Caring for the body for good health
Care for the teeth and mouth
Healthy teeth help a person’s whole body be healthy, and care for the teeth
is especially important in pregnancy because unhealthy teeth can lead to
gum infections. This can cause a baby to be born too early.
In some places there is a saying, “Have a baby, lose a tooth.” But this does not
have to be true! A woman can protect her teeth in these ways:
• Eat calcium-rich foods.
• Avoid sweets, candy, and soda pop.
• Clean the teeth after every meal with a soft brush,
tooth stick, or rough cloth. Toothpaste, salt,
or plain water on the brush are helpful but
not necessary.
To make a tooth-cleaning stick:
Clean the surfaces of all the
teeth, between the teeth,
and the gums every day.
Sharpen this end to clean Chew on this end and
between the teeth.
use the fibers as a brush.
Or tie a piece of rough cloth
on the end of a stick.
If possible, everyone should see a dentist or dental worker regularly.
Exercise
Exercise makes a woman’s body
stronger. During pregnancy, exercise
helps her body get ready for labor
and birth. Exercise can also help a
woman have energy and feel happy.
Many women get all the exercise
they need by hauling water, working
in the fields, milling grain, chasing
after children, and walking up and
down hills.
Women who work sitting or
standing (in offices, stores, or
factories, for example) or who do not
move around much during the day
usually need more exercise. They can
take long walks, dance, do physical
work, or find another way to move.
What a
long day! I
can’t wait
to sit down
and rest.
I’m so tired of
sitting! I need to
get some exercise.
Maybe I should
walk home.
A Book for Midwives (2010)
43