Healthy Pregnancy Starts Early
At Newman Regional Health, about 350 babies are delivered each year. It is our desire that each of those babies and their mothers have the healthiest pregnancy and delivery possible – leading to a lifetime of health and happiness. Dr Kaitlin Tennyson discusses the importance of a healthy start before you are pregnant.
Heather Aylward, Director of Nursing at Newman Regional Health, says healthy pregnancy begins before conception.
“We really want moms to get healthy before they think about getting pregnant,” Aylward said. “It is really good to get healthy before the pregnancy and begin taking prenatal vitamins. We want mom to focus her health so she is ready for a pregnancy.”
Before pregnancy, take a vitamin supplement that has 400 micrograms of folic acid in it every day. During pregnancy, the amount of folic acid should increase to 600 micrograms. Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects. Neural Tube Defects happen in the first month of pregnancy, before you may know that you’re pregnant. That is why it’s important to have enough folic acid in your body before you get pregnant.
Educate Yourself to achieve a healthy start
Seeking prenatal care from a physician early in the pregnancy increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Your primary care provider can guide you through your pregnancy related health concerns and provide education about maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It is easy to schedule an appointment through our website or by calling 620-343-2376. Learn more about the Newman Regional Health Primary Care providers.
Being pregnant and having a baby is a wonderful experience, yet it can be scary, too! Whether you are experiencing a pregnancy for the first time or the fourth time, each experience is different and can create new challenges and concerns. The more you can learn with each pregnancy, the better you will be able to care for yourself and your baby and the healthier you both will be.
Preventing Birth Defects
Key points from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Birth defects can happen for many reasons. You cannot prevent all birth defects.
- You can take steps before and during pregnancy to help you and your baby be as healthy as you can be.
- Staying healthy during pregnancy can help give you and your baby a great start.
Talk with your healthcare provider
(Source: CDC) If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talking with your healthcare provider is an important step. Regular visits with your provider before and during pregnancy are important.
Try to keep all prenatal care appointments. Be sure to talk with your provider about:
- Medical conditions (such as diabetes, obesity) that may affect pregnancy.
- Whether anyone in your family has a birth defect.
- Medicines you take, and before starting or stopping any medicine.
- Vaccinations recommended during pregnancy.
Avoid harmful substances
(Source: CDC) Using nicotine-containing products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or vape cartridges), drinking alcohol, or using illicit drugs can cause problems during pregnancy. This includes premature birth, birth defects, and infant death.
If you cannot stop drinking, smoking, or using drugs, get help. Resources are available. Talk to your healthcare provider, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or find a local support group, like Alcoholics Anonymous.
Take care of your overall health
(Source: CDC) An important part of having a healthy pregnancy is meeting your health needs.
- Prevent infections, such as COVID-19 and cytomegalovirus.
- Take care of existing health conditions, such as diabetes.
- Treat fevers higher than 101oF.
- Avoid hot tubs or other environments that might cause overheating.
- Try to keep a healthy weight.
Wait Between Pregnancies
The March of Dimes advises that women should wait at least 18 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again.
“We are working with the March of Dimes to let women know they should wait 18 months between pregnancies,” Aylward said. “There is a four times greater risk of early birth if you wait less than six months between pregnancies. We want to prevent prematurity.”
Premature babies are more likely to have health problems and have to stay in the hospital longer than babies born at full term. Healthy babies are worth the wait.
Becoming a Mom classes will help you learn more about your pregnancy
- Interact with other pregnant women
- Share your experiences and concerns
- Learn more about common pregnancy experiences
- Learn more about labor and delivery
- Learn how to be successful with breastfeeding
- Learn how to calm your baby
- Wait Between Pregnancies
Childbirth at Newman Regional Health
As an expectant mother, you want the very best medical care to ensure that your baby is born healthy and that you stay strong enough to care for your newborn. At Newman Regional Health, we offer private rooms which allow for an ideal setting during your special and very intimate time.
When you choose the Women’s Life Center at Newman Regional Health, you’re choosing to give birth in a compassionate and comfortable environment. Our team of the most dedicated providers and nurses work together to deliver quality, attentive care for you and your baby.
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/Gyn)
At Newman Regional Health in Emporia, Kansas, we have several board-certified physicians who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/Gyn) to take care of women through every stage of life. We handle all types of pregnancies with compassion and enthusiasm and provide a wide range of gynecological care.
- Vaginal Birth
- Cesarean section
- High-risk pregnancy care
- Miscarriage
- Pregnancy ultrasound
- Premature labor and delivery
- Prenatal care
