A Special delivery...

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 575, 28 February 1995, Page 9

A Special delivery...

Pregnancy requires a mother-to-be to see herself in a new light. In this feature article we spell out several matters that should be looked at and offers hints to ensure the health of mother and baby. Nutrition tips During pregnancy you will need to eat more calcium, iron and folic acid than usual. Your body needs calcium to build healthy bones and teeth. Pregnant women require approximately 1 200mg of calcium a day. Dairy foods provide the richest source of calcium and an intake of three glasses of trim milk, plus some low fat cheese or yoghurt will meet your needs and those of your baby. Iron is important for the oxygenation of red blood celjs and the development of memory, concentration and learning processes. It is found principally in red meat, lentils and wholegrains. Eat red meat three to four times a week, chicken or fish one or two times a week and nonmeat meals once or twice a week, such as rice, pasta and eggs. Eating foods rich in Vitamin C (eg; kiwifruit, orange juice) at the same time will improve the absorption of iron. Alcohol There is no known safe level of alcohol during pregnancy. The best advise is to stop drinking if you a re pregnant or planning to be. Alcohol is carried by a woman's bloodstream

s . vw..- ■ -a, • • v ' - - - ,V through the placenta to the baby, so when you drink, so does the baby. If you are pregnant it is never too late to ci Alcohol increas your baby will be learning difficultie tivity or more sev( toms including bn known a Fetal Alc Syndrome. Smoking If you are plann pregnant, giving u many benefits for For the baby in chemicals get into and your baby's blood too, your baby's growth slows down and your baby will get less C oxygen. I Smoking permanently reduces baby's intellectual development and smoking is a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death

% mm m ... m « m i r § m ■ -mm Syndrome (SIDS or Cot Death). Exercise exercise can ease common problems with pregnancy, such as leg cramps, high :ssure and constipation. It improves your lon helping ot prevent varicose veins and lp you avoid gaining excessive weight. 3le activities include jogging, walking, nming, cycling and low impact aerobics. t is not a time to start new exercise, but if s something you've always done, then arry^on as long as the pregnancy has no ;ompl(catlons. Health care options Maternity care is free in New Zealand, except in some cases where you may

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Continuity of care is provided by the Midwives in a relaxed supportive environment for you and your partner during pregnancy, labour and delivery and after the birth of your baby. If you are planning a pregnancy, a visit to the doctor is recommended first, but if you are already pregnant then ask your doctor-or midwife for the free "Your Pregnancy" book.

Local midwives in the Waimarino are Rowena Kui, Ngapania Te Hore, Tammy Jowsey, Libby Tuttil & Robyn McDougal. In Waiouru, Margaret McKinnon is available from the Taihape Rural Health Centre. Mothers are urged to contact any of these women for advice or assistance with any pregnancy questions.