I wanted to share this because it starts with pregnancy loss statistics, mentioning stillborn births and miscarriages. Sheri and I have gone through both of these, and it is not fun. I have heard of others going through the same thing. I feel for them.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Unfortunately, pregnancy loss is not that uncommon, but, it is rarely talked about. An estimated 1 in every 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage and stillbirth affects 1 in 160 pregnancies. Ronald Reagan declared October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month on October 25, 1988. "When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes.”
Many pregnancy losses cannot be prevented, but, there are recommendations made by the American Medical Association to help encourage a healthy pregnancy:
- Avoid Alcohol
- Stop smoking
- Don’t take illicit drugs while pregnant
- Talk to your doctor about which medications are safe to take during pregnancy
- Take folic acid before and during pregnancy
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight when possible
- Attend all pre-natal medical appointments
- Monitor your baby’s movements through kick counts.
More information regarding kick counts can be found at http://americanpregnancy.org/while-pregnant/kick-counts/
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