (ex: Tylenol, Atasol). Over the counter medication with codeine (ex: 222, Tylenol with codeine)	Without risk if used occasionally. Probably without risk if used occasionally.	Use occasionally. Consult your health care provider before using regularly. Do not take more than recommended dosage. Do not use any medications with ASA or anti-inflammatory pills (ex: Advil, Motrin) during the last trimester. Consult your health care provider before taking codeine containing products or others narcotics.
Sleeping pills
	The risk for the baby depends on the type of sleeping pills. If taken frequently, the baby could have respiratory problems at birth and show signs of withdrawal.	DO NOT USE unless recommended by your health care provider. You may require help to stop using sleeping pills if you use them regularly.
Tranquilizers (ex: Valium, Ativan)
	If tranquillizers are used regularly the baby could have respiratory problems at birth and show signs of withdrawal.	DO NOT USE unless recommended by your health care provider. You may require help to stop using tranquillizers if you use them regularly.

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Damages caused by alcohol and their consequences

DAMAGES CAUSED BY ALCOHOL AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES
Damages caused by alcohol	Long-term consequences
growth and devopmental delays intellectual defiency learning disabilities hyperactivity physical incapacity attention deficiency and memory loss inability to control anger difficulties solving problems head and brain malformations nervous disorders	early school dropout alcohol and drug problems difficulties finding or keeping a job homeless problems (being without a home) trouble with the law inappropriate sexual behavior mental health problems

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LAB TEST
Name	Purpose
Haemoglobin	This test verifies your blood's ability to absorb the proper amount of iron and oxygen.
Blood group & antibody screening	This test determines your blood type and your RH factor (rhesusO) and it also detects irregular antibodies in your blood.
Rubella titer	This blood test verifies if you are immunized against rebella (German measles).
Hepatitis B surface antigen	This blood test indicates if you have come in contact with the hepatitis B virus.
VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboraty) test	This blood test reveals if you have been in contact with syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection.
Urine test	This test is used to verify the quantity of sugar and protein in your urine. It also detect any urine infection.
Papanicolaou or Pap test	This test is done to detect cevical cancer or infection.
Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV)	This blood test verifies the presence of the HIV virus which is responsible for AIDS.

LES TESTS DE LABORATOIRE
Nom du test	Raisons

D. BUYING FOR THE BABY

Assuring the baby's security is the parents' responsibility. Babies cannot recognize danger. You must consider security and comfort when you are purchasing new or used items for your baby or when you receive a gift. There are many items for babies on the market but only a few are essential.

If you receive or buy a used article for your baby, make sure that it is safe, solid, and in good condition. Check to be sure there are no missing parts, cracks, sharp edges, loose parts, holes, or spaces large enough for the baby to get caught.

Articles sold for babies in Canada are subjected to certain standards. Make sure that the manufacturer's instructions are included and that the article is not the object of a recall. A label containing information on the manufacturer should be attached permanently to the product that you buy or receive as a gift. For more information about the security of baby products, consult Health Canada's web site.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/index-eng.php

The security of baby products will be discussed later in Unit 8 entitled The Healthy Family.

Read more about D. BUYING FOR THE BABY

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy is a privileged moment filled with promises and changes. It can be a happy time but also a time of worry. It is a good time to begin a new, healthy lifestyle that will be beneficial for you, your baby, and your family.

The more information you have about your pregnancy, the more you will learn and the more self confidence you will have. You will be able to enjoy this special time and hold on to souvenirs that you will be able to share later with your child.

Take care of yourself. Let your close ones spoil you and share with them these precious moments of your pregnancy.

Enjoy a healthy pregnancy!