By: Steven C. Goldberg, M.D., FACOG
There aren’t words to describe how exciting it is to be preparing for the arrival of your new baby. Or how nerve-wracking. With an endless stream of advice and recommendations from experts, web sites, magazines, and well-meaning friends and family, it can be confusing to figure out how to give your child the best start in life. Here are five top tips for a healthy pregnancy, plus two exciting classes to help grandparents, family and caregivers learn how to take the best care of your precious addition.
• Get Up To Date On Vaccinations, Especially The Flu Shot: Getting vaccinated for the flu now, when flu season is beginning, is a must for a healthy pregnancy. If you haven’t had the tetanus pertussis vaccination in the past two years, make sure to get this vaccine after 22 weeks of pregnancy. Make sure everyone taking care of your baby is up to date with their vaccinations as well, especially Tdap, which protects against whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria.
• Eat Well & Don’t Forget Your Pre-Natal Vitamins: Have three well-balanced meals daily to nourish yourself and baby too. Prenatal vitamins balance your diet and help to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid helps protect against birth defects of your baby’s brain and spinal cord.
• Take Steps Not To Stress: Though many moms focus on the physical aspects of their pregnancy, having good mental health is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, too. Help reduce stress and clear the mind by making time for self-care, whether that means pre-natal yoga or other gentle exercise, napping, or a daily walk.
• Consider Genetic Testing: Pay special attention to prenatal tests offered to you during pregnancy, including genetic testing. It is important to know if you or your partner’s family has a history of genetic problems. Genetic testing can screen your baby for many disorders. Your ob-gyn call tell you if genetic testing might be right for you.
• Ask Your Doctor About Cord Blood Banking: Cord blood banking saves stem cell-rich cord blood for potential use later in your child’s life. Families, especially those with a history of some genetic traits, cancer or other disorders should ask their doctor how cord blood banking can be an invaluable resource for their loved ones.
Raritan Bay Medical Center is offering two classes in October to helpeveryone in your family prepare for the arrival of your newborn. A grandparents newborn care class will be held Thursday, October 6, and a basic newborn care class Wednesday, October 19, both 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.These classes provide helpful information about diapering, feeding, developing sleeping habits and more, are held at the Raritan Bay Area YMCA in Perth Amboy and cost $50 per couple. Sign up today by calling 1-800-DOCTORS.
Steven C. Goldberg, M.D., FACOG, is part of the Bay Obstetrics and Gynecology practice, affiliated with Raritan Bay Medical Center, a member of the Hackensack Meridian Health family and is chair of the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Raritan Bay. The Bay physicians are all board certified and provide comprehensive health care services for women of all ages. Office locations include the Medical Pavilion at Woodbridge, 740 Route 1 North, Iselin, NJ, and Suite 314, 3 Hospital Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ. To schedule an appointment, call 732.360.4080.
