A healthy child is the fundamental goal for every parent-to-be. But how can parents help ensure their offspring will be normal and able to live full and happy lives? Their adherence to a healthy lifestyle before, during and even after childbirth is one of the key factors to a successful pregnancy.




 

Q: I am 37 and my husband is 40. Am I too old to have a baby?

A: Your concern is understandable. Getting pregnant in your late 30s and older can be difficult. Eggs and sperm lose their quality over time and women and men produce fewer of them as they age. Babies of parents in this age range have a higher risk of developing Down syndrome. And later-age pregnancies are associated with a number of complications for the mother, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and miscarriage. However, today’s medical advances can assess and manage older parent complications, making them less worrisome. Moreover, there are many positive attributes to having children when you are older, such as readiness and maturity. If you get pregnant, be happy about it! Seek professional advice and live a healthy lifestyle for a healthy and successful pregnancy.




 

Q: Can I still get pregnant after two miscarriages?

A: A history of miscarriage usually does not affect a women’s ability to conceive. Most women who have had a miscarriage go on to have a healthy pregnancy later. A myriad of factors cause miscarriages, but regardless of the cause, they can have a severe emotional impact on expectant couples. Unfortunately, miscarriages during the first trimester are very common, most of which result from abnormalities present at conception. In these cases there is nothing much you can do, so don’t blame yourself for the loss. Many couples try to conceive again soon after a miscarriage. However, experience suggests it’s wise to wait until you recover both physically and emotionally. Try to not put too much pressure on yourself to conceive again quickly. Relax and get in the best possible health. Talk to your doctor for advice on how to prepare for a future healthy pregnancy.



 
 

Q: What causes jaundice in newborns?

A: Jaundice in newborns is common and usually appears in the first five days after birth. It’s a symptom of too much bilirubin in the baby’s blood. Yellow in color, bilirubin is a byproduct of the body breaking down old red blood cells. It leaves the body through urine and stool. When the baby is in the womb, the placenta removes and eliminates bilirubin. After birth, the baby’s body must get rid of the bilirubin on its own. In most cases of newborn jaundice, babies’ organs are not able to process excess bilirubin very well. It usually appears about 24 hours after birth and goes away in about a week. However, in rare cases, newborn jaundice can be a sign of a serious condition. There can be other more serious causes, including infections, biliary obstruction, and mother and baby blood incompatibility. Doctors may monitor the baby’s bilirubin level to see if it’s getting worse. If the level stays high, doctors will treat the baby according to various possible causes. One such treatment involves exposing the newborn to a type of fluorescent light. Jaundice, if left untreated, can cause brain damage.