March of Dimes Offers Timely Advice
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., OCTOBER 3, 2001 – Pregnancy in itself adds natural stress to a woman’s body and spirit. Combine that with the events of the past few weeks, and expectant women may need to take extra good care of themselves, the March of Dimes says.
"Most women’s bodies adapt well to the increased demands of pregnancy," says Dr. Donald R. Mattison, medical director of the March of Dimes and an obstetrician/gynecologist. "However, a woman’s workload, lifestyle, and reaction to outside events can raise stress levels, making it more difficult for her body to adapt." He notes that some studies suggest high levels of stress may increase the risk of preterm labor (labor prior to the end of the 37th week of pregnancy) and low birthweight (5½ pounds or less).
There are many important things that all pregnant women can do to reduce or manage the stress in their lives, starting early in pregnancy, Dr. Mattison says. "Pregnancy is a time to take good care of yourself," he says. "It’s OK to put yourself and your baby first." He urges expectant women to:
- Eat regularly -- don’t skip meals -- and nutritiously. Take a multivitamin containing folic acid every day. Drink lots of water -- at least six glasses each day.
- Get plenty of rest. Find time to relax each day. Many women find a combination of meditation and regular exercise (with a health care provider’s guidance) helpful.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or taking drugs (except those prescribed by your health care provider) or herbal products. These may make you feel better for a little while, but in the long term they are not good for your own health or your baby’s, Dr. Mattison says.
- Seek support from your partner, your family and friends, your co-workers, and your employer.
- Talk to your friends and relatives about your feelings at this time. Consult a health care professional if you can’t eat or sleep or you feel overwhelmed.
Dr. Mattison says preterm labor is a complex problem that doctors and scientists do not fully understand. The March of Dimes has awarded nearly $4 million in Perinatal Epidemiological Research Initiative (PERI) grants to investigate biological and environmental factors that may contribute to the more than 400,000 preterm births in the United States each year.
Women and their families can obtain more information on stress, the warning signs of preterm labor, and other questions about pregnancy by calling the March of Dimes Resource Center at 1-888-MODIMES. Trained health information specialists can answer questions and provide pregnancy-related information.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies For more information call 1-888-MODIMES.
