Have you heard that from conception to delivery you have a new friend that is part of your life? But WOW! What a day to remember when you meet him or her face to face for the first time. But let’s get to know what this beautiful present from GOD is all about!
First, he or she makes you sick every morning, then kicks you if they are hungry, or if you’re making too much noise or eating something that they do not like.
That’s funny but it’s real.
Ladies, it is important that we take good care of ourselves during this delicate time. In Chapter 5 of my book, The Truth About Parenting, I talk about the reasons why we must take care of ourselves especiallty when we’re pregnant.
The main reason is because there are many things we do that can possibly harm our babies. Research shows that there are many things that can cause birth defects. Let’s name a few and then we can talk about preventive methods.
According to the Cleveland Clinic,
A birth defect is something visibly abnormal, internally abnormal, or chemically
abnormal about your newborn baby’s body. The defect might be caused by
genetics, infection, radiation, or drug exposure, or there might be no known
reason. Examples of birth defects include phenylketonuria, sickle cell anemia
and Down syndrome.
What Are Birth Defects?
A birth defect is something abnormal about your newborn baby’s body. Every
four and a half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect.
A defect, which can affect almost any part of your baby’s body, can be caused by genetics or heredity, an infection that occurred during pregnancy and if you fall while pregnant.
How Do Genes and Chromosomes Affect Birth Defects?
About 20 percent of birth defects are caused by genetic or hereditary factors.
Three general categories:
- Chromosomal
- Single-gene defects
- Multifactorial
To prevent birth defects, you must commit to healthy choices and plan ahead. Here are several examples of making healthy choices while you’re pregnant:
- Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
- Avoid harmful substances.
- Avoid alcohol at anytime during pregnancy
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Keep diabetes under control
- Talk with your healthcare provider
Educate Yourself about the Reproductive System, for Both Males and Females
Following are a few websites you might want to visit for more information:
Women’s Reproductive Health: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/womensrh/index.htm
Reproductive Health: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/repro-health/index.cfm
Men’s Reproductive Health: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menshealth
What is so important about what our body is made of?
Well, I am glad that you asked. Parents, the unknown is what scares most of us. Knowledge in understanding, guidance, directions, leadership, a light in the darkness, and hope when there is no hope. Bad knowledge is a weapon. But wisdom is knowing how and when to use knowledge!
Knowing about your body gives you a sense of appreciation for yourself and others. Also, it can and will prevent some birth defects and saves us years of undeserved situations for our families. Knowing who you are better helps us understand our offspring, which is part of preparing to become effective parents.
Parents
Stay focused, Aim High, and Pray