Preparation for Pregnancy (Essay Sample)

PREPARATION FOR PREGNANCY Many at times people view pregnancy as an event that does not need to be discussed. The saddest fact is that even the educated elites of the society do not see it necessary to plan and discuss when to get pregnant. Pregnancy makes a woman very delicate hence it should be well planned for. The following are among the relevant preparations necessary prior to a pregnancy. To begin with, women who are on contraceptives should stop taking contraceptives. Hormonal contraceptives, when taken over a long period of time would lead to hormonal imbalance. This is the last body condition that a pregnant woman would want to have. Hormonal imbalance may impair the absorption of nutrients and ions across the digestive system making the mother and the unborn infant prone to malnutrition. Therefore, a woman who is preparing for pregnancy should stop taking hormonal birth control pills at least three months prior to the pregnancy to give the body time to completely wash out chemicals emanating from the pills. This also provides enough time for the body to recover its normal hormonal balance. Examples of foods that can help speed up recovery of the body include kales, cabbages and other green leafy vegetables which contain high amounts of magnesium that aid in hormonal balance. Secondly, women of reproductive age (age 12-45 years) undergo menstruation which leads to loss of blood. This happens every month hence leading to loss of a large amount of iron in blood. Iron is a very important mineral in the body. One of the main important functions of iron is the formation of red blood cells. Iron helps in the formation of hemoglobin -a pigment used in the transportation of oxygen in the blood-. Therefore reproductive women are always at the verge of iron deficiency. Hence reproductive women are strongly advised to take iron supplementation pills which increase the amount of iron in their bodies. The taking of this pills is recommended to all women who are of reproductive age regardless of whether they are planning to get pregnant or not. Iron supplementation before pregnancy will help provide the much needed iron for the formation of red blood cells in the body of the fetus. Lack of enough iron in the mother’s body makes the infant and the mother prone to anemia. During delivery, enough iron in the mother’s body prevents her from hemorrhage. Thirdly, folic acid supplementation is very vital for the growth of the fetus. Folic acid supplementation pills are given to women to increase the level of folic acid in their bodies. During the first month of pregnancy, the nervous system is developed. Folic acid aids in the development of the same and prevents the fetus from having neural tube defects like spina bifida (a condition where the spinal cord fails to close completely). It also is important in cell division hence its deficiency leads to cretinism as the infant grows. Folic acid is also present in small amounts in green leaf vegetables like kales, spinach and fruits. Also very important is that a woman who is planning to be pregnant should engage in exercises. The exercises include running, press ups, sit ups, walking and stretching. This greatly improves the blood circulation which in turn leads to an excellent digestion and proper intake of nutrients from the alimentary canal. Stretching makes the birth canal and the cervix elastic eventually making the process of giving birth easy and less painful. In conclusion, a woman who is planning to get pregnant should have regular exercise, eat the right foods and in their right proportions, minimize their intake of drugs unless if prescribed by a physician, take iron and folic supplementation and get enough emotional, financial and psychological support from their spouse and those around them. David Ochieng Ooko BSc. M.L.S (Kenyatta University)