Congratulations you are pregnant!!! Now your body has to tend to your needs and those of another human growing within you. This means more work for your body, or isn’t that so?
There appears to be a rising trend in heart diseases in pregnancy and here are a few things you must know.
1) Pregnancy comes with some challenges.
2) Pre-existing health conditions can worsen in pregnancy.
3)New health conditions can develop as a result of pregnancy.
What then can you do?
1) Your body should be ready for pregnancy before you take in. Talk to your doctor. You might need pre-conceptional care .In some health conditions pregnancy is not advised.
2) Receive care with a qualified and experienced doctor. Remember that the age of a doctor doesn’t exactly translate to expertise .
3) The advantages of a well equipped hospital cannot be over emphasized.
4) Go for your hospital check ups and do all necessary tests.
5) Talk to your doctor about known diseases in your family and your preexisting health status.
6)Maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Pregnancy is not a license to careless feeding.
7) Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
8) Get enough rest.Ask for help when you need to.You are not Hulk Horgan.Stop impressing anyone( special note to new wives).
9) Go to the hospital once you notice and unusual symptoms.
10) Have a good support system.
11) Deliver in a hospital with adequate infrastructures and manpower.
12) Even after delivery, see your doctor and report and untoward development. Heart disease related to pregnancy can even develop after you have delivered your baby.
Did I forget to mention limited salt and sea salt( kanwa) intake?
This list is not exhaustive.
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Got more questions?
Talk to your doctor.
By Dr Nwigwe Chinwendu
