Taking Care of You and Your Baby While You’re Pregnant

Taking Care of You and Your Baby While You’re Pregnant

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care is the act of having a healthy lifestyle while you are pregnant. This includes making good choices and going to the doctor for regular visits. You are more likely to have a healthy birth if you maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history. They also will want to know about your symptoms. At each visit, the doctor will record your weight and blood pressure. These measurements help to track your health during pregnancy.

Urine and blood samples will be taken on the first visit and again at later visits. Urine tests check for bacteria, high sugar levels (which can be a sign of diabetes), and high protein levels (which can be a sign for preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure during pregnancy). Blood tests check for blood cell count, blood type, low iron levels (anemia) and infectious diseases (such as syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis).

The doctor may do other tests at your first visit. These may vary based on your background and risk for problems. Tests can include:

• A pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus (womb).
• A Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
• An ultrasound to view your baby’s growth and position. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your baby on a video screen.

After your first visit, you will have a prenatal visit every 4 weeks. In months 7 and 8, you will have a visit every 2 weeks. In your last month of pregnancy, the visits will occur each week until you deliver your baby. At each visit, the doctor will check your weight and blood pressure and test your urine. The doctor will listen to your baby’s heartbeat and measure the height of your uterus in your abdomen after the 20th week. You should always discuss any issues or concerns you have with your doctor.

What should I eat?

Eating a balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Be careful of the following foods and drinks during pregnancy.

• Meat, eggs, and fish. Food that is not fully cooked can put you at risk for an Do not eat more than 2 or 3 servings of fish per week (including canned fish). Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish. These fish have high levels of mercury, which can harm your baby. If you eat tuna, make sure it is light tuna. Do not eat more than 6 ounces of albacore tuna and tuna steaks per week. It is safe to have 12 ounces of canned light tuna per week.
• Fruit and vegetables. Wash all produce before eating it. Keep cutting boards and dishes clean.
• Dairy. Eat 4 or more servings of dairy each day. This will give you enough calcium for you and your baby. Do not drink unpasteurized milk or eat unpasteurized milk products. These may have bacteria that can cause infections. This includes soft cheeses such as Brie, feta, Camembert, and blue cheese, or Mexican-style cheeses, such as queso fresco.
• Sugar substitutes. Some artificial sweeteners are okay in moderation. These include aspartame (brand names: Equal or NutraSweet) and sucralose (brand name: Splenda). If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), do not use aspartame at all.
• Caffeine. Do not drink more than 1 or 2 cups of coffee or other drinks with caffeine each day.
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• Can I take medicine?

• Check with your doctor before taking any medicine. This includes prescriptions, pain relievers, and over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines can cause birth defects, especially if taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
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What about exercise?

• Unless you have issues during pregnancy, you should get regular exercise. Exercise promotes a healthy lifestyle and can help ease discomfort. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Talk to your doctor about any conditions that may prevent exercise.
  Some women say exercising while you are pregnant makes labor and delivery easier. Walking and swimming are great choices. If you were not active before pregnancy, start slowly. Listen to your body and do not overdo it. Drink plenty of water to prevent overheating or dehydration. It is best to avoid exercises that may cause you to fall. This includes skiing and rock climbing. You also should avoid contact sports, such as soccer or basketball. If you were active before pregnancy, it is probably safe to continue. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.
  Call your doctor if you have symptoms with exercise, such as:
•         1)    blurred vision
•   2)    dizziness
•   3)   chest pain
•   4)   stomach pain.