Prenatal and Neonatal Reference: Expecting a Baby

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Table of Contents

The Top 10 Things to Do for Your Baby
The Top Things Not to Do When You Are Expecting a Baby
Helpful Sources to Refer To

The Top 10 Things to Do for Your Baby

Look After Yourself

It may sound selfish, but you should put yourself first as you are the whole world for your baby. Remember, you and your child are connected very directly. Make sure your physical, psychological, and emotional state is appropriate.

Healthy Diet

Your blood is literally the blood of your baby. Healthy food and sufficient water consumption are important for the healthy development of your child. Avoiding fatty and overly sweet food is essential.

Exercise

Keeping yourself in shape is vital. Regular exercises can ease childbirth and prevent possible problems after the child is born. However, physical activity during pregnancy requires caution. Consult a medical professional beforehand and follow their instructions carefully.

Maintain a positive attitude

Pregnancy can be hard. Nausea, abdominal pain, and leg cramps are very common (for more information refer to Teen pregnancy: medical risks and realities, 2016). It is important to keep yourself focused on your end goal. Always remember why you decided to keep your child and keep yourself motivated to overcome all of the difficulties of parenthood (for more information refer to Bravo & Noya, 2014).

Engage the father

In many cases, fathers of a child born to a teenage female are not available. They may often be incarcerated, and some males try to alienate themselves from their children or women pregnant with their children (for more information refer to Pinzon & Jones, 2012). Such situations are regarded as common and acceptable. However, the presence and support of the father are crucial for the development of your child. The father can help you feel relaxed, which is essential for the development of the child.

Have enough rest

Being a teenager often means living a hectic life. However, being a teenage mother means focusing on the childs health, which is associated with a lot of rest for the future mother.

Avoid stresses

A teenage mother should feel relaxed and happy. This is why you should avoid any stressful situations. Of course, our life is a set of stressors, so it is vital to be capable of dealing with them. Focus on the positive aspects of everything. Yoga and meditation can help you develop proper relaxation strategies.

Consult

Some teenage mothers are still too shy to address professionals for help. Adolescent mothers may think that their problems are insignificant and try to cope with their issues on their own. However, any detail can have a tremendous impact on you and your childs health. Therefore, do not hesitate to address professionals if you feel that something is not right.

Breastfeed

If you think you are ready to be a mother, you are ready to be a good mother. Your babys health should go first. Breastfeeding is one of the most important aspects of motherhood. It is important for you and your child. The child receives all the necessary nutrients, and your body recovers after the period of pregnancy. Of course, a strong bond between you and your child develops during breastfeeding.

Keep learning

Of course, you should keep learning and try to find out more about your pregnancy, childs development, and so on. You should read a lot. The Internet may be the source of knowledge for you. Of course, professional assistance is also vital. Make sure you get information from diverse but reliable sources (healthcare professionals, social workers, parents, books, the Internet).

The Top Things Not to Do When You Are Expecting a Baby

Since you are a mother, you should understand that there are things you should avoid or never do. In fact, those are things any person should avoid to be healthy and happy. But they are vital for a teenage mother and her child. Thus, you should remember that you CANNOT:

Have Doubts

If you have decided to have a baby, you are ready to be a mother. Do not be afraid! You can handle it and become a perfect mother!

Smoke

You cannot smoke (cigarettes or marijuana). Be sure not to smoke yourself and ask your friends to stop doing so in your presence. Passive smoking is nearly as harmful as smoking yourself (for more information refer to Fleming, ODriscoll, Becker & Spitzer, 2015). Try to avoid environments that will expose you to tobacco smoke. This advice must also be followed as long as you breastfeed your child. Breast milk contains all the substances you consume and their negative effect on the newborn is no less severe.

Drink or Use Drugs

Alcohol as any other harmful substance has a significant negative effect on the development of your child. The intake of the harmful substance (alcohol or drugs) can lead to the development of various genetic disorders in your baby (for more information refer to Behnke & Smith, 2013). It can also lead to miscarriage.

Stress out

The pregnancy is stressful by itself. That stress can negatively affect the fetus and prevent the healthy neurological development of the child. That means possible issues with emotional and intellectual development (for more information refer to Lazinski, Shea, & Steiner, 2008). Start by creating a healthy atmosphere for yourself.

Be Passive

Some think that being pregnant means being very cautious. Some pregnant females try to move as little as possible and avoid any pleasures. Of course, this approach is absolutely wrong. Live your life! Get positive emotions walking, spending time with friends, doing sports. Of course, it is vital to consult the professional about some activities.

Have an Unhealthy Diet

Your diet should be balanced. Clearly, you cannot eat junk food or keep to a doubtful diet (for more information refer to Fleming et al., 2015). Ask your doctor about a healthy diet during pregnancy.

Try to Handle Everything by Yourself

Of course, you are an adult person, and you are capable of making important decisions. Nonetheless, it does not mean that you should deal with all your problems on your own. Involve your relatives and especially the childs father in solving your problems. This cooperation will help you create strong bonds within your family. Of course, it will help you stay relaxed.

Become Isolated from Your Close Ones

Ask your family and friends for help and support. Simply having somebody you can share your troubles with can help a lot. If you notice mood swings or anxiety in yourself, do not hesitate to contact a specialist.

Listen to Scary Stories

There will always be websites where various horror stories about severe disorders and death are provided. Peers also often tell such stories. Do not focus on that kind of information. It will only cause stress and negative emotions to you and your child. Use only reliable information. Address professionals whenever needed.

Have a too Hectic Lifestyle

You are a young and strong female. Nevertheless, you should understand that you need a lot of rest to make sure your child develops properly. Enough sleep for a mother translates into good health of the child.

Helpful Sources to Refer To

Behnke, M., & Smith, V.C. (2013). Prenatal substance abuse: Short- and long-term effects on the exposed fetus. Pediatrics, 131(1). Web.

Fleming, N., ODriscoll, T., Becker, G., & Spitzer, R.F. (2015). Adolescent pregnancy guidelines. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 37(8). Web.

Lazinski, M. J., Shea, A. K., & Steiner, M. (2008). Effects of maternal prenatal stress on offspring development: A commentary. Archives of Womens Mental Health, 11(5-6), 363-375.

Bravo, I. M., & Noya, M. (2014). Culture in prenatal development: Parental attitudes, availability of care, expectations, values, and nutrition. Child & Youth Care Forum, 43(4), 521-538.

Pinzon, J.L., & Jones, V.F. (2012). Care of adolescent parents and their children. Pediatrics, 130(6). Web.

Teen pregnancy: Medical risks and realities. (2016). Web.

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