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Every Day Counts |
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A Guide to Understanding and Preventing Preterm Birth
It is so important for your baby to stay in your womb as long as possible - every day counts. Every day on the inside is two less days in the nursery.
You're going to have a baby! Like most expectant mothers, you may be having mixed feelings. You may feel both excited and afraid. This is especially true if you have risk factors for having a preterm (premature) baby. It may also be true if you have no risk factors but are having symptoms of preterm labor or more than a normal amount of contractions. If you find yourself in either of these situations, this booklet was written for you. It will explain:
- what preterm birth is and why you should try to prevent it
- risk factors for preterm birth
- how to prevent or delay preterm birth
Each week that preterm birth is delayed or prevented gives your baby valuable time to grow and mature. That time will increase his chances of being born healthy and can decrease the problems a preterm birth can bring. Following your doctor's instructions and the guidelines in this booklet may help you delay or prevent a preterm birth.
This 28 page booklet tells about the risk facts associated with preterm birth and what you can do to help carry your baby to full term. This booklet is not intended to replace the advice of your pediatrician or members of your health care team.
Everyday Counts was developed in collaboration with a one of the nations leading perinatololgist and one of the contributing authors of High Risk Clinical Conditions of Pregnancy.
The following is the table of contents from Every Day Counts:
Congratulations
Taking Part In Your Prenatal Healthcare
The Importance of Preventing Preterm Birth
- What is Preterm Birth?
- Why Prevent Preterm Birth?
- Who is at Risk for Preterm Birth?
- But I'm Not At Risk!
Risk Factors for Preterm Birth
- Race and Ethnic Background
- Age
- Size and Makeup of Household
- Gynecological, Obstetrical and Health Factors
- Current Pregnancy
- Preterm Birth Can't Always be Prevented
The Effects of Stress
- Stress
- Identifying Stress and Its Effects
- Stress at Work
- Supermom
- Ways to Reduce Stress
The Effects of Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Growth of the Uterus
- The Effects of Standing
- The Effects of Lifting and Carrying
- Sexual Activity
- Limiting Your Physical Activity
Bed Rest
Growing A Healthy Baby
- Weight Gain
- The Importance of a Balanced Diet
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Folic Acid
- Calcium and Phosphorus
- Constipation
- Smoking
- Drugs and Alcohol
- Caffeine
Preventing Preterm Birth
- Preventing Perterm Labor and Preterm Birth
- Identifying Activities that Cause Uterine Contractions
- Self-Monitoring Contractions
- Kick Counts
- If Problems Arise
- Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor
- When You Call Your Doctor
- If Your Doctor Says "Meet Me At the Hospital"
- Medical Care At Home
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