Frequently asked questions

During pregnancy, adequate supplementation of essential nutrients is extremely important to ensure the health of both mother and fetus. Here are some essential supplements during pregnancy and their benefits:

1. Folic Acid
Folic acid is a form of vitamin B (B9) necessary for the development of the neural tube in the fetus, helping to prevent birth defects related to the brain and spine. Experts recommend that pregnant women supplement 400-800 mcg of folic acid every day, starting before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy. Folic acid is found in green leafy vegetables, legumes, and whole grain products.

2. Iron
Iron is an important mineral that helps the body produce red blood cells and transport oxygen to organs and tissues. During pregnancy, the body's need for iron increases to support fetal development and prevent anemia in the mother. Pregnant women should supplement about 27 mg of iron per day. Iron-rich food sources include red meat, liver, lentils, and spinach.

3. Calcium
Calcium is necessary for the development of the fetus's bones and teeth. In addition, calcium supports nerve and muscle function, and helps maintain a steady heart rate. Pregnant women need about 1000 mg of calcium per day. Food sources rich in calcium include milk and dairy products, spinach, almonds, and salmon.

4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium effectively, thereby promoting bone and tooth development. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Pregnant women should supplement about 600 IU of vitamin D every day. Vitamin D is found in sunshine, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, and fortified dairy products.

5. DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid important for fetal brain and eye development. DHA may also help reduce the risk of premature birth and enhance nervous system development. Pregnant women should supplement about 200-300 mg of DHA per day. DHA is found in fatty fish, fish oil, and DHA supplements.

6. Iodine
Iodine supports thyroid function, helping to regulate the body's growth and metabolism. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to problems with the intellectual and physical development of the fetus. Pregnant women should supplement about 220 mcg of iodine each day. Iodine is found in iodized salt, seafood, and dairy products.

7. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is necessary for nervous system development and red blood cell production. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia and neurological problems. Pregnant women should supplement about 2.6 mcg of vitamin B12 per day. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

8. Magnesium
Magnesium helps maintain muscle and nerve function, regulate heart rate, and support the immune system. Magnesium deficiency can cause muscle problems and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Pregnant women should supplement about 350-400 mg of magnesium per day. Magnesium is found in nuts, beans, and green leafy vegetables.

9. Zinc
Zinc plays an important role in cell division, immune system development, and wound healing. Zinc deficiency can affect fetal development and increase the risk of premature birth. Pregnant women should supplement about 11-12 mg of zinc per day. Zinc is found in meat, seafood, beans, and whole grain products.

Labor is an important stage in pregnancy, signaling that the baby is about to be born. Below are common signs of labor that pregnant mothers need to pay attention to:

1. Uterine Contractions
Uterine contractions become more regular, stronger and longer lasting. They usually appear every 5-10 minutes and last about 30-70 seconds.

Contractions do not relieve when you change positions or rest.

2. Mucus discharge
Mucus from the cervix (also called "mucus") may be pink or contain blood. This is a sign that the cervix begins to dilate.

3. Amniotic Water Breakage
Breaking of amniotic fluid is the clearest sign that you are about to give birth. You may feel amniotic fluid flowing out through the vagina.

4. Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain gradually increases and does not decrease with rest. This could be a sign of uterine contractions.

5. Increased Pressure in the Pelvis
You may feel great pressure in your pelvis, like the baby is pushing down.

6. Diarrhea or Nausea
Some women may experience diarrhea or nausea before labor due to hormone changes.

If you notice any of the above signs, contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately for timely examination and support.

Regular prenatal checkups are an important part of taking care of the health of mother and fetus. Scheduling regular prenatal checkups helps detect potential health problems early and ensures the fetus develops well. Here is a guide on how to schedule regular prenatal checkups:

1. First Pregnancy Examination
When: As soon as you find out you are pregnant or your period is about 4-6 weeks late.

Examination Content: The doctor will confirm pregnancy with a blood test or ultrasound. At the same time, you will be asked about your medical history, menstrual cycle, and current symptoms. Basic tests such as blood pressure checks, blood tests, and urine tests will be performed.

2. Pregnancy Examination During the First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
When: Every 4 weeks.

Examination Content: The doctor will check the development of the fetus through ultrasound and measure the size of the uterus. You will also have your blood pressure checked, your weight checked, and blood tests to detect condition

3. Pregnancy Examination During the Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26)
When: Every 4 weeks.

Examination Content: Ultrasound to check fetal development, determine gender (if desired), and detect birth defects. Your doctor will continue to monitor your blood pressure, weight, and uterine size. You will also have additional tests such as blood sugar tests and Rh antibody tests.

4. Pregnancy Examination During the Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40)
When: Every 2 weeks from week 28 to week 36 and weekly from week 37 until birth.

Examination Content: Monitor fetal development through ultrasound and check fetal position. The doctor will examine the cervix to evaluate the degree of dilation and thinning of the cervix, preparing for labor. You will also be checked for signs of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other complications.

5. Special Prenatal Examinations
During your pregnancy, if you have any unusual symptoms such as bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or decreased fetal movements, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may order additional special tests such as a detailed ultrasound, NST (Non-Stress Test), or amniocentesis test.

6. Plan your Prenatal Examination
Schedule Ahead: Schedule your prenatal visits in advance to ensure you don't miss any. Set a reminder on your phone or put it on your calendar to keep track.

Prepare Questions: Before each appointment, prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your doctor. This helps you not miss important information.

Take Notes: Record your doctor's instructions and advice after each visit. This helps you monitor your baby's development and your health status.

7. Take Care of Yourself Between Visits
Nutrition: Maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. Supplement necessary substances such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

Light Exercise: Regular exercise helps improve your health and prepare your body for childbirth.

Get Adequate Rest: Make sure you get enough sleep and rest and reduce stress to maintain your mental and physical health.

8. Take Prenatal Classes
Participate in prenatal classes to equip yourself with knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. These classes are also where you can interact and share experiences with other mothers.

The choice between pregnant milk and unsweetened fresh milk depends on the specific nutritional needs of the pregnant mother. Both types of milk have their own benefits:

Pregnant Milk
Pregnancy milk is specially designed to meet the increased nutritional needs during pregnancy. It is often supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA - important nutrients for fetal development and maternal health. Pregnancy milk also helps prevent common nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy.

Non-sugar fresh milk
Unsweetened fresh milk is a good source of protein, calcium and vitamin D. If pregnant mothers have a diverse and nutritious diet, unsweetened fresh milk is also a reasonable choice. It is low in sugar and free of additives, helping to control sugar intake and maintain a healthy weight.

Best choice
There is no single answer to this question, because it depends on the nutritional and health status of each pregnant mother. If you need special nutritional supplements or cannot maintain a balanced diet, breast milk may be a better choice. On the contrary, if you have a healthy diet, unsweetened fresh milk can meet your nutritional needs.

You should always consult your doctor or nutritionist to make the most suitable choice for the health of mother and baby.

To enhance milk production and ensure nutrition for both mother and baby after birth, mothers need to pay attention to their diet. Here are some suggestions for foods and drinks that help increase milk production:

Foods That Help Increase Milk Production

• Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, spinach, and spinach are rich in vitamins A, C, and iron, which help boost milk production.
• Seeds: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts provide omega-3s and fiber, supporting overall health and enhancing breast milk.
• Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats and barley help provide energy and fiber, stimulating milk production.
• Beans: Green beans, black beans and lentils are rich in protein and iron, important for postpartum recovery and milk production.

Drinks That Help Increase Milk Production

• Water: Drink enough water every day (about 8-10 glasses) to maintain an abundance of milk.
• Warm Milk: Drinking warm milk, especially fresh milk or soy milk, helps provide necessary calcium and protein.
• Lactation Tea: Green tea leaves, anise tea or fenugreek tea help stimulate milk production.
• Fresh Fruit Juice: Orange juice, carrot juice and green vegetable juice help supplement essential vitamins and minerals.

In addition, mothers should also maintain a balanced and diverse diet, combined with adequate rest and stress reduction to enhance milk production. Always consult your doctor or nutritionist for the most suitable diet.

There are many useful applications that help track pregnancy progress, provide information and support for pregnant mothers. Here are some popular and highly rated apps:

• Pregnancy Monitoring App     

These applications not only help pregnant mothers monitor their pregnancy progress in detail, but also provide much necessary information and support to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

 

Pregnant women are recommended to receive certain vaccines to protect the health of both mother and fetus. Here are the commonly recommended vaccines:

• Influenza vaccine: Recommended at any time during pregnancy to protect mother and fetus from influenza and related serious complications.

• Whooping cough vaccine (Tdap): Usually recommended between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. This vaccine protects the mother against whooping cough and passes antibodies to the fetus, helping to protect the baby during the first months of life.

• Hepatitis B vaccine: Recommended for pregnant women at high risk of hepatitis B infection. This vaccine helps protect the mother and reduces the risk of transmitting the hepatitis B virus from mother to baby during birth. 

These vaccines are considered safe and effective for pregnant women, but you should discuss with your doctor before getting any vaccine to ensure it is appropriate for your health condition. individual.

To see more detailed articles: Pregnant Women and 4 Important Vaccines For The First Time

During pregnancy, there are some vaccines that should be avoided due to potential risks to the fetus. Below are the vaccines commonly recommended to avoid during pregnancy:

• MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): This is a live attenuated vaccine and carries potential risks for the fetus. Women should receive this vaccine at least one month before becoming pregnant.
• Varicella Vaccine (Chickenpox): This is also a live attenuated vaccine and should not be administered during pregnancy. If needed, it should be given at least one month before pregnancy.
• HPV Vaccine (Human Papillomavirus): It is not recommended during pregnancy. If the series was started before pregnancy, the remaining doses should be postponed until after childbirth.
• Other Live Attenuated Vaccines: Includes vaccines such as the BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) vaccine for tuberculosis and the Yellow Fever vaccine. These vaccines should also be avoided during pregnancy unless necessary and as directed by a doctor.

Before receiving any vaccine during pregnancy, consult your doctor to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus.

Does vaccination affect the health of the fetus?

Vaccination during pregnancy can positively impact the health of the fetus. Here are some important points regarding vaccination and fetal health:

• Protecting the fetus from diseases: Some vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and Tdap, help transfer antibodies from the mother to the fetus, protecting the baby from infectious diseases during the early months of life when the baby's immune system is still weak.
• Preventing complications for the mother: Vaccination helps the expectant mother avoid diseases that can cause serious complications during pregnancy, such as flu, whooping cough, and hepatitis B, thereby reducing the risk of negative impacts on the fetus.
• Safety of vaccines: The vaccines recommended during pregnancy have been tested for safety for both the mother and the fetus. Studies show that these vaccines do not harm fetal development and have significant benefits in preventing diseases.
• Avoiding unsafe vaccines: Some live attenuated vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy as they may harm the fetus. Adhering to medical guidelines and consulting with a doctor ensures safe vaccination.

Overall, receiving the right vaccines at the right time is not only safe but also helps protect the health of both the mother and the fetus. However, always discuss with your doctor before getting any vaccine to ensure safety and suitability for your specific health condition.

High blood pressure during pregnancy, also known as gestational hypertension, can cause serious problems for both mother and fetus. For pregnant women, high blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia - a dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs, usually the liver and kidneys. Preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, causing seizures and being life-threatening.

High blood pressure also increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications during pregnancy. Fetuses of pregnant mothers with hypertension are at risk of developing more slowly, due to reduced blood flow to the placenta, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply. In severe cases, emergency medical intervention may be required to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

To minimize risks, pregnant mothers should monitor their blood pressure regularly, follow a healthy diet, reduce salt, maintain an active lifestyle, and consult their doctor regularly to manage blood pressure effectively. .

Knowing that the fetus is developing normally is one of the top concerns of pregnant mothers. Here are some ways to help you monitor and ensure your fetus is developing healthily:

1. Periodic Pregnancy Examination

Regular prenatal checkups are the best way to monitor fetal development. The doctor will use tools and methods such as ultrasound, blood tests, and uterine height measurement to check the health and development of the fetus. Regular prenatal checkups help detect health problems early and intervene promptly.

2. Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method that helps monitor fetal development. Ultrasound can determine fetal age, check heart rate, and measure developmental indicators such as fetal femur length, head and abdominal circumference. Doctors will often recommend ultrasounds at key points in pregnancy such as weeks 12, 20 and 32.

3. Monitor Fetal Movement

Monitoring fetal movement is also an important way to know if the fetus is developing normally. The fetus usually starts moving between weeks 18 and 25. You may feel movements such as kicking, turning, or shaking. If you notice a sudden change in the frequency or intensity of movement, notify your doctor immediately.

4. Fetal Heart Check

Auscultation is an important part of monitoring fetal development. From weeks 10 to 12, your doctor may use a Doppler to listen to your baby's heartbeat. Normal fetal heart rate ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute. Any change in heart rate should be thoroughly examined.

5. Blood Test

Blood tests can provide important information about the health of the mother and fetus. Blood tests can check hormone levels, blood sugar levels, and other risk factors such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Blood test results help doctors evaluate the nutritional status and health of the fetus.

6. Measure Uterine Height

Measuring uterine height is a simple but effective method to monitor fetal growth. The doctor will measure the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus to evaluate the size and position of the fetus. The size of the uterus must correspond to the gestational age, otherwise there may be problems with the development of the fetus.

7. Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Nutrition and lifestyle of pregnant mothers directly affect the development of the fetus. Make sure you have a balanced, nutritious diet and drink enough water. Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco and caffeine. Gentle exercise also helps improve health and well-being, thereby supporting fetal development.

8. Listen to Your Body and Your Feelings

Pregnant mothers should listen to their bodies and feelings. If there are any unusual signs such as bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or changes in fetal movements, notify your doctor immediately.

Knowing that the fetus is developing normally is very important and requires close attention and monitoring from the pregnant mother and doctor. By following the above instructions, you will be more assured of the healthy development of your fetus.