Health considerations when having another baby

To determine the condition of your overall and reproductive health, you need to consult a physician or health care professional for examination and advice. Some women may have pre-existing conditions for which they are being medicated. Both the condition and the medication need to be assessed for impact on pregnancy.

In general, health recommendations for pregnant women whether having their first or second child include:

• using subtle relaxation techniques, such as gentle yoga stretches, to reduce stress
• getting enough sleep
• eating for energy, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates, low fat dairy products high in calcium, and essential fatty acids from fish and meat
• consuming fluids regularly, especially water
• limiting intake of caffeine; avoiding alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs
• refraining from taking slimming pills for weight loss

Managing health during pregnancy is important for both the mother and baby being carried. Most health care professionals can provide women with nutritional and lifestyle plans for their unique pregnancy, or can give referral for guidance.

Having Another baby:

• Having Another baby
• Choice motivations for having another baby
• Planning and preparing for a second pregnancy
• Health considerations when having another baby
• Telling your partner and first child that your are expecting again

• What to expect when having another baby
• Possible complications when having another baby
• Differences in midwife care
• Attending to yourself and the first child when having another baby