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Healthy Pregnancy Habits
By Liz Pickett
We know today more than ever how important it is for women to take good care of themselves during pregnancy. What some pregnant women may not know is how important it is to take care of their teeth and heart.
In order to take care of your heart during pregnancy, there are a few things you should do:
• Eat a balanced diet of healthy foods and drink plenty of water
• Quit smoking
• Tell your doctor or midwife about all medications and supplements you are taking
• Exercise (speak with your healthcare provider for recommendations)
There is a reason why your care provider takes your blood pressure at each prenatal visit. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases up to 40%. This can contribute to high blood pressure. High blood pressure may lead to a complication in pregnancy called pre-eclampsia, also known as toxemia. Because high blood pressure constricts the blood vessels, it becomes difficult for the fetus to grow properly . In some of these cases, a pre-term delivery may be necessary. Babies that are born pre-term may have underdeveloped lungs and other problems.
Contact your care provider if you experience any of these pre-eclamptic symptoms:
• blurry vision
• headaches
• stomachaches.
If you have existing heart or blood pressure problems, you should report that as well. Pre-existing heart conditions may worsen during pregnancy.
Good oral health during pregnancy is of utmost importance, too. If you do not take proper care of your teeth, you may develop bleeding gums. This is a sign of gingivitis. Pregnancy aggravates this condition and can cause you to have swollen and sensitive gums. Pregnant women may also experience an overgrowth of gum tissue which appears as deep red lumps.
It is not uncommon for pregnant women to have cravings for ice cream and other sweet desserts. Unfortunately, too many sweets and improper oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease. If this infection goes untreated, it can cause tooth decay. Tooth decay can trigger the body to produce hormones that can start labor prematurely. This can lead to a baby being born too soon.
The good news is all of these symptoms can be prevented by maintaining proper oral health. Some things to remember:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily and limit your intake of simple carbohydrates to mealtimes only.
• Try to avoid sugary snacks - whole grains and vegetables are better choices
• Drink more water or low-fat or skim milk.
• Avoid carbonated beverages during pregnancy
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash (without alcohol) to help fight tooth decay
• Visit the dentist on a regular basis (tell the dentist if you are pregnant to avoid unnecessary x-rays or other procedures that could harm baby)
By remembering these simple things and practicing good oral and heart health during your pregnancy, you will give your baby a better start in life.
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