How is pregnancy treated?

Normal pregnancy is not an illness and needs no treatment other than standard prenatal care. After the initial visit, during the first six months of pregnancy, the individual should see a doctor about once per month. Visits should be scheduled every two weeks during the seventh and eight month and weekly during the ninth month. If a woman's pregnancy is difficult or complicated, her treatment can vary from simple bed rest to diagnostic testing such as an amniocentesis. An ultrasound physical assessment or a stay in the hospital for testing or medication may also be part of the treatment.

Flu shots: Flu shots are recommended for women who are pregnant. A doctor can determine which shot is best for the mother.

Electronic fetal monitoring: Sometimes late in pregnancy, a woman who is pregnant may be placed on a fetal monitor to verify the health of the fetus or to see if the woman is in early labor.

Ultrasound biophysical profile test: This is a noninvasive test that can assess whether or not the baby is obtaining an adequate supply of oxygen. It is typically performed in high risk pregnancies or if a woman has gone past her due date.

Medications: Because so many medicines are not safe to take during pregnancy, it is extremely important that a woman take only those that have been approved by her doctor. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists five categories of labeling for drug use in pregnancy. A doctor or pharmacist can provide advice on the safety level (indicated by category) of medications before a woman who is pregnant takes anything. Experts recommend that expectant mothers follow the doctor's advice when taking prescription and non-prescription medications.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Pregnancy is an opportunity to not only support the health of the mother and unborn child at that moment, but it is an opportunity to prevent disease in the next two generations (and possibly further).

For example, rat studies show that what a mother eats while pregnant can affect the risk of breast cancer in her granddaughter. Research also is clear that certain foods and stressors during pregnancy can either be protective, or can be a strong risk factor in asthma, allergies, mental illness, and cardiovascular disease in the new born.

An emerging field known as epigenetics shows us what our grandmothers already new: eating well and taking care of ourselves prevents disease - now we know we may be able to prevent disease in generations to come.

As part of a comprehensive pregnancy plan for my patients, it is important to do the basics (ultrasound, proper blood tests, and preventive strategies). But, I also always recommend we look at the lifestyle, food and stress risk factors that can play a role in preventing or encouraging disease in both the mother herself for years to come, as well as the next generation.