How To Take Care of You and Your Baby While You’re Pregnant

Table of Contents

Path to improved health

As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will begin by going over your medical history. He or she will also inquire about your symptoms. Urine and blood samples will be taken during this first appointment. Urine tests are used to look for bacteria, high sugar levels (which can indicate diabetes), and high protein levels (which can be a sign for preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure during pregnancy). Blood tests are used to check for blood cell count, blood type, anemia (low iron levels), and infectious diseases (such as syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis).

Other tests may be performed during your initial visit by the doctor. These may differ depending on your background and risk of problems. Tests may include the following:

A pelvic examination to determine the size and shape of your uterus (womb)

Cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear

An ultrasound is used to monitor your baby’s growth and position. (An ultrasound creates an image of your baby on a video screen by using sound waves.)

Following your initial visit, you will have a prenatal visit every four weeks. In months 7 and 8, you will be seen every two weeks. The visits will be weekly until you deliver your baby in your last month of pregnancy. The doctor will check your weight, blood pressure, and urine at each visit. After the 20th week, the doctor will listen to your baby’s heartbeat and measure the height of your uterus. You should always consult your doctor about any issues or concerns you have.

Other guidelines to follow during your pregnancy are listed below.

How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

Discuss this with your doctor. Everyone is different, but most women should gain 25 to 30 pounds. You may need to gain more weight if you are underweight when you become pregnant. If you are obese, you may need to gain less weight.

What should I eat?

Eating a well-balanced diet is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself and your child. During pregnancy, avoid the following foods and beverages:

Raw meat, eggs, and fish are prohibited. Food poisoning can occur if food is not thoroughly cooked. Eat no more than two or three servings of fish per week (including canned fish). Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish are all off-limits. These fish contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to your child. If you eat tuna, choose light tuna. Limit yourself to 6 ounces of albacore tuna and tuna steaks per week. 12 ounces of canned light tuna per week is safe.

Vegetables and fruits Before eating any produce, wash it thoroughly. Maintain clean cutting boards and dishes.

Dairy. Consume four or more servings per day. This will provide enough calcium for both you and your baby. Avoid drinking or eating unpasteurized milk or milk products. These could contain bacteria that cause infections. This includes soft cheeses like Brie, feta, Camembert, and blue cheese, as well as Mexican-style cheeses like queso fresco.

Substitutes for sugar In moderation, some artificial sweeteners are acceptable. Aspartame (also known as Equal or NutraSweet) and sucralose are examples (brand name: Splenda). If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), you should avoid aspartame.

Caffeine. Drink no more than 1 or 2 cups of coffee or caffeine-containing beverages per day.

Can I take medicine?

Before taking any medication, consult your doctor. Prescriptions, pain relievers, and over-the-counter medications are all included. Some medications, particularly those taken during the first three months of pregnancy, have been linked to birth defects.

Can I take vitamins?

Pregnant women should consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. It can aid in the prevention of problems with your baby’s brain and spine. Consult your doctor if you require more than 400 mcg.

It is best to begin taking folic acid before becoming pregnant. Taking a prenatal vitamin will provide you with folic acid. This should be taken every day. Other vitamins or supplements should only be taken with the approval of your doctor.

How long can I keep working?

What about exercise?

Unless you have complications while pregnant, you should exercise on a regular basis. Exercise promotes a healthy lifestyle and can alleviate pain. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Discuss any medical conditions that may prevent you from exercising with your doctor.

Some women claim that exercising while pregnant helps with labor and delivery. Walking and swimming are both excellent options. If you were active prior to pregnancy, you should be able to continue. Start slowly if you were not active prior to pregnancy. Pay attention to your body and don’t overdo it. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration or overheating, especially during the second trimester. Exercises that may cause you to fall are best avoided. This includes activities such as skiing and rock climbing. You should also avoid contact sports like soccer and basketball. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor.

If you experience symptoms while exercising, such as:

Vision impairment

Dizziness

Chest ache

stomach ache

Can I have sex?

It is safe to have sex while pregnant. However, if you have any concerns or are at risk for problems, consult your doctor. When a woman is pregnant, her level of interest in sex changes. You may need to experiment with different positions as you grow, such as lying on your side or being on top.

What can I do to feel better?

The following are some of the most common pregnancy side effects, along with advice on how to deal with them:

Early morning sickness. Nausea or vomiting can occur at any time of day (or night). Consume small, frequent meals. Avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods. Some women experience nausea when their stomachs are empty. To avoid an empty stomach, keep crackers nearby. Consult your doctor if your morning sickness causes you to lose weight or lasts longer than the first three months of pregnancy.

Tiredness. When you’re pregnant, fatigue is common. Try to get enough rest or, if possible, take naps. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing fatigue symptoms. You could be anemic.

Cramps in the legs. Being active can help to alleviate leg cramps. Flex your foot toward your knee to stretch your calf muscle. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Constipation. Drink plenty of water. Consume high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and bran cereal. Do not use laxatives without first consulting your doctor. Stool softeners may be less hazardous than laxatives.

Hemorrhoids. Try not to become constipated. During bowel movements, avoid straining. After having a bowel movement, thoroughly clean yourself. Wet wipes may be more comfortable than toilet paper. If necessary, take warm soaks (sitz baths).

Urinating more frequently. When you are pregnant, you may need to urinate more frequently. Hormone fluctuations can be a factor. Your baby will also put pressure on your bladder as he or she grows.

Veins that are varicose. Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight around your waist or legs. Rest and elevate your feet as much as possible. Long periods of sitting or standing should be avoided. Consult your doctor about wearing support or compression hose. These can aid in the prevention or treatment of varicose veins.

Moodiness. During pregnancy, your hormones are on a roller coaster. Everything in your life is changing. Try not to be too hard on yourself. If you are depressed or considering suicide, seek help immediately.

Heartburn. Consume small, frequent meals. Avoid foods that are spicy, greasy, or acidic. Do not lie down immediately after eating. Consult your doctor before taking antacids.

Infections caused by yeast. During pregnancy, the amount of discharge from your vagina can increase. Yeast infections, which can result in discharge, are also common. Consult your doctor if you notice any unusual discharge or odor.

Gums that are bleeding. Brush and floss every day. Cleanings should be performed by your dentist. Don’t put off going to the dentist because you’re pregnant. Just make sure to inform your dentist that you are pregnant.

Nose congestion. A stuffy nose can be caused by changes in the levels of the female hormone estrogen. There may also be nosebleed seats.

Edema (retaining fluid). Rest as much as possible with your legs raised. While sleeping, sleep on your left side. This position improves blood flow from your legs to your heart. Diuretics should not be used (water pills).

The skin changes. Stretch marks appear on your skin as red marks. Shea butter lotion can help keep your skin moisturized and reduce itchy, dry skin. Stretch marks are unavoidable. They frequently fade after pregnancy. Other skin changes are possible. Darkening of the skin on your face or around your nipples is one example. Some women experience a dark line beneath their belly button. To help reduce these marks, try to avoid the sun or use sunscreen. The majority of marks will fade after pregnancy.

Things to consider

There are a few things you should avoid while pregnant. Take note of the following warnings. If you require assistance, consult your doctor.

Avoid smoking and being around smokers. Smoking increases your chances of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and other health issues.

Don’t experiment with drugs. Cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other drugs increase your chances of having a miscarriage, having a premature baby, or having a child with birth defects. Your child may be born addicted to the substance you’ve been abusing. This is referred to as neonatal abstinence syndrome. It can have serious consequences for your baby’s health.

Don’t consume alcohol. Alcohol consumption is the leading cause of preventable birth defects such as fetal alcohol disorder.

You should not clean your cat’s litter box or consume raw or undercooked red meat. Toxoplasmosis, a disease that can cause birth defects, is a possibility.

Don’t be a jerk. Your vagina does not need to be cleaned in addition to bathing. Douching interferes with the beneficial bacteria that keep your vagina clean.

When to see a doctor

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:

Blood or fluid oozing from your cervix

Swelling of your face or fingers that is sudden or severe

Severe headaches that won’t go away

Uncontrollable nausea and vomiting

Dizziness

Vision that is dim or blurry

Lower abdominal cramps or severe pain

Fever or chills

A difference in your baby’s movements

Less urine or burning sensation when urinating

A disease or infection

Any additional symptoms that bother you