How to reduce the risk of stillbirth
Reduce the risk of a stillbirth A stillbirth is described as the loss of a baby before or after birth. Most people confuse it having a miscarriage but stillbirths tend
Reduce the risk of a stillbirth
A stillbirth is described as the loss of a baby before or after birth. Most people confuse it having a miscarriage but stillbirths tend to happen in the later trimesters of pregnancy. In cases where the child is lost while still in the womb, labour has to be induced to save the mother’s life. At this point the sex of the child might have already been determined by ultrasound.
Here are a few important tips to help expectant families prevent stillbirths:
Refrain from alcohol and drugs.
These substances seriously affects your child’s development and increase your chances of losing them. Smoking can also cause the same effects as drinking.
Check your health
Ensure you are in good health before trying to conceive. If you have any health issues they should be addressed before you consider housing an infant in your body. This helps greatly in the journey of trying to deliver a healthy baby. It is also good for the mother as there is less strain.
Rhesus factor
Consider your rhesus factors before having a child. During pregnancy, being Rh-negative can be problematic if your child is Rh-positive. If your blood and your baby’s blood mix, your body produces antibodies that can damage your baby’s red blood cells. This could cause your baby to develop anemia and other problems.
Pre-natal care
Attend all of your appointments at the doctor’s so any problems can be fixed fast. Regular antenatal visits help monitor the developmental progress of the baby and if there’s anything wrong.
Report any spotting
Let your doctor know about any vaginal bleeding/ spotting or stomach pains on the same day they occur.
Baby movement and sleeping position
Be conscious of your baby’s movements in the womb and report any strange happenings to your health provider. Try not to sleep on your back but rather on your side. Sleeping on your back past the first trimester puts a strain on your back and intestines. This increases the risks of you having breathing problems, hemorrhoids or intestinal issues.
Take care what you eat
Some foods are not good for pregnant women. One should research about them and remove them from their diet. Some are mould ripened sort cheeses, raw meats and raw shellfish See here for more foods you should avoid while pregnant.