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By Kathrina
Mora Abad
HAVING a baby
is a momentous occasion for most women. For some though, especially
first-time moms, “expecting” is as much cause for anxiety as it
is for delight. This is probably because they are about to tread
uncharted territory. To avoid undue worry it is best to follow these
helpful tips for women who are on the “baby way.”
• Any
mom-to-be should consciously eat a balanced diet. This would mean 3
to 5 servings of vegetables, 2 to 4 helpings of fruits, 3 to 4
portions of protein and meat, 6 to 11 servings of grains and 4 to 6
rations of milk and milk products. Dieting is definitely a no-no
while you’re pregnant. Remember, what you take in is for your baby
and for yourself as well.
• It would
also help if women on the “baby way” would engage in physical
activities. Walking, swimming and other light to moderate exercises
can help enhance your core muscles and do wonders on your posture.
• Pregnant
women should also be wary of inhaling or coming into contact with
insecticides, chemicals, cleaning solutions, paint and other toxic
materials. Besides these, those who are expecting must refrain from
smoking cigarettes or even exposing themselves to secondhand smoke.
Smoking has been said to result in tubal pregnancies, miscarriages,
infertility, childhood morbidity and mortality.
• Although
relaxing in a sauna or hot tub is perfect to ease tired muscles, it
is recommended that pregnant women avoid these during the entire
term. Too much heat may prove harmful to expectant mothers.
• Another
condition expectant mothers should look out for is melasma. It is
distinguished by dark brown, grayish patches on the skin especially
on sun-exposed areas like the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. The
dark patches often appear on both sides of the face in a nearly
identical pattern, with the patches being any shade from tan to deep
brown. This skin problem frequently occurs during pregnancy and is
also called “the mask of pregnancy.” A topical medication
available that effectively treats melasma combines three active
ingredients in one formulation: Floucinolone acetonide (0.01
percent), Hydroquinone (4 percent) and Tretinoin (0.05 percent).
While proven effective, treatment with this drug should only start
after delivery and after nursing the baby.
Expecting a
baby should be a moment any woman should love! With a little grasp
on the basics, hopefully, it could be a worry-free moment as well.
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