Healthy Tips for Older Mom To Be

I got pregnant when I was in my late 30's. It was an exciting feeling but at the same time a little worried since getting pregnant at that age is considered "high risk." I took the risk of not having an amniocentesis (also referred to as amniotic fluid test)because of some possible complications can result to miscarriage. (but if I get pregnant again, I will surely get this test) Luckily, I had a happy and healthy pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Now she's almost six.

Here are some tips to decrease the risks:

*Get at least 400mg of folic acid each day to prevent birth defects - even before you get pregnant. Eat portified cereals or take multivitamin with this nutrient.
*See your Dr. right away to begin prenatal care. Regular visits will help detect and treat any problems quickly.
*Stay at a healthy weight. You can do this by eating right- stock up on fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Ask your Dr. how to exercise safely.
*Don't smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs. This can cause long term harm to your child.
*Talk with your doctor about genetic counseling and testing. Screening precedures can help you assess your baby's risk for birth defects and make informed decisions.

Eat Well, Play Well

Healthy eating supports an active body. Being active encourages healthy eating. Feeling and looking your best every day is a result of eating well plus playing well. In other words, one can't exist withour the other. Many great athletes are the result of natural talent, lots of practice, and a nutritious diet. Athletes discover, and we do too, that when any part of the equation is missing, usually we feel tired, lose focus, and become a little grumpy too. Our moods, our ability to concentrate and our overall performance can often be linked to lack of sleep, too much stress, too little exercise, and eating hit-or-miss meals throughout the day. If this sounds like you, or your child, get back on track right away and stast feeling better today!