Simple steps to protect your baby's health before birth

Women should undergo health checks, get vaccinated, take nutrients, and register for maternity insurance to protect both mother and child.

Ensuring health for the 9-month pregnancy is vital. For a smooth journey, mothers can follow these 4 steps.

Register for maternity insurance

Maternity insurance is familiar to modern mothers. Full packages help reduce financial worry so mothers can focus on a healthy pregnancy.

To choose the right package, research limits and conditions. Buying before pregnancy is crucial, with specific rules like 210-280 days before conception.

Regular health check-ups

Regular check-ups before pregnancy help parents prevent disease and feel more secure. Any issues can be treated proactively. Even minor illnesses like the flu can cause trouble; serious ones can impact both mother and child.

Before pregnancy, women should have a general health check. During pregnancy, regular prenatal visits are essential.

Supplement essential nutrients

Besides a balanced diet, essential nutrients before and during pregnancy are vital. Key minerals include iron, calcium, zinc, folic acid, and iodine. Iron is found in meat, fish, eggs, and green vegetables. Milk and eggs provide calcium.

Folic acid is in eggs and seafood; zinc is in meat. Sea fish and seaweed provide iodine. Supplement with vitamins A, D, B1, B2, and C to boost health.

Get vaccinated before pregnancy

Unvaccinated mothers who catch diseases like chickenpox, measles, rubella, or flu risk their health and the baby's.

Women should plan full vaccinations before pregnancy. If the timing is uncertain, consider vaccinating during the pregnancy planning stage.

The chickenpox vaccine is essential. Catching it in the first trimester poses a 0.4% risk of birth defects, rising to 2% in the second trimester.

Chickenpox 4 days before or 2 days after birth can cause neonatal chickenpox, with a 20% mortality rate if untreated.