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The best time to plan for a healthy pregnancy is before
you conceive. Your baby will start to develop before you even know you’re
pregnant, so it’s important to be as healthy as possible – right from the
beginning. Following a healthy lifestyle will give your baby the best start in
life!
Check up on your health
| • | Schedule a visit with your doctor
before you get pregnant. Reviewing your health, lifestyle and family medical
history at this stage may help prevent pregnancy problems later on.
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Update your immunizations
| • | Exposure to common childhood diseases,
such as German measles and chickenpox, can seriously harm your unborn baby.
When you work in a school setting, you may unknowingly encounter children
carrying these diseases, so it is very important to protect yourself against
infection.
| | • | When it comes to infectious
diseases, a little prevention goes a long way! Wash your hands often and
always practice good personal hygiene. If you work with young students,
encourage them to wash their hands often, too. Frequent hand-washing is one
of the best ways to control the spread of bacteria, viruses and other
diseases.
| | • | Make sure your immunizations
are up-to-date before you get pregnant. Some vaccines cannot be given safely
during pregnancy.
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Fifth disease
Vaccines will not protect you against certain viral infections, such as Fifth
disease. Fifth disease is a common childhood illness characterized by flu-like
symptoms and a red rash across the face. It is sometimes known as ‘slap face’ or
‘slapped cheek’ syndrome. Fifth disease poses a very small risk to pregnant
women.
If you have been exposed to this type of infectious illness before pregnancy,
you may have developed a natural immunity that protects you against the disease.
For example, 50-80 per cent of adults have been infected with Fifth disease
during their lifetime and will not get it again, even if they are re-exposed to
the virus.
Consult with your doctor and have blood tests to check your immunity to Fifth
disease and other contagious diseases. Knowing this information before you get
pregnant will help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health
care.
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