MODULE 1
A Healthy Beginning
1. The Dangers of Cigarettes
Cigarettes can cause problems both to the mother and the child.
The dangers of cigarettes |
c. Cigarettes
If you are a smoker, there is no better time to quit. When you smoke, so does your baby. Think of what this means before lighting a cigarette.
Even if you don't smoke, secondhand smoke can harm your baby.
This is what happens to the baby when the mother smokes or breathes secondhand smoke.
Creating a Smoke Free Environment for Your Children
A video on the social impact of second-hand smoke on young families. Created by the Best Start Resource Centre
For information about stopping smoking, you can contact the Smokers Helpline.
Smokers' Helpline is a free, confidential service operated by the Canadian Cancer Society
offering support and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use
Website: www.smokershelpline.ca
Phone: 1-877-513-5333
b. Dental Care
Taking care of your teeth is very important during pregnancy. Pregnancy affects every part of your body including your teeth and gums. Plaque develops more rapidly and your gums can become red, sensitive, and infected. It is very important to brush and floss your teeth regularly.
It is recommended that you visit a dentist during your pregnancy. Don't forget to tell him/her that you are pregnant.
Continue to take care of your teeth after the birth of your baby. Your teeth, as well as those of your children, must last for life.
a. Diet
During pregnancy, your diet is important because you are also feeding your baby. You must, therefore, make good healthy food choices.
Certain pregnant women have more appetite and others less. It may happen that you crave for certain foods that you are not used to eating. Each woman's experience is unique.
The important thing is to eat a variety of healthy foods. By eating healthy, you will gain the necessary weight for your baby's proper development.
You will find more information about healthy eating during pregnancy in Module 5 entitled "Healthy Diet".
B. HEALTHY CHOICES
When you are expecting a baby, there are a lot of things to think about. There are also several choices to make. Should you change your eating habits? Can you travel without risk? Can you take medication? This section will give you the opportunity to think about these questions.
Test Your Knowledge
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This exercise will help you recognize the symptoms that should encourage you to consult your health care provider.
Click on the option button that matches the correct answer and validate your answer by clicking on the «Check« button.
1 |
Vaginal bleeding is normal during pregnancy. |
2 |
If a liquid other than blood flows from the vagina, you must see the doctor rapidly. |
3 |
Sudden swelling of the hands, feet, or face, during pregnancy is very disturbing. |
4 |
A major headache may be a symptom of a more serious problem. |
5 |
Dizzy spells are frequent during pregnancy. |
6 |
A pregnant woman who feels pain or a burning sensation while urinating should discuss this with her doctor. |
7 |
Having a chill or fever during pregnancy may be more serious than you think. |
8 |
At the end of the pregnancy, it is normal to feel the baby's movements less. |
9 |
Sight troubles such as blurred vision or seeing spots are disturbing symptoms during pregnancy. |
c. Major and Minor Concerns
Your body will change a lot during pregnancy. Most of these changes are normal and healthy. You can discuss these changes with the health care provider or nurse during your visits.
When all these changes are new to you, it may be difficult to distinguish between what is normal and what is not.
b. Other Prenatal Visits
The following visits will be shorter. We will check your weight and blood pressure and take a urine test. The health care provider will measure the height of your uterus to assure that your baby is developing properly and listen to the heartbeat. All these tests help to determine if you are healthy and to keep an eye on your baby's growth.
Each visit is a great occasion to ask questions. It is a good idea to prepare your list of questions before your appointment.
In addition to the regular tests done during the first visit, your health care provider may request other prenatal tests such as an Ultrasound scan , an Amniocentesis , or a Reactive nonstress test . If the health care provider orders one of these tests, be sure to ask why.
Ask your doctor the following questions.
Between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy you should have a test for gestational diabetes. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that only happens during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. Most women with GDM are able to control their blood sugar through diet and exercise, only a few women may need insulin. If you are diagnosed with GDM you will be followed closely by your health care provider.
Women who have had GDM are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. A blood glucose test should be performed between six weeks and six months after the baby is born.
http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/what/gestational/
A. A HEALTHY BEGINNING
A healthy pregnancy depends partially on prenatal care.
Good prenatal care begins with regular visits to your health care provider. If your health care provider cannot offer this care, he/she can tell you where this care is available. If you don't have a health care provider, check with your Regional Health Authority.
Horizon Health Network
Website: http://www.horizonnb.ca/
Phone: (506) 623-5500
Toll-Free: 1-888-820-5444
Vitalité Health Network
Website: www.santevitalitehealth.ca
Phone: (506) 544-2133
Toll-Free: 1-888-472-2220
In the New Life on-line prenatal program we use the term “health care provider” to mean professionals who offer primary health care services to pregnant women, parents and families.
a. The First Prenatal Visit
You probably have had the first prenatal visit. If not, make an appointment immediately. The first medical visit is usually longer than the following visits.
This visit consists of:
- A pregnancy test
- A pelvic and reproductive organ examination
- A complete physical check-up
The health care provider will listen to your heartbeat and check your blood pressure. Your height and weight will be recorded.
You will also have a conversation with your health care provider about your health and your family's health in order to establish your medical history.
During this first visit, the health care provider usually requests a series of lab tests. If you want more information about these tests and their purpose, consult the following table.