If you are thinking of having a baby, visit a gynecologist. She will take a detailed history, examine you thoroughly and get certain tests done to help identify any risk factors you might have. Your blood will be tested for rubella according to which it will be decided whether you need immunization against it, for although the infection is generally mild for the mother, it may cause serious malfunctions in the baby. If you are a diabetic or hypertensive or sugar levels and BP will have to be controlled before you decide on a pregnancy. Your husband and you will be advised to stop drinking and smoking and, in general, adopt a healthy lifestyle for at least 3 months before conception so that good quality eggs and sperms are produced and you will have a healthy baby.

If you are pregnant, do not smoke. I feel smoking is one of the many factors known to retard foetal growth. Women who smoke have lower rates of fertility. Babies born of smoker mothers are likely to be of low birth weight, could be mentally retarded and have increased risk of lifelong health problems, such as brain damage, cerebral palsy and behavior problems.

My hubby and I are planning to have a baby next year. I am quite excited about it but I'm also worried due to my health. I am an asthmatic and sometimes my asthma attacks can be quite bad. I was hospitalised once. I carry my ventolin inhaler in my bag wherever I go. It's my life saver.

My main concerns are:

1. What if I get frequent attacks during my pregnancy?

2. What if I get an attack during labour?

To all mothers out there, do you know of any friends or relatives who were in this same situation? It would be great if you can share it with me.

I'm not sure if there's any homeopathic remedies for asthma, Diane but I did a research on asthmatic moms and it says if you took medication for your asthma before you became pregnant, especially if your asthma was well controlled, you may be tempted to stop taking your medication out of fear that it might harm the fetus.
 

The risk to the fetus from most asthma medications is tiny compared to the risk from a severe asthma attack. Moreover, women with asthma that is uncontrolled are more likely to have complications during pregnancy. Their babies are more likely to be born premature, to be small or underweight at birth, and to require longer hospitalization after birth. The more severe the asthma, the greater the risk to the fetus. In rare cases, the fetus can even die from oxygen deprivation.
 

I am more worried now after reading it because my asthma is quite serious, especially during cold weather! I tried to refrain from certain foods which may trigger my asthma but I can't control the weather. I hope my pregnancy will go smoothly when the time comes.