PRENATAL
SCREENING
All pregnant women have a very small chance of
having a baby with a chromosomal
anomaly or a neural tube defect. A mother can have
tests done while she is pregnant to
assess the risk that her baby has one of these
conditions.
A ‘negative’ screen means that your risk is not over a
certain threshold: it is unlikely that
your baby has one of the conditions that you were
tested for. More diagnostic testing is not
recommended.
A ‘positive’ screen means that your risk is over a certain
threshold – there is a chance (usually
small) that your baby has one of the conditions you
were tested for. More diagnostic testing
may be offered to you.
IMMUNIZATION: BEFORE AND
DURING PREGNANCY
Immunization is the process through which
your body becomes protected from disease.
When your immune system is exposed to
something unfamiliar – such as bacteria or
viruses – it produces antibodies to fight those
potential threats. These antibodies can also
help your body recognize and fight those
threats if you are ever exposed again. Vaccines
are a safe way to develop the immunity which
will keep you safe from disease.
Common vaccines to consider
before and during pregnancy : Rubella,
Hepatitis B, Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis,
Tetanus toxoid (TT)
HEALTHY EATING,
EXERCISE AND
WEIGHT GAIN
Women with healthy eating and exercise patterns
before pregnancy enjoy reduced health
risks for both themselves and their babies during
pregnancy.
You may not need to increase your caloric intake
during the first trimester, but should eat
to satisfy your appetite. During your second and third
trimesters your energy needs will
increase, even if you feel less hungry because your
growing baby is putting pressure on your
stomach.
It’s never too late to start improving your diet, and
many pregnant women can begin participating
in light exercise. Speak with your health-care
professional before making any changes to
your routine.b
AGE AND FERTILITY
How does fertility change with
age?
This gradual change in fertility is mostly due to a
decrease in the number and quality of eggs
in your ovaries.The loss of eggs begins even before
you are born. An unborn female has 6 to
7 million eggs; at birth she has 1 to 2 million; by
menopause, only a few hundred remain.
The condition of your eggs also changes as you age;
they have a higher rate of chromosomal
anomalies, which increases your chances of early
miscarriage.
As an older mother, am I at risk for
pregnancy complications?
Fertility isn’t the only thing that changes with age.
Women who become pregnant over
the age of 35 have an increased risk of miscarriage,
ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia,
hypertension, gestational diabetes, placental
complications, intrauterine growth restriction,
and caesarean section. Their babies are at increased
risk of having low birth weight,
chromosomal abnormalities and non-genetic
malformations.
 “For this
WHAT
child, I
prayed SHOULD
and YOU KNOW?
the For Pregnant Women

Lord
has
granted
the desires of
my heart.”
– 1 Samuel 1:27
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