Congratulations! Or not, depending on the circumstances. If you have waited for this moment with prayers and fasting, then all the more reasons for joy. We know that for some there may seem little reason for excitement, especially if this is the 8th or 9th or 10th...

Childern are a gift and all babies are precious. So let us focus this article on learning how to keep them.

1. Know the danger period www.naijaclinic.com

All infants have a danger period. During the 3rd to 8th week of life in the womb, organs are being formed. These organs are very vulnerable at this point and injuries suffered during this period often lead to early death or severe malformations. So what should a mother avoid during this period?

Medicine is a growing science. So what was considered safe today may not be tomorrow. Again it is difficult to conduct an experiment aimed identifying all substances that cause harm to babies. That would be unethical. What this means is that while some drugs are definitely banned during pregnancy, we are not sure of many others.

Generally doctors will only prescribe drugs during pregnancy only if absolutely neccesary or beneficial.

The moral of the story is this: if doctors are wary of using drugs for you during pregnancy, how much more the need for you to avoid self prescription? Especially during this danger period of early pregnancy is there the need to avoid needless drug use.

2. Know your LMP
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One of the questions you will tire of hearing during your pregnancy is when did you see your period last? Studies have shown than more than half of pregnant women may not know the date of their last period. Let this not be your lot.

Your last menstrual period is the first day of the last normal period you had. We say normal because some women will experience slight bleeding during early pregnancy. While this is normal, it should not be counted as a menstrual period. As soon as you test positive for the pregnancy, think back to your last period and write it down. A whole lot of decisions taken during your pregnancy will be based on this date.

3. Do a scan www.naijaclinic.com

You may have read our article on ectopic pregnancy. If not, see here. The conclusion of the article was the need to do a scan early in your pregnancy. It is cheap and may even be free in some centers. Demand for yours. It will help to support the dating of your pregancy and ensure it is in the right place.

4. Pregnancies to be reported immediately www.naijaclinic.com

Before the advent of modern medicine, pregnancy progressed naturally with minimal intervention. Our ancestors however did not have diseases such as HIV. For the good of everyone involved, especially the baby's, report to the doctor as soon as you are aware you are pregnant if you have any of the following

Diabetes

High sugar in your last pregnancy

Previous ectopic pregnancy

Human immunodeficiency virus infection

Viral hepatitis, other viral infections especially with rash and fever

Serious heart conditions such as heart failure

Kidney problems

Miscarriage occuring in first 4 months of your previous pregnancy(s)

This list is not exhaustive but you get the general idea. Serious illness and pregnancy needs a doctor as soon as possible.

5. Lifestyle www.naijaclinic.com

There may not be need for drastic changes in lifestyle. You do not for instance need to quit work.

You will need to stop alcohol and smoking though. Alcohol crosses to your baby and you can imagine the symptoms of a drunk baby. On a more serious note, alcohol and smoking impair your baby's growth. Quit them. Give your baby the same chance your parents gave you

See full story at http://www.naijaclinic.com/2014/11/now-that-you-are-pregnant-5-tips-every.html

You may also like these articles

Ectopic Prenancy: The World's Most Dangerous Baby is Here
http://www.naijaclinic.com/2014/10/ectopic-pregnancy-worlds-most-dangerous.html

Help! I lost my Period!!
http://www.naijaclinic.com/2014/11/help-i-lost-my-menses-amenorrhea.html

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CHEERS!