Monday, April 06, 2009

Health Tips for April 6

Health Tip: Considering Home Birth?

Home birth is a safe option for many moms-to-be who want to deliver in the privacy and comfort of their home.

But for some women who are at risk of complications, a home birth may not be the safest option.

The American Pregnancy Association lists these factors for women who may be better off at a hospital when they deliver:

  • Being diabetic.
  • Having preeclampsia or chronic high blood pressure.
  • Having had a prior preterm birth, or being at risk for preterm labor.

Health Tip: Take it Easy After You Give Birth

After you've had a baby, your body needs time to heal, so you shouldn't expect to immediately resume normal physical activity.

The University of Michigan Health System offers these suggestions for new moms:

  • Go easy on your body. Resume your normal schedule and activities gradually.
  • Lift your baby, and that's about it. Avoid lifting anything heavy, even grocery bags or loads of laundry.
  • Don't drive a car for about two weeks, or until your doctor says it's OK.
  • Walking is great. Start out going for regular short walks.
  • Limit stair climbing for at least the first week. Be careful using the stairs, and only climb long staircases once or twice each day.

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