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If you want the best chance of having a healthy
life choose your parents carefully
Here are a few pointers to choosing the right parents
- Make sure your mother is immune to Rubella (German
Measles). The only way she can be sure is to have a blood test and
if she isn't immune she should be immunised at least three months
before you are conceived. If she catches Rubella while she is
pregnant you are at risk of brain damage and deafness.
- Don't choose a mother who smokes. If she does you
are three times more likely to be born underweight, and more
likely to be born prematurely. You are also more likely to be
stillborn, miscarried, or be born with an infection. Once you are
born you are more likely to suffer with chest troubles if either
of your parents smoke.
- Persuade your mother-to-be to take folic acid 400
microgram tablets every day. She should start these
before conceiving you, and continue until 12 weeks after her last
period. This will considerably reduce your risk of being born with
spina bifida.
- If your future mother drinks a lot of alcohol you
are unfortunate. You are more likely to be small or have brain
damage. It is better if she doesn't drink alcohol at all while she
is carrying you.
- Last of all try to persuade your future parents to see us
before they conceive you, so we can see if there are any
problems with their health that need attention. We can advise on
adjusting or changing any medication they take and can see if they
need any tests.
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