$Unique_ID{BRK00434}
$Pretitle{Pregnancy and Childbirth}
$Title{Refusal to Take Vitamins During Pregnancy}
$Subject{vitamins pregnancy}
$Volume{K-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Refusal to Take Vitamins During Pregnancy


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QUESTION:  My sister, who is 19 is having her first baby.  She is three months
along and although her doctor has told her to take vitamins, iron and calcium,
she refuses.  She says it is not necessary!  Would you please explain the
situation to her?  I am five years older than her and I have tried to talk
with her but she refuses to listen.

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ANSWER:  Well young sister, what are we going to do with you?  The newspapers
and journals are just full of information that explains the necessity of good
nutrition and health care particularly during the months of pregnancy.  Surely
you are aware that your normal diet, no matter how perfect, will fail to
provide sufficient nutrition for both you and the new life that is now your
responsibility.  The fact is, that due to the way human physiology works, the
baby will make demands that your body will have to supply.  If you do not take
calcium supplements, for example, the growing baby will steal your supplies,
taking the calcium it needs to develop, from your bones.  The head start to
health that you can provide your child now will affect its entire life.  Both
physical and mental development requires that the necessary nutrients be in
place from the very beginning of life, and only you can provide them now.
Perhaps you are having some doubts and fears about now, and are a bit
overwhelmed by this whole process.  But it looks like you have a loving older
sister, and a concerned physician standing by to offer the answers and help
you need.  If it takes a message from me to convince you, that you have, but
it is the circle of family, friends and physician that can really offer the
information you may need.  Why not take advantage of the Pre-Natal Classes
that are offered in many hospitals and Health Centers across our country, to
get yourself and your baby back on track?  Someday you will be very glad you
did.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
