Making Healthy Babies

Most of us believe babies are a boon and almost everyone desires to be

parent. However, a lot of pregnancies are unplanned and you need to
know that your health, both before and during pregnancy, will determine
the health of the baby to be born. So how can you make sure that your
baby is born healthy?

1. Vital Vitamins -It is medically recommended that all women who

are sexually active and those who are pregnant take their Folic acid
pills without fail. Folic acid ( a type of vitamin B) can be taken
along with Vitamin D3 to prevent the birth of babies with neural
tube defects. Vitamins can also help to prevent miscarriage, pre-
term births, preeclampsia and autism in babies and help to
maintain BP during pregnancy.
2. Go Organic – Try to eat food that are healthy, natural and organic.
While it may not be practical to completely shift to organic foods, it
must be remembered that the pesticides in the food that you
consume can affect the neurological and hormonal health of your
baby. The least that you can do is to avoid foods that have excessive
pesticide content.
3. Nay to Obesity –Try to maintain optimum weight, not just for
cosmetic reasons. It has been widely observed that heavier women
 tend to develop prenatal and birth-related complications and the
babies born to them are at a higher risk of developing a host of
medical conditions such as allergies, asthma, heart conditions,
obesity and diabetes. Therefore, if you are planning for a baby,
make sure that your food and lifestyle choices are healthy.
4. Clean Cosmetics – Most modern women do not step out without
applying basic makeup and that includes a foundation, powder,
eyeliner and a lipstick. Besides this, most women apply sunscreen,
hand and body lotion, foot creams and various other products which
they believe are necessary to sustain beauty. All these products
contain several toxic chemicals which are absorbed and
accumulated for several years by the largest organ of our body, the
skin. These toxins have a cumulative effect not only on the user but
also on the baby born to them. Always make your cosmetic choices
natural and toxin-free.
5. Mind that Mercury – Fish is a highly recommended source of
protein, but those that contain mercury, like tuna and other sea-
foods, must be avoided as mercury directly affects the neuro-
endocrine system of the baby.
6. De stress– Stress is related to 80% of all health problems. A
stressed or depressed mother is likely to contribute to the mental ill-
health of her offspring. So make sure that you distress by regularly
practising relaxation through meditation, yoga and other calming
techniques.
7. Gut-Feeling – Women having a healthy gut flora are likely to invest
well in their baby’s gut health. This can be done by avoiding
antibiotics and eating healthy foods, including probiotics.
8. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol – It is better for women who are
planning to have babies to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as
these habits have a deleterious effect on their health and on their
babies too.

http://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/k-way-health/making-healthy-babies/