For more information on pregnancy health visit www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz and click on Your Health A to Z.

MAINTAINING A HEALTHY DIET
and lifestyle during pregnancy is important. There are some steps that you can take to ensure you are healthy at the time of conception and throughout your pregnancy.

BEFORE CONCEPTION...

• Have a thorough medical check up. Check your rubella status (rubella or German measles can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy), and have your blood type tested
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol, preferably at least three months prior to conception
• Have any necessary dental work done
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Supplement with at least 800mcg of folic acid daily to reduce the foetal risk of spina bifida during pregnancy.

ORGANISE GOOD CARE
Once pregnant it is vital that you have the best of care from your doctor, obstetrician or midwife. Regular monthly visits will gradually become weekly towards the end of pregnancy. These pre-natal health checks ensure both you and your growing baby are healthy, and any potential problems are detected early.

CHECKS WILL INCLUDE:

• Measuring the growth of the uterus and listening to the foetal heartbeat
• Checking your blood pressure
• Checking your weight, to see that weight gain is not excessive or inadequate
• Checking your urine for signs of protein or sugar, which could indicate the development of toxaemia or diabetes.

LISTERIA IN PREGNANCY
Listeria is a common bug found in soil, water, plants, sewage and animal droppings. It is dangerous to pregnant women, especially in the latter half of pregnancy as it increases the risk of stillbirth or miscarriage. Listeria infection in the newborn is often fatal and can cause prematurity and many serious health problems. The listeria bug has been found in a wide range of foods at all stages of food preparation, from raw to well-cooked leftovers.

HOW TO MINIMISE YOUR RISK OF LISTERIA

• Avoid uncooked seafoods, or chilled pre-cooked fish and seafood unless eaten hot
• Avoid pate and deli meats such as pre-cooked chicken and ham. If you are reheating leftovers, cook them thoroughly until very hot
• Avoid stored salads and coleslaws especially from a delicatessen or supermarket
• Avoid cross-contamination between cooked and raw or uncooked foods
• Avoid raw (unpasteurised) milk or foods made from raw milk.

5-STEP PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Step 1: Exercise
Step 2: Eat enough nutrients for two
Step 3: Banish drugs!
Step 4: Avoid alcohol
Step 5: More to avoid

More detail on these five steps can be found by clicking here.

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